posted April 27, 2005
The Hamilton County Schools are spending a great deal of taxpayer money to defend a lawsuit brought by parents of a special education student. The amount of the legal costs wouldn't be so difficult to accept were it not for the documented excesses - numerous first-class plane tickets, expert testimony at outrageous costs, $200 dinners, etc.
In principle, the schools are absolutely right to test the laws that apply in this case. The costs to the system could legitimately skyrocket as a result of the adverse ruling against the system.
But Hamilton County is hardly alone in seeking clarification of the
school systems will be affected by the ruling, why hasn't Hamilton County sought the legal and/or financial assistance of other systems to help pursue this case? Why did Dr. Register and the School Board decide that they alone must carry the burden at the expense of Hamilton County taxpayers? Have they actually asked other systems to help? Where were the internal controls at the schools to monitor the amount and type of expenses being incurred?
I don't agree that the schools should have settled this case earlier and moved on because there are legitimate legal principles that need clarifying in this case, but the School Board and Dr. Register have again proved that the taxpayer's money is theirs and stewardship and accountability are only for fools. Surely many systems would have been willing to share the burden when the rest of their budgets are also at stake.
Chip Wheeler
hixsoncats@hotmail.com
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