School board attorneys provide a wide range of legal services to school board members, superintendents and senior district staff.  With the large number of new school board members taking office this year, and the introduction of many new education laws in Florida, school board members need to rely on the experienced guidance of their school board attorneys. 

During the Florida School Boards Association “New School Board Member Academy,” RumbergerKirk partner Leonard Dietzen explained to members how best to utilize their school board attorney’s skills and training to help keep districts in compliance with state and federal regulations. He shared the various roles of a school board attorney and explained that school board attorneys are required to assist not only school board members, but also superintendents and upper management on a wide range of areas of practice.  

School districts face a wide range of topics and often need counsel in not only education law, but also contracts, employment and labor, and real estate. In addition, school board attorneys must be aware of ever-changing state laws. Leonard also discussed the many issues schools districts face regarding Florida’s Sunshine and public records laws.