NIC: Trustees’ ‘stupidity or insanity’

The NIC trustees voted 3-2 to contract with Stanley Freeman of the firm Eversheds Sutherland, based in Washington, D.C., “to provide legal services to the college in regard to accreditation matters.” The firm is an excellent law firm.

After reviewing the firm website (eversheds-sutherland.com), why do three trustees believe such a high-quality legal team is needed? The firm describes itself as: “a global top 10 law practice, Eversheds Sutherland provides legal advice and solutions to an international client base which includes some of the world’s largest multinationals.”

Trustee Corkill pointed out that Mr. Freeman’s hourly rate is $895 per hour and co-counsel Benjamin Reed has an hourly rate of $795. Other attorneys in the firm may be called upon “where appropriate,” charging anywhere between $420 per hour and $1,885 per hour. NIC has paid $511,404 to multiple attorneys and law firms for different legal matters. 

All colleges must abide by the state accreditation policies, and all do except NIC. Do three trustees not understand their role as trustees? If their actions created the accreditation problem, fix it by simply complying with the current accreditation requirements expected of all schools. 

Since substantial NIC money is involved, their actions are bordering on stupidity or perhaps insanity. Have none of these three ever operated a successful business or managed a family budget? 

If we accept this behavior, we are no better. It’s time to realize our current elected NIC trustees cannot get the job done as trustees have previously. This is not a political issue. There is no left or right solution, only ensuring the best interest of the community or is theirs a different agenda?

PHIL WARD

Coeur d’Alene