The AJC has a story that will not surprise faithful DeKalb Schools watchers: The DeKalb County School District has spent more on lawyers than comparable Atlanta school systems for years, and is on track to spend even more.
Cultures develop in any institution, and DeKalb seems to have developed one in which going to court to resolve issues is a way of life. Once a court fight starts, the school district is resolved to see it through, no matter the mounting legal bills. The district also has more law firms on retainer than other districts, a situation for which no one has yet to offer a clear explanation.
The millions of dollars DeKalb pays for lawsuits and other legal expenses could instead be paying for badly needed teachers and classroom aides. Like other districts, DeKalb has watched tax receipts shrivel and has slashed its budget, imposing furlough days and driving up class sizes while cutting back on support services such as bus maintenance.
However, unlike other districts DeKalb has increased its anticipated legal expenses.
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