Willow Run schools spent more than $126,000 in legal fees to fire former superintendent, administrator
Willow Run Community Schools spent more than $125,000 on legal expenses during the process of firing former superintendent Doris Hope-Jackson and administrator Laconda Hicks.
Information obtained through the Freedom of Information Act by AnnArbor.com shows the district paid $126,603.01 to Thrun Law Firm, P.C. to represent it in due process hearings to fire Hicks and Hope-Jackson. The hearings took place between April and September.
Willow Run Board of Education President Sheri Washington said the process was necessary to give Hope-Jackson and Hicks the opportunity to defend themselves against the charges brought by the board.
Former Willow Run Superintendent Doris Hope-Jackson
“Of course I’m not pleased. That’s taxpayer resources, which we could have used to further student achievement, which is the ultimate goal,” Washington said. “We may have worked hard and diligent and, for the most part, smart but I would have much rather used that money and other resources in another way.”
The district currently has a deficit of $2.9 million and has been operating with a deficit of more than $1 million since the 2006 fiscal year budget, according to budget information on the district’s website. The money paid to Thrun was part of the $271,892.99 the district has paid for “legal expenses” during the 2009-10 and 2010-11 fiscal years.
Washington said it was the first time board members had to go through a process like this, and they had learned many lessons.
“I know that we can do it better if we ever have to do it again, to optimize efficiency and save money,” she said.
Burt Emerson, interim director of finance and operations for the district, said Thrun is the firm the district keeps on retainer. He said the firm specializes in school law and represents nearly half of the school districts in the state.
“They represent the district in labor negotiations and are our attorneys of record for advice on elections,” Emerson said.
Emerson said expenses through June, the end of the 2010 fiscal year, have been audited and “bills paid since then are legit and accounted for.”
Hope-Jackson served as superintendent from 2007 until December 2009, when she was demoted to an administrative position. She and Hicks were placed on paid administrative leave in February. It’s estimated Hope-Jackson made $70,000 during her time on paid leave.
Hicks was fired in June, and Hope-Jackson was fired in early September. The Willow Run school board approved 20 charges against Hope-Jackson, the bulk of which alleged Hope-Jackson colluded with Hicks to misappropriate district funds.
Hicks and Hope-Jackson are suing the school district, alleging Washington “verbally and otherwise” assaulted them in September 2009. Thrun Law is still currently representing the district in that pending litigation.
Washington said she’s happy the hearings are complete, and the school district can start its recovery.
“I am happy Willow Run is able to close those chapters and write new ones,” she said. “The new story should be about the rise of Willow Run from the ashes. My diploma reads Willow Run, I’m invested here. I want to see success here, and if that means changing practices and policies then let’s do that.”
Interim Superintendent Laura Lisiscki and representatives from Thrun didn't return messages seeking comment.
Kyle Feldscher covers K-12 education for AnnArbor.com. He can be reached at kylefeldscher@annarbor.com.
Comments
Wan
Wed, Oct 13, 2010 : 3:52 p.m.
@ Mama247. I agree with you on that. But the district would end up spending even more $$, which it does not have. I just hope that they both reap what they have sown.
Wan
Wed, Oct 13, 2010 : 3:46 p.m.
@ Cash you're right, you have every right to complain and to continue to do so. But I ask, what has it gained you? Your furious about a situation that you have supported financially for 27 years! No wonder you said, "put us out of our misery". Your words, not mine. Action is what is now needed and has been for a very very long time. Wouldn't you agree? You've watched it become what is now for at least the past 27 years! Clearly, watching, complaining and paying tax $$ didn't change a thing. I doubt that JUST complaining and still putting your tax $$ into it now, will do much to change it either. I wonder if Lansing is reading these posts? LOL
mama247
Wed, Oct 13, 2010 : 2:39 p.m.
Mandatory: Criminal charges against Laconda Hicks and Doris Hope-Jackson for their robbing of resources in Willow Run. And what of Claudette Braxton (may she hang her head in shame)?
Basic Bob
Wed, Oct 13, 2010 : 5:24 a.m.
I'm happy those people are gone, but why would you give them a multi-year contract in the first place? That you could not break without paying them for an extra year that they did not even show up, plus all the lawyers, court time, etc. There is something terribly wrong that school boards think they have to give out guaranteed contracts to people they don't know.
jns131
Tue, Oct 12, 2010 : 5:19 p.m.
Let me say this about WISD. They consolidated three districts which removed half the drivers from these districts and made sure it hired only those who were desirable to hire for their own selfish greed. I am an unemployed bus driver who was cherry picked by WISD. Ypsi is still having issues with busing and Dexter? They did not consolidate with WISD but did their own and are still having issues with busing. Willow Run according to a teacher states that the hi schoolers own the hi school and the parents treat it as such. The principal is in it for her own selfish greedy self. Namely for AYP. So if Willow Run does not make AYP? Then change something to make it that way. I am talking to teachers inside that hi school and it makes my skin crawl. Good luck WR. You won't find mine near that school ever. For the parents who are trying to better WR? Good luck. WR is out of luck and patience with the rest who want a better life for their child.
