May a non-custodial parent/guardian make educational decisions on behalf of a minor child?
Tennessee law allows parents/guardians to sign powers of attorney granting someone else authority to make educational decisions on behalf of the students. Parents/guardians must document that a hardship necessitating the grant of authority exists. (TCA ยง 34-6-304). Local school boards may, in their discretion, accept these powers of attorney if they determine that a hardship exists. The Department of Children’s Services has a specific form that may be used for the power of attorney.
