As superintendent, and with the support of this detailed book, board meetings can now be turned into productive, results-getting events that help one focus on teaching, learning, and achieving district goals. The authors, having chaired over 1,000 board meetings among them, discuss: (1) Creating role clarity and building the superintendent-based team to increase effectiveness and support positive working relationships; (2) Developing general operating procedures that work; (3) Carrying out effective board meetings; (4) Critical aspects of the meeting itself, as well as tips on conducting closed sessions; (5) Post-meeting follow-up and how these activities affect and influence the culture of the district. Superintendents, board members, leadership staff, and community members will find this guide invaluable for creating effective and meaningful board meetings. Following a foreword by Michael W. Kirst and a preface, this book is divided into four parts. Part I, The Leadership Challenge, presents: (1) Focusing on Teaching and Learning; and (2) Building the Superintendent-Board Team. Part II, Pre-Meeting Planning, continues with: (3) Planning the Calendar and Agenda; (4) Preparing: Sweat the Small Stuff; (5) Designing the Board Packet; and (6) Communicating the Agenda. Part III, Meeting Time, concludes with: (7) Conducting the Board Meeting; and (8) Meeting Behind Closed Doors. Part IV, Post-Meeting, concludes with: (9) Following Up; (10) Recovering; and (11) Wrapping Up. Also included are: six resources; a list of references; and an index.