BOARD POLICY 142

142         -     Legal Counsel

The Board shall annually engage a legal firm or firms to advise the Board and to represent the School District on legal matters as needed.

The District Administrator shall have the authority to confer with the designated counsel for legal advice on such matters as he/she deems advisable in order to protect the interests of the School District or when directed to seek counsel by official Board action.

Other school personnel shall not contact the District’s counsel unless authorized to do so by the District Administrator. If an emergency situation exists and the District Administrator is unavailable to give another administrator authority to seek District counsel, the administrator may seek counsel if the administrator feels the interest of the School District is at risk.

Board members are not authorized to contact legal counsel unless there is official Board action authorizing them to do so.

However, if the need for legal advice concerns the employment or performance of the District Administrator, the Board president is authorized to contact the District’s legal firm(s). Such legal advice will be disseminated to all Board members and the District Administrator.

This policy shall not prevent a board member from contacting legal counsel for advice concerning Code of Ethics for Local Governmental Officials under Sec. 19.59 Stats.

Official Board action is needed to authorize any lawsuit or legal settlement to avoid to a lawsuit. 

The District Administrator shall provide the appointed counsel with a copy of this policy.

Legal Ref.:  Sections 120.13(9m), Wisconsin Statutes

Revised:  January 15, 2004

November 17, 2011