In South Dakota, what are a school board’s powers?

 

A school board has the general charge, direction, and management of the district’s schools and the control and care of all property belonging to the district’s schools.

A school board may levy taxes, borrow money, employ any necessary personnel, lease real and personal property, carry liability and other insurance, or in lieu of insurance make other arrangements, including entering into agreements with others, which agreements may create separate legal or administrative entities pursuant to S.D.C.L. 1-24 to protect and assist a school board in meeting obligations arising from such acts or omissions for which a school board may be legally liable.

A school board may also purchase necessary books and equipment, purchase real property, and erect necessary buildings for the operation of the school district. 

For more information about a South Dakota school board's authority, read Chapter 3 of The South Dakota School Law Deskbook.

About Swier School Law Counsel™​

Swier School Law Counsel™ is a boutique education law department within Swier Law Firm.

We recognize the needs of South Dakota's school officials to obtain first-rate legal advice on a broad range of issues. Our attorneys provide creative, timely, and cost-efficient legal strategies that balance the needs of students, parents, employees, and citizens with the interests of keeping a school district on solid legal footing.

Swier School Law Counsel™ and its attorneys author The South Dakota School Law Deskbook™ and South Dakota School Law Notes™. The Group's attorneys also have years of experience teaching the popular "Education and the Law" class at the University of South Dakota School of Law. 

Swier Law Firm has served as legal counsel for school districts throughout the state and for the School Administrators of South Dakota and its membership. SASD is an educational association comprised of over 800 school administrators (Superintendents, Business Managers, Principals, Special Education Directors, and Curriculum Directors) throughout South Dakota.