Members of the Lakeland School System school board govern the Lakeland School System municipal school district, separate from Memphis-Shelby County Schools. Five members are elected to staggered four-year terms. The board hires and evaluates the superintendent, adopts district policies, approves the budget, sets district goals, and oversees compliance with federal and state education law. Members are required to complete seven hours of training annually through the Tennessee School Boards Association School Board Academy.

Compensation: stipend set locally; state law requires a minimum of $4/day (T.C.A. § 49-2-202).