OnDemand: Legal Authority and Governing Powers of Virginia School Boards

Legal Authority and Governing Powers of Virginia School Boards Estimated Time: 30 minutes Upon successful completion, participants receive an SBMA microcredential certificate recognizing mastery of Virginia school board legal authority and governance. This on-demand microcredential gives Virginia school board members a practical, law-based understanding of where their authority comes from, how it must be exercised, and where it ends. Working directly with Title 22.1 of the Code of Virginia, participants learn to distinguish mandatory duties from discretionary powers and why boards must act collectively as a body corporate. By the end of the course, members will be better prepared to: Understand the legal foundations of board authority, Exercise power appropriately as a collective body, and Avoid common governance mistakes that create legal risk. This course is essential for new board members and a valuable refresher for experienced members who want to govern with clarity and legal confidence.