BDG:   SCHOOL ATTORNEY/LEGAL SERVICES

The School Committee recognizes that the increasing complexity of school unit operations frequently requires procurement of professional legal services.  Therefore, the School Committee shall designate an attorney and/or law firm to provide such services on an ongoing basis.  The school attorney(s) shall be admitted to practice law in Maine.  The School Committee reserves the right to obtain legal services outside of its designated attorney/law firm as deemed appropriate.

A decision to seek legal advice or assistance on behalf of the school unit shall normally be made by the Superintendent or School Committee Chair in accordance with School Committee policy and when an obvious need exists.  Such services may also be obtained as a consequence of a formal vote of the School Committee. 

Legal services required by the school unit may include, but not be limited to:

A.    Providing general legal advice to the School Committee and/or administration;

B.   Assisting with labor negotiations;

C.    Assisting with personnel matters;

D.    Assisting with expulsions and other student disciplinary matters;

E.    Conducting and/or assisting with pending or actual litigation involving the school unit;

F.    Other specialized legal services; and

G.   Attendance at School Committee meetings or other activities as appropriate.

Many types of legal services are considered routine and do not require specific School Committee approval.  However, when the Superintendent concludes that the potential for significant legal expenditure exists or under other unusual circumstances, he/she shall inform the School Committee at an appropriate point in the process.  The School Committee may take action on such matters as appropriate.

Adopted:     July 5, 1994

Revised:      February 15, 2011