The findings from part 2 of the seventh annual American School Board Journal survey of school board members are reported. Demographic characteristics including sex, age, ethnic background, education, marital status, occupation, income, and board service are listed by region, showing that board members are generally well off. (TE)

Violence and the fear of violence are taking an unacceptable toll on the lives and educations of young people in this country. The effects of violence on both individual students and on the learning environment can be devastating. The National Association of State Boards of Education Study Group framed recommendations for attacking this epidemic…

Acceptable-use policies help ensure appropriate Internet access in a New York State school district. The district's four elementary schools and one each junior high and high school are relying on a two-pronged strategy. A policy version for staff, and one for students and parents, couples tight supervision with a carefully crafted acceptable-use…

Summarizes data from evaluations of 20 community-school initiatives that demonstrate their impact on outcomes that directly affect student learning. Collective results show that community schools improve student learning; promote family engagement with students and schools; function more effectively; and add vitality to communities. (Author/MLF)

Many corporations, foundations, and individual donors are committed to supporting public education. Solicitation of grants and gifts from individuals is practically nonexistent in the public schools. Few board members or school administrators know whom to ask for them. Offers some fund-raising tactics and sources for funding opportunities. (MLF)

A survey sent to a random selection of 11,992 school board members elicited responses from 2,166 (18 percent). The survey focused on superintendent tenure, a profile of the typical board member, and current priorities. Six charts provide region-by-region demographic data. (MLF)

Sexual harassment violates Title VII of the 1965 Civil Rights Act. School systems that do not take steps to prevent sexual harassment are neglecting their responsibilities and are vulnerable to costly legal action. Lists steps school executives should take to halt sexual harassment. (MLF)

Verbal outbursts of one school board member can undermine everyone's effectiveness. The risk of an outburst can be reduced by taking a few basic precautions that include distributing materials prior to the meeting. If the outburst happens, ideally the whole board will work as a unit to set the meeting back on the proper course. (MLF)

To be an effective school board president, certain leadership qualities and personality characteristics are useful: (1) trust, (2) effective communication, (3) responsibility versus authority, (4) control of meetings, (5) committee structure, (6) problem-solving approaches, (7) board development, (8) superintendent relations, and (9) mission. (KDP)

Changes in school bus schedules and routes result in more uproar among parents than almost anything else. School districts alter bus routes for various reasons--lack of local or state tax revenue, safety, and efficiency. School boards should give parents as much notice as possible, as early as possible. All school officials need to know the new…

Violent incidents have marred Friday-night football games, Saturday-night dances, and other activities in schools across the country. Describes what a number of districts are doing to protect students at such events and offers advice from school security officers. (MLF)

To improve science instruction, districts need one individual who has a strong science background, leadership skills, communication skills, and a commitment to implementing a high-quality science program. Lists the job description of a science supervisor. (MLF)

Process called "Team Review" is designed to help develop and maintain better working relationships among board members and between the board and superintendent. Every three or four months, board members and the superintendent complete questionnaire concerning such matters as communication, trust, and decision making, followed by a discussion.…

Peacekeeping strategies for school-board meetings include developing a code of conduct that spells out guidelines for behavior and then enforcing it; bringing in a neutral observer to help board members work through what is really worrying them; and concentrating on policy. (MLF)

A 20-item quiz to help school boards understand Total Quality Management (TQM) and whether they agree philosophically with TQM's tenets such as quality, continuous improvement, and employee empowerment. (MLF)