The Robbinsdale Area Schools Board voted 4-3 Monday to continue having legal counsel present at board meetings, rejecting a motion to rescind the practice unless requested by the superintendent or board chair.

The motion, introduced by Director Holmes and seconded by Director Long, cited rising legal costs as a primary concern. Holmes noted the district faced approximately $16,000 in legal fees for May alone, though legal counsel clarified that about $12,000 of that amount was for an employment investigation unrelated to board meeting attendance.

Board Chair Evans Becker defended the practice, stating legal counsel has prevented the board from making errors on multiple occasions. "I would feel so censored and unsafe sitting at this table if we did not have general counsel to guide us," she said during the discussion.

The debate highlighted ongoing tensions about board governance and fiscal responsibility. Director Basset noted that historically, the district had not required legal counsel at every meeting during her 23 years of service, while other directors emphasized the need for continued legal guidance given recent board challenges.

The meeting also featured student presentations from Fair Crystal Elementary showcasing animation projects and outdoor classroom plaques, as well as reports from students who participated in the HBCU research experience visiting historically black colleges and universities in Maryland, Washington D.C., and Virginia.