It will be the duty of the counsel for the Committee to advise the School Committee and the Superintendent on the specific legal problems submitted to them. They will attend meetings upon request and will be sufficiently familiar with Committee policies, practices, and actions under these policies, and with requirements of the school law to enable them to offer the necessary legal advice.
A decision to seek legal advice or assistance on behalf of the school district will be made by the Committee. The Superintendent may also take such action at the direction of the Committee.
Many types of legal assistance are routine and do not require specific Committee approval or prior notice. However, when the Superintendent concludes that unusual types or amounts of professional legal service may be required, they will advise the Committee and seek either initial or continuing authorization for such service.
The School Committee may use the services provided by the town counsel. The Committee and the Superintendent may seek their services to counsel and represent the school district at various times.
However, because the complexity of school department operations often requires specialized legal services, the committee may also retain an attorney or law firm to provide additional services.
SOURCE: MASC
LEGAL REFS.: M.G.L. 71:37E; 71:37F
Page 1 of 1 Approved March 16, 2021
Brockton Public Schools | School Committee Policy Update | Foundations & Basic Commitments |
Superintendent Michael Thomas | March 2021 | Section B |