Many factors distinguish public school district transactions from private business transactions. Like any other business transaction, public school contracts should unambiguously describe the transaction and sufficiently outline the obligations of the parties. However, public school districts may be subject to distinctive laws that effectively prohibit some contract terms while mandating the inclusion of others. A general awareness of the elements and legalities of public school contracts can be indispensable to school system leaders who handle business transactions on a regular basis. School district contracts that are not authorized by the proper school officials may not be legally binding. As such, it is crucial for the district to determine who may properly authorize contracts and to establish standard procedures by which contracts are executed.