Life in Ypsi
Tue, Oct 12, 2010 : 2:55 p.m.
It's been 11 years since my first child entered this district and for the entire 11 years I have been hearing how hard the district is working to make changes. After 11 years I'm not feeling optimistic anymore. The first 3 years of schooling at Kettering was excellent. After that budget cuts year after year caused the school to discontinue programs that made me select the school in the first place. An example of this was cutting out the Spanish instruction. Add to this, a fiasco of ever changing principals, teachers and disgruntled parents leaving the district who were the backbone of why the school was successful and it just became to hopelessly overwhelming for me. I would go to parent meetings and see maybe 3 other families. I once attended a mandatory meeting and was the only one who showed up. So how much longer should I invest my time and energy in a district that I'm not even certain has benefited my children?
Grant
Tue, Oct 12, 2010 : 2:31 p.m.
This is just one more example of the financial mismanagement that one of your LONG term Board members has been party to. For someone who professes to be a financial executive, he certainly helped drive this wonderful district into the ground.
Life in Ypsi
Tue, Oct 12, 2010 : 2:30 p.m.
What a shame there are so many people draining resources from our children's education.
Cash
Tue, Oct 12, 2010 : 2:01 p.m.
Don L Garrett Jr, I admire our loyalty to your school. But at some point we have to face the grim reality. Twenty years and a lot has happened. The school is bleeding money. There have been multiple problems with people who were hired to lead. This is now the second (and third) time that there are charges of misappropriation, but no legal moves have been made for repayment. If someone took money out of your wallet wouldn't you want it back? Somehow when it is taxpayer money is is considered transparent. Where's the outrage? We cannot continue to operate in a downward spiral. We see what happens to other schools trying that approach. More students leave the district each year...and with them goes the state funding for that student. It's a losing proposition. And guaranteed there will not be another millage increase approved here. It's over.
Likearock
Tue, Oct 12, 2010 : 1:13 p.m.
@ Edward - Thanks for the link on Sumpter. I think they missed a few facts though. I'm almost certain that Lincoln took over Bessie before 1977. Cash is almost right, Lincoln did move the Bessie Hoffman multi-age program to main campus this year. The building is not closed though. I think they are going to use it for other purposes.
Cash
Tue, Oct 12, 2010 : 12:58 p.m.
Thanks Edward! I think Lincoln closed Bessie Hoffman...not sure!
Don L. Garrett Jr.
Tue, Oct 12, 2010 : 12:55 p.m.
I think that we should no longer dwell on spilled milk. I think that we should come together and clean the mess up. This can't be done if we dwell on the past and not look to the future. Yes in an ideal world the schools wouldn't have no problems and everybody would be upright, but the reality is that there're problems in the schools and no everybody's not right. I think it show character and perseverance to stay in a situation and make it right. You can run from the problems all you want but there're be other problems where you go. We should set the example for the kids that we're willing to stand the trials and tribulations for the betterment of the community. I graduated from Willow Run in 1990 and it hurts to hear what people have to say about the district especially if you graduated from Willow Run. Everybody makes mistakes but it's what you learn from your mistakes and what you do to make it right. And for the record WILLOW WILL RISE AGAIN AND YOU CAN CASH THAT CHECK AND IT WON'T BOUNCE BECAUSE THE SWEAT BLOOD AND TEARS ARE THERE!
Cash
Tue, Oct 12, 2010 : 12:47 p.m.
@Wan, I am absolutely not miserable. I am furious! I am tired of working hard to pour money down the drain to a failed school district. Exactly who do you think PAYS for that school's expenses? I DO! Who has more right to complain than someone who is paying the bill? The district where I have paid every penny of my taxes to over the past 27 years is a embarrassment and should be disbanded. They have failed the taxpayers and the children. The state does not run a failed district. The state orders it disbanded and divided among districts that are functioning within their budgets and are educating their children so as to achieve the state goals. This happened to Sumpter school district some years ago. It was divided among Lincoln, Van Buren and Milan if my memory serves me correctly. But the state does not run the district. Sorry, I will NOT be quiet. I have a right to express myself and continue to do so. I do not fault any poster for expressing their thoughts on the subject. That is why this communication venue is available to all.
Carl
Tue, Oct 12, 2010 : 12:28 p.m.
Looking at the website that Ed cited - http://arborwiki.org/city/Doris_Hope-Jackson Was there any due diligence when she was hired?
Wan
Tue, Oct 12, 2010 : 11:20 a.m.
