BURKE COUNTY, N.C. -- Burke County Public Schools could cut employee salaries and bonuses in order to pay legal bills.
"We've seen the sticker. The sticker shock is there," said Burke County School Board member Sam Wilkinson.
The bill from Schwartz & Shaw, dated Nov. 13, is $240,000 for professional services rendered in the board's lawsuits against Burke County over school funding.
A previous bill from Schwartz & Shaw was more than $100,000. That bill was submitted before the board went to court. The same firm represented the board when former Superintendent David Burleson sued for breach of contract.
Wilkinson says the lawsuits were unnecessary. However, the board is obligated to pay the bills.
"The money's not there. We're going to have to find it," Wilkinson said.
Options include cutting employee salaries and reducing bonuses.
"It has to impact students, teachers, taxpayers, everyone," said Wilkinson.
In a cost saving measure, Superintendent Art Stellar told Schwartz & Shaw the district wasn't going to use them anymore.
Stellar also says "going green" with more energy-efficient light bulbs and better weatherization will save money, and that can help pay the legal bills.
"We believe there will be a significant savings out of that," Stellar said.
Add it all up -- all the money spent -- and the question is: What has the district gotten for its $350,000 legal bill?
Answer: $20,000 in extra funding from the county, according to two school board members.
The board spent $350,000 to get $20,000. That's one reason why voters overwhelmingly chose new school board members on Election Day.
"It's horrible business," Wilkinson said.
When the board is seated in December, the new board plans to go a step further, telling the lawyers, "You're fired."
"It certainly will be done on Dec. 7. I can guarantee you that," Wilkinson said.
