School board rehires Schwartz as attorney

Despite years of public scrutiny after Wayne County Board of Education attorney Richard Schwartz’s bills were first made public, the board rehired Schwartz during a special-called meeting this afternoon.

His base salary — the retainer — which includes 200 hours of service per month, will be $360,000 for the 2022-23 fiscal year. Additional hours will be billed at an hourly rate.

Board Vice Chair Patricia Burden made the motion to select him after four law firms delivered presentations. Her “yes” vote was joined by Tommy Sanders, Wade Leatham and Chris West. Jennifer Strickland, Len Henderson and Craig Foucht voted “no.”

For complete coverage of the board’s decision, follow the New Old North here and on our Facebook page @newoldnorth

For more information on the board’s past spending on Schwartz’s firm, click here.