The Board of Education of St. Mary's County represents the concerns and needs of the public in the governance of the St. Mary's County Public Schools. The Board establishes specific policies that govern school system operations and has authority over fiscal year budgets, curriculum materials, textbooks, personnel appointments, capital improvements, land acquisitions, grant applications, and other policy decisions. In addition to selecting and appointing the Superintendent of Schools, the Board also employs legal counsel and external auditors.