State leaders have been raising their state's academic standards and creating high-stakes tests that involve incentives and penalties for students and schools in their efforts to raise student achievement. The ability of local school boards to lead student-achievement policy in their communities depends upon how well they can use their state's…

Three hypothetical scenarios to help school board members analyze the process used when ethical issues are unclear. Lists five steps that lead to ethical decisions. (MLF)

New school board members need orientation and training as an ongoing process to function effectively as team members. Offers general principles and specific suggestions. Includes 10 guidelines for board behavior and demographic data about board members. (MLF)

To influence school boards, staff developers must remember their rules, which include: demonstrate through ideals and actions that students come first; spend taxpayer money in thrifty, creative ways; explain things in simple, incisive ways; be independent-minded in accepting or rejecting advice; find early indications of success for money spent;…

This article offers suggestions to school board members for developing effective grassroots lobbying. Tips include: (1) hook up with an organized network; (2) set an advocacy policy; (3) select an advocacy strategy for policy issues; (4) reach out for broad support; and (5) deliver the message through the media. Guidelines are offered for writing,…

This handbook is aimed at improving the effectiveness of school board members. Effectiveness of the individual board member has a direct bearing on the effectiveness of the whole board, superintendent of schools, school district, and policy formation. The major functions of the school board are discussed: (1) selection of the superintendents; (2)…

Chicago's Local School Councils (LSCs) are the key to successful school reform efforts. Among the numerous decisions that LSCs make that have major effects on schools are the selection of a principal, the adoption of a school improvement plan, and the approving of a school's budget. Based on attendance of over 250 LSC meetings by staff of the…

Boards of education often feel that consultants are high-priced or of questionable quality; however, reasonably priced, highly competent consultants are available. Some issues facing school districts can best be approached using the specialized talents and objectivity available only from consultants. When a school board has decided that it needs a…

The seven-member board of a Texas school district decided to scrutinize its own performance through a self-evaluation instrument used by each member to evaluate how the board functions, not how each individual functions. Benefits of board self-evaluation include reaffirmation of the board's role, encouragement of board harmony, and identification…

In preparing to discuss the roles of administrators, board members, and the negotiator in school collective bargaining, the author lists his "tried and true" principles and outlines the differences between bargaining in the public and private sectors. An important difference between the two kinds of bargaining is that school board…

Outlines a step-by-step approach to a school system formalized planning process and the role of board of education members. (MLF)

School board members have long recognized the importance of involving parents and the community in the public schools. Yet, there has never been a greater gap between school and community, partly because almost 70 percent of adults do not have any school-age children, and partly because the public seems to want a far more active relationship with…

This book provides guidance for school-board members who wish to enhance their effectiveness. It is structured around two central questions: What does an effective school board look like? and How can a board, with the support of its superintendent and community, become more effective? Part 1 describes the issues facing school boards and the major…

Being cooperative and reasonably straightforward in helping the media cover school news will help in getting well-informed, balanced coverage. Specific advice is offered, including suggestions on how to be more effective during news conferences and interviews. (MLF)

Suggests that school boards use lawyers both as general counsel for day-to-day advice and as special attorneys to handle litigation. Presents guidelines on attorney hiring and discusses attorney characteristics, meeting attendance, law firm size, fee schedules, communications with the board, and courtroom experience. (RW)