Noticeably absent from an East Lansing law firm's bills for the Howell Public Schools Board of Education is the cost of the investigation into failed communications in the district's central administration office.

Thrun Law Firm's invoices through Feb. 21 show detailed expenses — from phone conversations with various district leaders to dictation, mileage and other action.

Yet, not one of the 10 pages received by the Daily Press & Argus specifically mentions the investigation, which culminated in a 62-page report on how the district handled reporting an alleged sexual assault involving three boys on a school bus in May.

Lynn Parrish, deputy superintendent for personnel and labor relations, said it is normal for Thrun to bill the district the following month of any legal activity, but she could not say whether it is normal for the law firm to withhold billing for any reason.

Board President Phil Westmoreland said the last time he spoke with the attorney, Don Bonato, he was told the investigation would cost between $20,000 and $30,000. However, he said, the law firm has said it will work with the district "to keep costs down."

When asked if the report was worth at least the low end of the estimate, Westmoreland replied: "If it improves our communication in instances like this, then yes, it's worth it. We can't turn the clock back and change what happened, but we can do a better job of moving forward and dealing with situations like this. We have more answers than we had before."

Thrun attorney Mike Farrell and his team were asked to determine why an alleged sexual assault involving three elementary school boys — ages 7, 10 and 11 — on a school bus in May was not promptly reported to school Superintendent Chuck Breiner.

Breiner, who is out on board-initiated paid nondisciplinary administrative leave, said he did not learn of the allegations until September, when the father of the 11-year-old boy asked for a meeting.

The report summarized what 12 school and police officials knew surrounding the reporting of the allegations. The report was released to the board at its Feb. 11 meeting, and was released to the public two days later after those interviewed had an opportunity to review it.

Any employee action arising from the report is in the hands of Parrish, who was part of the inquiry. She said last week that she is still conducting private meetings with the people who were interviewed to allow them to confirm or correct statements attributed to them.

Meanwhile, the 11-year-old boy has entered a plea in the case and is expected to be sentenced Monday in Livingston County Circuit Court's juvenile division.

The 10-year-old boy, who was 9 at the time of the incident, is expected to go to trial. He is expected back in court April 7 for a final settlement conference, but if no deal is reached, the case heads to trial April 16.