Denver school board approves agreement with outside law firm that could cost up to $1,000 an hour

On Thursday, the Denver school board approved an agreement with the outside law firm Holland & Knight, which could result in hourly rates of up to $1,000. The board voted 5-1 in favor of the contract, with board member Marlene De La Rosa being the sole dissenter, citing its high cost. Holland & Knight, a nationwide firm with locations in Denver, would charge $1,000 per hour for a partner attorney, $550 for an associate, and $265 for a legislative assistant.

This agreement comes as the district faces tensions between Superintendent Alex Marrero and the board, as well as internal disagreements among board members. The new arrangement allows the board to use the firm for investigations, such as the one against Vice President Monica Hunter, but doesn't require its use for those tasks. The board can contract with Holland & Knight through two methods: through the board president or through written requests from a minimum of three board members.

However, the firm would not represent individual board members. No law firms responded to a request for proposals to represent the board, leading to the selection of Holland & Knight by board President Xóchitl Gaytán and member Kimberlee Sia.