A Guide For Policymakers 2016 - 17 | Page 8

Federal (cont.) State (cont.) Local (cont.) jurisdiction thereof, are citizens in the United States and of the state wherein they reside. No state shall make or enforce any law which shall abridge the privileges or immunities of citizens of the United States; nor shall any state deprive any person of life, liberty or property, without due process of law; nor deny to any person within its jurisdiction the equal protection of the law. Department of Education acts as a bridge connecting state and federal policies to local education agencies (LEAs), otherwise known as school districts. The Department of Education also is the pass-through for all state and federal education expenditures. Director of Schools The director of schools manages the district-level work of all schools. Responsibilities include: The Commerce Clause of the U.S. Constitution Federal courts have determined that the Commerce Clause applies to certain safety, transportation, and labor regulations within schools. The Civil Rights Act of 1964, which outlawed discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, or national origin, was passed under the Commerce Clause in order to allow the federal government to oversee equitable access to schools in states. General Welfare Clause of U.S. Constitution Article I, section 8, clause 1 of the United States Constitution, also known as the Spending Clause, states, The Congress shall have power to lay and collect taxes, duties, imposts and excises, to pay the debts and provide for the common defense and general welfare of the United States. In practice, the general welfare clause allows the federal government to tie receipt of certain federal grants to specific actions (Title I, Race to the Top, etc.) and mandates some state actions related to the implementation of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA).2 7 | P U B L I C E D U C AT I O N I N T E N N ES S E E • Act for the board in understanding laws relating to schools, laws from the state, and implementation of laws • Make recommendations to the board • Have general supervision of all schools • Require and ensure compliance with state laws and regulations • Prepare and submit an annual budget for board approval • Dismiss employees under district jurisdiction (T.C.A. 49-2-301) Principals Principals are responsible for the day-to-day operations in schools. Duties include: • Instructional leadership and guidance • Using student growth data to create a coordinated plan for the school • Maintain school safety and security • Prepare an annual school budget • Maintain a safe school environment, and supervise student discipline and behavior (T.C.A. 49-2-303)