FOIA Request #8: Legal Services Expenditures

Sent: Thu, Jul 30, 7:56 PM

Pursuant to the Michigan Freedom of Information Act, MCL 15.231 et seq., I request the following public records on behalf of PAACT (Parents Allied for Accountability, Conduct, and Transparency):

1. Records sufficient to show total payments made by the District to each law firm or legal services provider for each fiscal year from 2021-22 through 2025-26, including the current fiscal year to date. An accounts payable vendor payment report, check register extract, or equivalent summary satisfies this item.

2. All current engagement letters, retainer agreements, or contracts between the District and any law firm or legal services provider, including fee schedules and hourly rates.

3. Itemized invoices or billing statements submitted to the District by law firms or legal services providers for fiscal years 2024-25 and 2025-26. I understand that narrative descriptions reflecting privileged attorney-client communications may be redacted; the dates, timekeepers, hours, rates, and amounts billed are not exempt.

If any portion of this request is denied, please cite the specific exemption relied upon and release all reasonably segregable non-exempt portions, as the Act requires.

I request a waiver of fees because disclosure of these records is in the public interest. Understanding what the District spends on legal services informs public understanding of District operations and the use of General Fund dollars, and PAACT will make this information available to the community at no charge. If the waiver is denied and fees will exceed $25, please provide an itemized estimate before processing.

Electronic copies are preferred.

Thank you,
Betsy McDaniel
PAACT
PO Box 626, Birmingham, MI 48012