Code No. 208

Board of Directors

School Board Legal Counsel

It shall be the responsibility of the board to employ legal counsel on an as need basis to assist the board and the administration in carrying out their duties with respect to the numerous legal issues confronting the school district.  The board will appoint legal counsel at its annual meeting. 

The superintendent and board secretary shall have the authority to contact the school district’s legal counsel when the superintendent or board secretary believes it is necessary in the management of the school district.  The school district legal counsel shall attend both regular and special school board meetings upon the request of the board or the superintendent.

It shall be the responsibility of the superintendent to keep the board apprised of matters for which legal counsel was consulted, particularly if the legal services will involve unusual expense to the school district.

It shall be the responsibility of each board member to pay the fees, if any, of an attorney they visit regarding matters of the school district unless the board has authorized the board member to consult an attorney on the matter.

Legal Reference:     Bishop v. Iowa State Board of Public Instruction, 395 N.W. 2d 888

                                 (Iowa 1986).      

                                 Iowa Code Chapter 279.37 (2003).

Cross Reference:    200  Individual Authority

Approved:     April 10, 1989          

Reviewed:    February 22, 2005   

Revised:       February 22, 2005