Scranton School Board scrutinizes new law firm contract amid funding concerns

The Scranton School District Board meeting held on April 7, 2025, addressed several key issues, including a proposal for legal services and community concerns regarding transparency and ethics.

The meeting began with a discussion about a contract proposal from the law firm Joyce Carmody and Moran (JCM). President Holmes had previously directed the vendor committee to negotiate this contract. However, concerns arose when it was revealed that JCM had sent a letter related to a Scranton City Council candidate, raising questions about the firm's involvement in local politics and its implications for public trust.

Board members expressed their apprehension regarding JCM's lack of clarity about who commissioned the letter. This situation prompted discussions about the importance of transparency and ethics in the board's dealings with external vendors.

Another significant topic was the hiring of a new solicitor. Initially, it was reported that the current solicitor charged $200 per hour, while the new firm would charge $240. However, the agenda later indicated that the new firm would also charge $200 per hour, with a retainer of $60,000 for the year. Board member Holly Mead raised concerns about the financial implications of this contract, questioning the annual expenditure for legal services and the rationale behind terminating the previous law firm's contract in 2018. Mead emphasized the need for careful financial management, particularly in light of the challenges in securing funding for the district.

The meeting also included remarks from board member Rosemary Bollin, who highlighted a recent rally she attended, expressing concerns about the state of the federal government and its impact on education. She pointed out the ongoing issues related to misinformation and public health, particularly regarding vaccination.

Overall, the meeting underscored the board's commitment to addressing financial accountability and ethical considerations in its operations. The discussions will likely lead to further scrutiny of the district's financial decisions and vendor relationships in the coming months.