The primary obligation of the Office of the General Counsel is to represent the School Board and District in varied legal issues from contract negotiations to lawsuits, determination of student and employee rights, and rules of procedure at School Board meetings. For this reason, the Office of the General Counsel cannot provide advice to employees, students, or their families regarding their individual rights.  In matters where the employee, student, or family member is represented by an attorney, all communications from the General Counsel must occur with that attorney.  These rules are designed to ensure that counsel for both sides are fully informed and the Office of General Counsel will strictly comply.

         

Unless a court order provides otherwise, parents are entitled to records and information regarding their child’s education.  Where the parents were never married, the father must normally have his status legally recognized. The birth certificate is not always adequate; there should be an order of paternity from a court.  

 

 

 

 

The Office of the General Counsel is available to consult with school personnel who are required to attend depositions, trials, or other court proceedings as a result of incidents related to their employment with the School District.  Upon receipt of a subpoena or other communication from a court or attorney, please contact this office to arrange a telephone or face-to-face discussion of the matter.  This office may also seek to reschedule your appearance in case of significant conflicts.