Rosenwald Proposes Attorney at Every BOE Meeting

member BonnieSue Rosenwald asked the Marlboro board to consider having an attorney sit in on regular and workshop meetings as well as negotiations.

Rosenwald cited the Freehold Regional High School District, who hired Board Attorney Steve Edelstein. Rosenwald said FRHSD pays the attorney a retainer fee for his services.

The board does have an attorney for consultation on district matters, but Rosenwald proposed having an attorney physically at meetings to answer questions as they arise.

Regarding board functions such as negotiations, she said “I think that should be a function for an attorney.”

“This is a very expensive proposition,” Superintendent Dr. David Abbott said.

The idea for an attorney was brought up in the same Sept. 20 BOE at which the board discussed whether or not the BOE should bring back the 4:15 p.m. bus. Rosenwald said she did not think the board could afford to sustain the bus program from year-to-year.

Board Vice President Victoria Dean said, “That would be crazy amounts of money. If we can’t afford a bus, we certainly can’t afford an attorney sitting at this table for hours on end.”

Rosenwald said the money is worth it, and the board would be paying the attorney through a retainer fee and not hourly.

“It does cost more to have an attorney at the meetings, it is better for the board because we get the information we need immediately, when we are talking about it, at the time we need it,” she said.

Rosenwald served two terms on the FRHSD board before coming to Marlboro. She said her previous experience has taught her an attorney is a valuable thing to have for a board.

While serving on the regional board in 2009, ethics complaints were brought against Rosenwald, including complaints that Rosenwald disclosed executive session discussions and openly criticizing the board after identifying herself as a board member.

In 2009, the Asbury Park Press reported that the district settled with Rosenwald for $135,000, The payment went to the legal firm that represented the former board member, according to the article. The settlement also said all ethics charges were withdrawn.

“Regardless of how people feel of it, I come to this board with the reflection of seeing how a different board works, good, bad and ugly,” Rosenwald said.

Rosenwald suggested either finding a comprehensive attorney, or asking specialized attorney’s for separate bids, such as for a special education attorney.

“If you ask me, I would have an attorney at every meeting,” she said.

The board has not made an official decision on the matter.