North Idaho College has spent more than $500,000 on legal fees, consultant costs, and related expenses stemming from the governance crisis that began in late 2022, according to a financial accounting published by the Coeur d’Alene Press.

The expenditures include $174,144 paid to attorney Art Macomber, who was hired by the board majority at $325 per hour (later increased to $400). An additional $54,120 was paid to attorney D. Colton Boyles, who replaced Macomber. Boyles had no prior experience in education law and scored lowest among four applicants.

Site visits from accreditors and related travel cost NIC approximately $62,600. Board training with the Association of Community College Trustees cost $69,031. The college was also ordered to pay Swayne $151,316 in attorney fees after he successfully sued for reinstatement.

The financial toll continued even as NIC’s enrollment declined and the community college faced the ongoing threat of losing its accreditation. NIC’s academics and finances were in good shape. The crisis was entirely self-inflicted through board dysfunction.