Students serving on school boards can be a valuable asset, providing a unique perspective on student views and needs. However, some problems with such arrangements are also noted. (MD)

Provides a set of 10 rules, with some explanations of how and why they work, that a school district uses in school board hearings. The rules help each side organize its case, save time and embarrassment, and ensure a fair hearing for everyone. (MLF)

Since 1974, New Jersey board of education members' responsibilities have increased in direct proportion to major legislative actions and mandates affecting the state's public schools. This revised pamphlet was written to help new board members carry out their responsibilities. The first chapter outlines board members' authority as elected state…

Offers examples of four common mistakes school boards make when dealing with the press. Suggests 10 specific steps for building a strong working relationship with members of the press. (IW)

School boards should recognize that school administrators steer away from boards that (1) are consistently divided, (2) do not respect confidentiality, (3) are close-minded, and (4) do not adhere to the line between setting school policy and administering policy. (MLF)

New school board members can prepare themselves to be effective board members by studying board policies, minutes of past board meetings, and contracts of each employee group; by asking questions; and by learning the legal responsibilities of the board. (MLF

A step-by-step orientation plan developed by the Clark County (Nevada) school board to ease the transition of newly elected members. (MLF)

Lists criteria that contribute to being an effective school board member. Especially intended for a newly elected board member. (Author/WD)

Believing that school boards must continuously assess their own performances in order to act effectively, the National School Boards Association and the American Association of School Administrators produced this brief guide to self-evaluation for school boards. The authors recommend adoption of a written policy on goal setting and…

Presents a model that administrators can use to control the teaching-learning process. Definitions are provided for the model's six elements: budgeting, reports, policies, organizational structures, professionalism, and staff selection and training. Notes that involvement of teachers and students in the control process minimizes communication…

After urging boards to take control of their district's budget, the author describes four kinds of budgets and offers advice on the role the board should play in each phase of the budget cycle--preparation, formulation, adoption, and execution. (IRT)

Discusses the stress that service on the board of education places on board members' families and the ways some members cope with the stress. (IRT)

Local board members who volunteer for or are assigned to a regional board should study the regional organization, work with other regional board members, and develop good communication among individual board members and between the regional board and the local boards. (Author/IRT)

Collaborative teamwork between school board members and administrators in a rural Oregon community concerning negotiations has been positive. Under the new system, the teacher-versus-administrator conflict has been reduced; board members became involved in all the districts' committees; and the time spent on negotiations has been cut in half. (MLF)

This manual, "Course Information for the Graduation Program, Grade 10, 11, and 12 Courses: 2009-2010," was approved by the Minister of Education on July 30, 2009 for setting out graduation requirements. The manual provides information for schools about courses that students take in Grades 10, 11, and 12. It is updated annually with…