How much will the Central Bucks probe into LGBTQ discrimination cost taxpayers? We know now.

Central Bucks School District will be responsible for paying more than $1.5 million in legal bills associated with civil rights investigations involving claims of discrimination against LGBTQ students.

Chief Operating Officer Tara Houser confirmed Thursday the district's insurer has reimbursed $250,000 for the work performed by Duane Morris LLP, the high-profile Philadelphia firm hired last year.

As of mid-October, the firm has billed the district more than $1.75 million for its work, according to recently obtained financial records through Right to Know requests.

Minority board members Karen Smith, Mariam Mahmud and Tabitha Dell'Angelo, who voted against hiring the firm last year, filed objections to paying the remaining balance without a full public vote, which board policy allows, Dell'Angelo confirmed.

"In this case, we felt it was important for taxpayers to be clear about where their money is going," said Dell'Angelo, who did not seek re-election. "Between the Duane Morris bill and (superintendent) Abe's (Lucabaugh) separation agreement that is basically this year's entire tax increase."

Smith added that she and the four incoming Democrat board members will be looking into what work Duane Morris performed and investigate any possibility to recoup some costs.

"It's a staggering amount, and it's infuriating that our taxpayers are getting stuck with this bill for this work, which I believe in the end will result in malpractice," Smith said. "I don't plan to pay this bill and walk away. That is for sure."

Here’s the latest on the bills:

More CBSD school news Central Bucks on the hook for at least $200K for discrimination investigation. Here's why

Who hired Duane Morris and why?

The outgoing GOP-majority school board voted 6-3 in November 2022 to hire Duane Morris to investigate four discrimination complaints filed with the U.S Department of Education’s Office of Civil Rights. The contract with the firm was added to the agenda the day before the meeting where it was voted on.

The complaints the firm investigated alleged the district violated the civil rights of students who identify as LGBTQ students and their supporters including one complaint filed in Oct 2022 by the ACLU of Pennsylvania on behalf of seven students who are LGBTQ.

Civil rights complaints don’t fall under general liability claims, so the district reached a “verbal agreement” with its insurance carrier, CM Regent to allow it to use Duane Morris, though the firm was not on its approved counsel list. The insurer agreed to reimburse the district for using Duane Morris at the same rate as its approved panel counsel, Houser said.

What is the difference between panel counsel and Duane Morris rates?

It appears significant.

Approved panel counsel for the insurance company are paid a little more than $200 an hour, Houser said.

Three of the Duane Morris partner attorneys who worked on the cases between November 2022 and March charged between $640 and $940 an hour, according to financial documents.

This news organization is awaiting an answer on a Right to Know request for a detailed breakdown of legal bills from April 1 and Oct. 13 .

More the cost for Duane Morris report Lawyers charging hefty sum call Central Bucks school probe by ACLU 'a fishing expedition'

How much exactly has been billed and are more bills expected?

Duane Morris has submitted three sets of bills with the most recent covering April 1 through Oct. 13, 2023 and totalling $532,969.19. It is unknown if Duane Morris will submit additional bills.

Roughly 85% of the most recent bills was for work the firm did in April, the same month the results of its five-month investigation were presented to the public. The presentation and accompanying 151-page report found no evidence of discrimination against LGBTQ students.

What the Duane Morris report said Central Bucks investigation into alleged LGBTQ student discrimination is out. What it says

More on the Duane Morris report Central Bucks discrimination investigation exhibits appear to contradict report findings

Why did the insurance company reimburse CBSD less than 15% of the costs?

Under its policy, after the district pays the first $200,000, it is reimbursed 20% of “allowable expenses,” COO Houser said. The insurance company decides what it considers allowable, she explained.  Expenses deemed not allowable are the district's responsiblity.

Houser confirmed that the district does not have other insurance coverage, such as excessive liability, that would pick up some of the uncovered costs.

Has the district made any payments toward the $1.75 million?

Yes, the district has paid Duane Morris $614,000.

Will the incoming board continue the contract with Duane Morris?

Highly unlikely.

“I don’t think we need the services of Duane Morris," said Smith, a Democrat who was re-elected Nov. 7.

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This article originally appeared on Bucks County Courier Times: What CBSD lega; bills for LGBTQ discrimination investigation show