What is meant by Local Education Agency (LEA)?

A Local Education Agency (LEA) refers specifically to a public school district or a non-profit secondary education facility that is responsible for overseeing educational programs and services within a defined geographic area. This designation is critical as it highlights the role of LEAs in managing local educational institutions, including maintaining standards, ensuring compliance with regulations, and providing support to schools within their jurisdiction.

The importance of identifying LEAs arises particularly in contexts surrounding educational funding, governance, and specific services such as those related to environmental health, including asbestos management in schools. Understanding that an LEA covers both public school districts and non-profit secondary education facilities allows for the differentiation between various types of educational organizations and their respective responsibilities.