the staff of the Ridgewood blog
OAKLAND NJ, The Ramapo Indian Hills Board of Education has approved a motion to search for a new general counsel, marking the district’s fourth legal representative since January 2023. The decision, made during the board’s regular meeting on Monday, passed by a 5-3 vote.
Why the Board Is Seeking New Legal Counsel
For 20 years, the district was represented by the law firm Fogarty & Hara, but in the past year, legal representation has changed multiple times. The latest decision to issue a Request for Proposal (RFP) follows concerns about a potential conflict of interest involving the current firm.
Board President Audrey Souders noted that after the district publicly posted legal fee records, feedback from the community raised concerns that the current legal counsel also represents an individual who has filed a complaint against the district. The details of the complaint and the person’s identity were not disclosed.
Legal Fees Under Scrutiny
The board’s legal fees have come under intense scrutiny, with costs more than doubling in recent years:
- 2022 Legal Fees: $222,680
- 2024 Legal Fees: $542,253
Many of these expenses are reportedly linked to legal counsel responding to Open Public Records Act (OPRA) requests. The sharp increase in costs has sparked debate, with some trustees calling for greater fiscal responsibility.
Trustee Helen Koulikourdis has requested an in-depth audit of legal fees once a new counsel is in place.
“This board majority in 2023 got rid of a firm for fiscal responsibility, and that firm was not paid anywhere near what we have paid our current firm,” Koulikourdis said. “Where has this money been going? It’s time to rein in legal expenses and ensure that the next firm has a strong record of responsibility and public transparency.”
History of Legal Controversy in the District
This is not the first time the board’s legal representation has faced controversy. In June 2023, the board voted to hire Porzio, Bromberg & Newman as its third general counsel in six months—a decision met with objections.
Former Trustee Vivian King raised concerns at the time, stating that the firm was already representing then-Board President Judith Sullivan in an ethics matter. Despite this, the board voted 5-4 to approve the hiring.
Board Votes and Next Steps
The motion to issue an RFP for new general counsel was approved by:
✅ Audrey Souders
✅ Helen Koulikourdis
✅ Tom Bogdansky
✅ Brian DeLaite
✅ John Kinney
The following members opposed the decision:
❌ Doreen Mariani (Vice President)
❌ Kim Ansh
❌ Joseph Valenti
Trustee Melissa Kiel was absent.
Additionally, the board approved the hiring of Cleary Giacobbe Alfieri Jacobs LLC as special counsel for unspecified legal matters.
What’s Next for the District?
With yet another search for new legal counsel, the Ramapo Indian Hills Board of Education faces ongoing questions about legal expenses, conflicts of interest, and transparency. As the district moves forward, residents and stakeholders will be closely watching to see if the next firm brings the accountability and fiscal responsibility that many are demanding.
Stay tuned for updates on the selection process and further board decisions.
