Agenda Item
1. Ready for Action: Recission of Board Policy BAB: School Board Governance
Summary: Presented by: Mrs. Marissa Key, Executive Director of Legal Affairs, Division of Legal Services
Request: It is requested that the DeKalb County Board of Education rescind Board Policy BAB: School Board Governance.
Why: The Board Policy Review Committee met and conferred regarding Board Policy BAB: School Board Governance and determined that the policy is not necessary because it is covered in whole by other board policies already in existence. Therefore, the policy should be rescinded.
Details: At the April 15, 2024 meeting of the DeKalb County Board of Education, the Board Policy Review Committee was established. The purpose of the Board Policy Review Committee is to ensure the ongoing review, development, and refinement of Board policies governing the District. The Board Policy Review Committee has the goal of promoting transparency, accountability, and compliance with state, local, and federal laws while fostering a safe, equitable, and inclusive environment for all within the District.
The Board Policy Review Committee reviewed and analyzed Board Policy BAB: School Governance and determined that it is duplicative of other policies already in existence within the District. Further, there are components of Board Policy BAB: School Governance that unintentionally create potential legal vulnerabilities for board members. As a result, it is requested that this policy be rescinded.
Financial impact: There is no financial impact to the District.
Contact: Ms. Melanie Slaton, General Counsel, Hall Booth Smith, PC Attorneys at Law (404)954-5000.
Effective: Upon Final Approval of the Board.
Status: Approved by General Counsel for First Read on June 10, 2024.
Board Policy Manual
DeKalb County School District
Board Policy BBE: School Board Attorney Status: ADOPTED
Original Adopted Date: 08/10/2009 | Last Reviewed Date: 08/10/2009
Board Members Request for Legal Services from General Counsel and Other Attorneys
In the event a fee is to be incurred, if an individual Board Member, or less than a majority of the members of the
Board shall deem it advisable for the District to retain, or use legal services on a particular matter, they shall transmit
the suggestion to the Superintendent, who shall act on the request by (1) seeking the legal services should he deem it
advisable to do so, and the financial commitment therefore is within the scope of discretion, or (2) submit the request
to the Chair, who shall, along with the Superintendent and the advice of General Counsel, determine whether the
request shall be placed on the agenda of the next meeting of the Board of Education for possible action. In no way is
this policy intended to limit the right of a member of the Board of Education to seek legal services on his or her own
behalf, the cost of which is to be born by the individual member.