Public schools are public institutions supported by tax dollars. As such, they are accountable to the citizens whose tax dollars support them. They are also bound to uphold the rights and protections provided by our laws and Constitution.

The Center examines the many implications of operating schools on behalf of the public—a charge that more than any other distinguishes public from private schools—and how in the process public schools make a unique contribution to the well-being of the community, state, and nation.

Public education and the law: School decisions about biology curriculum, zero tolerance policies, and even holiday observations can open a legal hornet’s nest. As public institutions, public schools must operate with the context of the U.S. Constitution and its guarantees. They also have the responsibility to prepare young people to be responsible members of democratic society. We explore both mandates, including a look at key Constitutional issues involved in well-known legal cases.

The role of the school board: School board members represent the voice of the public in school governance, but their role is not widely understood. We look at school boards and their responsibilities.

Education for all is one of the defining promises of our American democracy, a promise today's public schools--anchored in their communities and governed by locally elected policymakers--strive to fulfill. For a discussion of  why public schools are vital to the well-being of our nation , see Public Education: An American Imperative by Michael A. Resnick, associate executive director for advocacy and issues management, National School Boards Association.