An ethics panel related to the Atlanta school board decided Wednesday to investigate whether board members Courtney English, Yolanda Johnson and Nancy Meister improperly considered a contract with an outside communications firm last year at the same time the firm did "pro bono" work on their behalf during a lawsuit that split the board.

The panel is already investigating similar complaints against board Chairman Khaatim Sherrer El. No contract was ever awarded to the Atlanta-based Alisias Group.