Special attention should be given to performance evaluation, contract renewal, and termination in the language of employment contracts for superintendents. (MD)

Two Constitutional principles--separation of church and state and freedom of speech--have been placed in conflict by the newly established Equal Access Act (1984). Some ways that school boards have found to deal with the confusion are presented. (MD)

Effective, productive school board meetings depend on clearly specified roles for participants, the provision of thorough advance information about matters under discussion, adherence to agendas, obtaining adequate facilities, controlling public involvement, maintaining good press relations, and preserving the dignity of the proceedings. (PGD)

Outlined are important considerations on salary levels and fringe benefits for school boards to be aware of in keeping their superintendent productive and happy. Six suggestions are offered for maintaining smooth relationships between the board and the superintendent. Suggestions to superintendents are also offered for developing effective…

Discusses the importance of personnel policies covering AIDS (and other communicable diseases) and presents relevant employee guidelines developed by teacher unions and school districts. Three insets offer additional Center for Disease Control guidelines, day-to-day considerations when working with AIDS employees, and available publications…

School boards need to be prepared to deal with potential disasters. Four districts whose school board presidents dealt with serious emergencies are described. The emergencies included the murder of a superintendent, a flood, a statewide teacher walkout, and the threat of financial collapse. (MD)

Some school systems are recognizing their responsibility to check software piracy, and a few publishers are responding to schools' needs and offering discounts on multiple copies of software to schools with policies protecting software copyright. Includes a model policy example. (MD)

The employment contract is the key item in superintendent firing, and thus, it should include provisions for termination. Terminations can misfire if the board does not carry out contractual obligations. Eight points of advice are included for boards that are contemplating firing a superintendent. (MD)

Provides an update on emerging safety issues, new technological developments, and upcoming regulations that could affect school transportation programs. Two new sets of federal regulations to watch for will govern underground fuel storage tanks and hazardous materials, and restrict asbestos in vehicle brake linings. (MD)

Legal battles are being waged over standards and regulations governing home schooling. Boards of education are advised to work out any accommodations they can with parents but to be prepared to consult with the school attorney. (MLF)

Profiles Atlanta's first Black superintendent, Alonzo Crim, who discusses 11 years of achievements, particularly the creation of a "community of believers" perception in the public mind. Board members and teachers provide evaluative commentary. (KS)