Centennial School District Switches Solicitors

WARMINSTER TOWNSHIP, PA — The Centennial School Board made one of its first major decisions under its new regime by voting to switch solicitors.

At its meeting on Tuesday night, the school board approved the hiring of Kilkenny Law as its new solicitor.

"Pretty simple," Assistant Secretary Charles Martin told Patch. "It was a party change and a reward for a major campaign donor. I did not vote for it."

Patch sent an email to School Board President Patti Clossan, Vice President Tony Sadowski, Martin, and School Director Flemming Godikson seeking comment.

The Democratic Party took control of the school board after winning several seats in the November general election. Tuesday's meeting marked the first for the reconstituted school board.

Crossan told Patch that the vote was bipartisan to bring back the district's former solicitor.

The solicitor hiring was presented under new business as item 7.1 on the agenda, awarding solicitor services to Kilkenny Law, effective on Dec. 9, or as soon as practicable, and renewing annually with the Board of School Directors. The item was presented by Sadowski.

"The board was not consulted about the demanded change of solicitor representing the entire board," Godikson told Patch on Thursday.

Godikson said that the last time the Centennial School District changed board solicitors or law firms, an Request for Proposal to find the right attorney firm to represent the board.

He said there was also a discussion regarding which firm to select. There were several law firms that submitted proposals the last time as well, he said.

"There was no transparency or consultation with the board this time, but an outright demand to select the only choice that was voted in last Tuesday and approved by the minimum five votes, after my request to table the vote and promote an RFP," Godikson said.

The school board represents residents in Warminster and Upper Southampton townships and Ivyland Borough.

When asked about the campaign contributions, Crossan showed support for the solicitor.

"Kilkenny Law executed an exceptional job previously for Centennial, and we look forward to working alongside them," Crossan said.

Kilkenny Law is a full-service firm with its main focus and experience in municipal government, zoning, and land-use law. They employ attorneys who have been recognized as “Super Lawyers” in Pennsylvania.

In the Warminster Community Facebook page, some residents questioned the solicitor's hiring.

"The same people claiming to run on 'keeping politics out of our schools has listed a first order of business to appoint a new (for a second time) solicitor," one Facebook poster stated. "This same solicitor just so happens to be a major campaign contributor for those candidates."

“Nobody is saying the district can’t choose a new solicitor. But they should be able to show the community that the choice is based on expertise and value, not politics or personal preference," the comment continued.

As far as her first meeting returning as school board president, Crossan told Patch that there's "lots of work to be done."

"We need a sound financial plan to bring Centennial out from under this deficit," Crossan said about a deficit she said was at $4.7 million."