At Jimmy, I agree w/ you whole heartedly. However, I am appalled at those who say let the State takeover. Really? The State overall is in bad shape as are most of the public schools. Ypsi/Lincoln & others have more $$ bcuz they have more students. That is the only thing that makes them better. Thank God 4 people who still care about the WR community & will stick around to fight for it! One should never put a label on a person simply bcuz of where they live. @ Cash what do you really know about it? If your children don't go there, then why are you so miserable? Stop complaining & waiting for everyone else to do something. You do something! If the State takes over, you'll still be paying the same taxes, perhaps even more. The kids & the district are suffering. What they need is help, not someone who is only concerned about themself & their own tax dollars, advocating their school system be shut down! ~@ Angela, Isn't half of West Willow in the Van Buren district? Yes it is! Aren't there several "Bad" neighborhoods in A2 & don't those "Bad" kids go to Huron/Pioneer & the elementary school's in A2? I won't even go there about Ypsi neighborhoods! Think what you want, but no school system is excluded! I am a proud WR grad and parent & I will be there, come what may. Also remember, it is up to the parents to educate their children 1st. If we 1st teach them at home, the schools wouldn't have all the problems they have. Everyone makes mistakes, what matters is that we learn from them and move forward. That is what WR is doing. Help, don't hate! If your not willing to help, then just sit back & be quiet. FYI: WISD (Washtenaw Intermediate School District) "We operate cooperative programs and deliver services that focus on teaching and learning for students in Ann Arbor, Chelsea, Dexter, Lincoln, Manchester, Milan, Saline, Whitmore Lake, Willow Run, Ypsilanti and Washtenaw County Public School Academies." ~Taken from the WISD website. Note the word "COOPERATIVE". We should all work TOGETHER to improve education for ALL of our Children, no matter where they live!
Likearock
Tue, Oct 12, 2010 : 10:39 a.m.
@Cash - You made an erroneous assumption in your plan to "Divide the district between Ypsilanti, Van Buren and Lincoln". Lincoln does not border WWSD. Plymouth and Ann Arbor (gasp!) do however border WWSD so your plan should've included those districts.
scooter dog
Tue, Oct 12, 2010 : 10:10 a.m.
I'd say its your own fault for what you got yourselves into. You didn't do a very good job of checking her past job performance out,if you did you would have seen she had a multitude of serious employment issues. Who wins in the end? Her lawyer. Who loses,the kids and the taxpayers. The state of sorry michigan needs to take over W/W and clean house.
Snehal
Tue, Oct 12, 2010 : 9:24 a.m.
I wonder why can't that money be recovered if the person loses the case? Isn't that a norm that you pay for the legal fees if you lose the case or shouldn't that have put in as a clause somewhere? Hicks and Doris Hope-Jackson are persons who would put their selfish interest and ego above the benefit of the children. Its a pity that our society is so full of such kind of people. "Hicks and Hope-Jackson are suing the school district, alleging Washington verbally and otherwise assaulted them in September 2009." - Now they want some easy money! They misappropriated district funds and I wonder how will the justice be done.
krc
Tue, Oct 12, 2010 : 9:06 a.m.
Sue them right back for that money. Not that the district will ever see a penny of it.
breadman
Tue, Oct 12, 2010 : 8:59 a.m.
Oh no! Not my five year old Grandson in West Willow School. Leave him in Willow run. And Willow Run is not the only School in the State running in the red. As a reminder other schools have the same problem. Think Abount!!!!!!!!!
Shela Moore
Tue, Oct 12, 2010 : 8:57 a.m.
@angela - Not EVERY child from the West Willow area is a delinquent or deviant and not EVERY child in Van Buren is an angel.
local
Tue, Oct 12, 2010 : 8:49 a.m.
And this is why people are leaving Willow Run. Wasting tax payer money to fire people. Leave, go to other districts. Ann Arbor is open, so is Ypsilanti and Lincoln.
jns131
Tue, Oct 12, 2010 : 8:41 a.m.
Under state and federal law you can intra district your child to another school that has school choice. If I remember correctly Ann Arbor does have school choice. Mine goes there. I would not send mine to Willow Run ever. Very bad district, horribly maintained and does need to be taken over by Ypsilanti as it has thought to do so for a long time now. I agree here, shut it down or consolidate it with another district. Willow Run in my opinion? Will never rise from its ashes.
xmo
Tue, Oct 12, 2010 : 8:27 a.m.
So you have Bozo's hiring more Bozo's and then wasting money which should have gone to the children. Sounds like the school board should be charged with a crime and not allowed to run again for office.
angela
Tue, Oct 12, 2010 : 7:15 a.m.
i dont want the kids that go to west willow disrupting my kids in van buren
Cash
Tue, Oct 12, 2010 : 6:36 a.m.
Close this district down NOW! I am tired of my hard earned tax money being poured down the drain. Divide the district between Ypsilanti, Van Buren and Lincoln. Please let the state take over Willow Run and end our misery. All of this money and the buses from other districts and the carpools going to other districts roll through my neighborhood daily. And the WR buses are going through high speed because they have no stops! Please Lansing, end this total and complete waste of resources for the sake of the taxpayers and the students "served" by the district.
Jimmy McNulty
Tue, Oct 12, 2010 : 5:22 a.m.
Good riddance to bad rubbish.