Update on Recent News Article Related to FHSD Legal Fees

Forest Hills School District was recently mentioned in a report from the Cincinnati Enquirer that reviewed legal fees of selected local school districts. As a matter of transparency, the district is using this post to provide relevant information and additional context. FHSD hopes this will allow our community to make informed conclusions related to this report. 

FHSD wants to be very clear that the primary reason legal costs are at this level is ongoing litigation related to construction projects stemming from the 2014 bond issue. The district cannot comment on specifics about this case because it is ongoing, but this litigation contributes disproportionately to the district’s overall legal costs. The remaining portion of FHSD legal fees is comparable to what some of the other districts included in this report are experiencing. 

The article also raises the possibility that litigation related to the Board’s Resolution “To Create a Culture of Kindness and Equal Opportunity for all Students and Staff” could be a significant factor in the district’s overall legal expenses. As stated in the article, the majority of legal costs associated with that lawsuit are covered by FHSD’s liability insurance and not taxpayer funds. Any suggestion that this lawsuit contributes significantly to these legal costs is misleading and inaccurate.

With any legal challenge, FHSD will defend itself and its taxpayers from unreasonable and exorbitant costs.

Questions can be directed to the FHSD Central Office at contact@foresthills.edu or (513) 231-3600.