This document reports on a study conducted in Wisconsin to determine the relative incidence of evaluations of high school principals by boards of education, the degree of formality of these evaluations, and the sources of information and/or criteria used. Results determined that evaluation of high school principals by school boards occurs on a…

To ensure that school systems are prepared for the future, their boards must provide for both internal and external conditions through careful assessment and planning processes. Strategic planning consists of setting long-term goals, determining the best means of attaining them, and relating the chosen course to operating plans. This type of…

Offered as a contribution to developing better trustees, this collection of essays represents a variety of viewpoints on the nature and extent of trustee services. The following articles are included: (1) "The Illinois Public Community College Board Members," by Gary Frank Petty and William E. Piland; (2) "Active Trusteeship for a Changing Era,"…

An electronic news service called REDINET provides Indiana school management with statewide coverage of legislative committees, state agencies, and others. Individual school districts and subgroups are also able to communicate with each other. (MLF)

School board members should undertake thoughtful and informed deliberations on the issues involved in home schooling. (MLF)

To address the professional needs of principals and other middle management supervisors, school boards might consider meet-and-discuss sessions, a middle ground between unilateral board action and collective bargaining. Sessions are nonbinding, produce better decisions, confront root causes of job dissatisfaction, and can strengthen the management…

In "Hosemann v. Oakland Unified School District," a California Superior Court ruled that Oakland public schools have an affirmative duty to alleviate crime and violence on school campuses. Both students and staff members are now protected against violent acts on school grounds. Guidelines are offered for school boards and administrators…

Offers superintendents guidelines for resolving personnel disputes, policy disagreements, and communication problems with school boards so that schools run smoothly. (KS)

Outlines four steps to follow in doing a full superintendent evaluation: (1) set clear goals for the superintendent, (2) follow up on the goals, (3) get other administrators' views of the superintendent, and (4) present the findings to the superintendent. Includes examples of questions to ask. (MD)

Arbitration is an effective way to resolve disagreements between school systems and their employee unions. A practicing arbitrator offers some suggestions that encourage the best use of the arbitration process. (MLF)

Outlines how the "cult of efficiency" and the "cult of deficiency" emphasize weakness and have affected American education. Points out that a new "cult of proficiency" emphasizing strengths, not weaknesses, is needed. (MD)

A survey asked a national random sample of 1,500 school board presidents and the executives of all 1,300 local chambers of commerce for their opinions on charter schools, privatization, and vouchers. Board presidents are likely to support the traditional education establishment. Chamber executives tend to support free-market initiatives for…

Data were collected from reports prepared by consultants for 12 school boards that were involved in active superintendent searches. The reports reflected the comments of 88 school board members in the 12 districts. These are compared with the national recommended standards for preparing school leaders. The standard on community collaboration was…

A high school senior found that no one appeared concerned about the effect of a teachers' strike on students. Some students organized against the strike while maintaining a neutral stance. Urges board members to work harder to avoid a breakdown in negotiations. (MLF)

School board presidents are faced with many challenges as leaders. A past president of the Dallas (Texas) school board shares his experiences and maintains that an effective board president must be willing to take risks and criticism and be totally committed to public education. Provides a leadership style evaluation form to rate board presidents.…