Five Questions About A School Board's Authority Over School Grounds and Buildings

One of the most important responsibilities of a school board is to oversee school grounds and buildings.

5 Interesting Questions About A School Board's Responsibilities.

Under what circumstances may a school board exchange property with the State of South Dakota?       

A school district and the State of South Dakota may transfer, exchange, or convey land and properties belonging to them and under their jurisdiction upon the terms and conditions agreed upon by the respective governing bodies.    

Under what circumstances may a school board exchange property with another government entity?

A school district and any municipality, organized township, or county within or partly within the boundaries of the school district may transfer, exchange, or convey land and properties belonging to them and under their jurisdiction upon terms and conditions agreed upon by the respective governing bodies.

May a school board build or purchase dormitories for postsecondary students?

No. A school board may not build or purchase dormitories for postsecondary or adult vocational education students attending a postsecondary vocational school.

Is a school board required to erect a flagpole on school grounds?

Yes. A school board is required to erect and maintain on each school building, or on the grounds surrounding each school building, a good and sufficient flagstaff or pole.

Is a school board required to display the United States flag?

Yes. Along with the flagpole, a school board must provide a United States flag of not less than three by five feet, which shall be flown during the school hours of each school day, except when a violent storm or inclement weather would destroy or injure the flag.

For more information about a school board's authority over school grounds and buildings, read Chapter 8 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.