Most states either have only one type of school district or do not distinguish between powers and duties for different types of school boards. However, 12 states have different types of school districts with distinct powers and duties under state law. Boards with different authorities may have unique control over district taxing or financing, and they can have different numbers of elected members.
States differentiate school districts based on government structure (city or county), grades served (e.g., elementary, secondary, or K-12), or the student population size. Differences between powers and duties for boards in these districts generally align with the differences in student populations or district structure.
Examples of how state laws address different district types:
