To whom does the school attorney report?

The school attorney typically operates under the authority of the board of education. This relationship is essential as it ensures that the legal counsel provided aligns with the policies and needs set forth by the board. The attorney serves to protect the interests of the school district by offering legal advice on matters such as governance, policy compliance, contracts, and other legal affairs that the board must address.

By reporting to the board of education, the school attorney can effectively inform and advise board members as they make decisions that impact the district. This structure fosters clear lines of communication between the legal advisor and the governing body, which is necessary for effective decision-making and ensuring that the district operates within legal parameters.

In contrast, while the school principal, district superintendent, and state education department have important roles in the education system, they do not typically oversee the school attorney. The principal manages the day-to-day operations of a school, the superintendent oversees the district's educational leadership and administration, and the state education department regulates public education at a state level. Each has distinct areas of responsibility that are separate from the legal counsel provided to the board.