Agenda Item
2. Ready For Action: Board Policy BBE: School Board Attorney
Summary: Presented by: Ms. Mariel Smith, Legal Counsel, Hall Booth Smith, PC, Attorneys at Law
Request: It is requested that the Board of Education accept an amendment to Board Policy BBE: School Board Attorney. The proposed revisions are requested to update the policy and to clarify the current language. This policy has been reviewed and analyzed by the Board Policy Committee. The Committee agrees on the recommended revisions.
Why: The Board Policy Review Committee met and conferred regarding Board Policy BBE: School Board Attorney and determined that revisions were needed.
Details: 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.
Financial impact: No Financial Impact to the District
Contact: Ms. Mariel Smith, Legal Counsel, Hall Booth Smith, PC Attorneys at Law (404) 954-5000
Effective: Upon Board Approval
Status: Attorney Approval Not Required
Clean Version
Board Policy BBE: School Board Attorney
The DeKalb County Board of Education will retain general counsel knowledgeable in school law
to provide legal advice and counsel to the board in the performance of its duties, litigation, and
other legal services. The general counsel will serve at the pleasure of the board and be
compensated for services rendered. The general counsel must attend all board meetings and
other meetings at the request of the board, where legal services may be needed.
In that the chair represents the board, if an individual board member deems it necessary to
seek a formal legal opinion from the general counsel, it must be coordinated through the chair.