By Jerry Bellune
JerryBellune@yahoo.com
Lexington 1 school board member Jada Garris won a lawsuit against the district.
The former district bus driver and board member had charged that the board violations of the Freedom of Information Act 5 times.
Circuit Court Judge William McKinnon found for Garris on 1 of the 5 alleged violations but found for the board on all other counts.
Garris filed suit in December 2017, asserting 12 violations, When the board produced the documents, she  dismissed the charges.
On June 13, 2019. Garris went to court on 5 other alleged violations of FoIA and prevailed on 1 count.
Garris asked the judge to award her $48,995.80 –$47,427.54 in attorneys’ fees and $1,568.26 in costs. 
The judge ruled this was supported by affidavits of her counsel, Andrew Radeker and Taylor Smith. 
She provided time cards detailing time spent by each attorney and listing their hourly rate at $350 and $300 an hour respectively.
Garris provided affidavits of 2 other attorneys, Jay Bender and Robert Butcher. 
The affidavits detail their experience with similar cases and fees submitted by her attorneys were reasonable.
Defendants argued that:
• The fees were not reasonable and should be cut.
• Because Garris prevailed on only 1 claim, the judge should further reduce any costs and fees awarded.
Judge McKinnon did not agree and awarded her the full $48,995.80.