The Wake school board's lawyer, Ann Majestic, is widely considered to be the expert on school law in North Carolina and, in her quiet way, excellent at her craft. The new board majority agrees and is keeping her on. Nonetheless, they want a second lawyer of their own—Tom Farr.
Why? The stated reason, in a resolution that was on the agenda for debate as the Indy went to press Tuesday, is to audit the $1.8 million Wake schools spend annually on legal fees and liability insurance and to look for savings. Also, Farr would offer "general advice and counseling on litigation, policy and personnel matters" that may arise.
John Tedesco has helpfully noted that the new board may be hit with a civil rights suit (the state NAACP has threatened one) if it tosses out diversity as part of its school assignment process and goes to a neighborhood-schools system. Some have noted that the "personnel matters" could include replacing some top school officials should they resist the majority's will.
Farr, a partner in the Raleigh office of Ogletree Deakins, a giant law firm, specializes in employment law, according to his bio on its Web site.
But he has a sideline specialty in legislative apportionment and voting rights cases—redistricting, that is—on the Republican side.
Farr was lead counsel for some of the plaintiffs in Shaw v. Hunt, the 1990s case that landed North Carolina's gerrymandered congressional districts before the U.S. Supreme Court. A decade later, Farr represented the plaintiffs who overthrew a state legislative districting scheme in the N.C. Supreme Court.
Drawing up districts, and defending them against challenges of racial bias under the federal Voting Rights Act, would be right up his alley.
Perhaps Farr will also assist the school board majority in drawing up school assignment zones (districts) so they withstand, as much as possible, an NAACP lawsuit?
We e-mailed that question to Farr. His answer:
"Thanks for your note. I regularly read the Indy and enjoy reading all the reviews and the articles. Very informative and regularly creative and interesting. I was trained to practice law by some very good and ethical lawyers. I was taught that it is not mannerly to discuss a client's business with the press. Again, thanks for contacting me."
Well, sure. But as soon as the school board starts paying him with public funds, we are his client.
Come to think of it, there's another potential use for Farr's legal skills on the school board. After the 2010 census, someone will have to redraw the board's election districts, which are also subject to the Voting Rights Act. Boards themselves usually do this, unless the composition of the board itself changes—more members, for example, or some members elected at-large—in which case an act of the General Assembly is required.
Just thinking ahead.
Comments (2)
Showing 1-2 of 2
- To create paragraphs in your comment, type <p> at the start of a paragraph and </p> at the end of each paragraph.
- To create bold text, type <b>bolded text</b> (please note the closing tag, </b>).
- To create italicized text, type <i>italicized text</i> (please note the closing tag, </i>).
- Proper web addresses will automatically become links.
Latest in Wake County
-
Raleigh City Manager Russell Allen is out. What's next?
Without providing a clear reason, City Councilors fired the man who ushered Raleigh through a downtown renaissance and period of relative prosperity over the last 12 years. What is the future of Raleigh development?
- May 15, 2013
-
Taser death raises questions about mental health and police training
The events that unfolded that Wednesday morning highlight a lack of mental health training for police officers, as well as a need for safer Taser policies, according to some mental health and legal advocates.
- Apr 24, 2013
-
Bill would upend Wake school board elections
Senate Bill 325 would redraw Wake County school board districts and reconfigure elections to favor conservatives. (If you don't like redistricting, redistrict again.)
- Mar 20, 2013
- More »
More by Bob Geary
-
A Good Friday note: Resurrection will "Save Our State" (plus two upcoming events in Raleigh)
The progressive side is beaten in North Carolina. The progressive side will rise again. Glory be.
- Mar 29, 2013
-
[Updated x 2: Another 'Moral Monday' next week: AP] Progressives promising Monday protests while General Assembly's in session
Public asked to join pray-ins, be arrested or support those who are. Next one: Monday, May 13.
- May 9, 2013
- More »
