Investigation of superintendent to cost Lancaster ISD thousands

by Bill Conrad of Lancaster TODAY

The Lancaster Independent School District will pay the law firm Anderson Jones a $7,500 retainer for its investigation of Superintendent Larry Lewis.

In addition to the retainer, lead investigator Harry Jones will receive $295 an hour. Other attorney's in the firm who participate in the investigation will receive hourly wages ranging from $190-$275 an hour. The contract states that the firm lowered its rates at the request of the district.

The contract states the district is also responsible for other costs besides attorneys' fees, but examples of these other costs are not listed.

The LISD board of trustees approved the contract with Anderson Jones Aug. 26 at its regular meeting by a 4-2 vote. Trustees Ed Kirkland and Marie Elliott voted against the contract, while Board President Carolyn Morris, Joe Kana, Marjorie King and Irene Mejia voted to approve it.

According to the contract, Harry Jones will “investigate the performance of Superintendent Dr. Larry Lewis regarding (a) potential insubordination to Carolyn Morris as set forth in the June 16, 2008 memorandum from Ms. Morris to the Board of Trustees containing a formal complaint, (b) alleged tampering with U.S. Mail, and (c) alleged failure to timely distribute the TEA Audit to the Board.”

At the Aug. 26 meeting, Jones said he didn't know how long the investigation would take.

The Lancaster School Board's next scheduled monthly meeting is Sept. 8 at 7 p.m. at the LISD Administration Building.