* National Government: Often sets overall standards, curricula, funding formulas, and may directly manage some schools (especially at the national level, such as military academies). They also typically oversee aspects like teacher training and national testing.
* Regional/State/Provincial Government: Usually has significant responsibility for funding schools, setting curriculum standards within national guidelines, overseeing teacher certification and hiring, and managing school infrastructure. They often oversee school districts or boards.
* Local Government/School Districts/School Boards: Typically responsible for the day-to-day operations of individual schools. This includes hiring teachers and staff (within state guidelines), maintaining school buildings and grounds, managing budgets within allocated funds, and implementing curricula approved at higher levels.
* Private Entities: For private schools, the power rests with the owners, governing boards, or religious organizations that sponsor them. Government regulation still applies, but ownership and control are largely independent.
In short, there's no single entity with ultimate power. It's a complex shared responsibility across different levels of government and, in some cases, private institutions.