Lists 13 skills to make success for board members more likely, including skills in obtaining information; building coalitions; establishing school district goals; evaluating the superintendent, school operations, and the board itself; differentiating between the roles of the board and the superintendent; and judging personnel issues. (Author/JM)

If a school board member with teacher union sympathies is leaking critical information to the union during bargaining, changes in negotiations procedures must be made to prevent the spy from being privy to confidential information. (Author/JM)

Guiding principles to help new school board members perform effective board service include being team players and remembering that their prime function is policy making, not administration. (MLF)

Based on in-depth interviews with 26 school board members and 18 superintendents, the working styles of board members can be classified into three distinct types: (1) passive acquiescent; (2) restive vigilant; and (3) proactive supportive. (MLF)

A telephone survey of school superintendents in Newfoundland (Labrador) found that 13 of 14 school districts had adopted sexual harassment policies. However, none of the policies contained all elements required to constitute a comprehensive policy; few procedures existed for informing new or current personnel of sexual harassment policies; and…

One of the biggest errors that boards of education make in collective bargaining concerns the selection of their bargaining team. A negotiator should be used who knows labor law, understands the educational process and its common practices, and is knowledgeable about school law. In addition to the negotiator, who should be the spokesman, the…

Interest in preschool programs appears to be increasing, but the experts continue to disagree over the value of such programs. This review of recent developments accomplishes the following: (1) looks at the popular acceptance of a school-sponsored, universal, voluntary, free, prekindergarten program in South Tama County, Iowa; (2) notes research…

The roles and responsibilities of school boards and superintendents are different, but linked. School boards are primarily concerned with establishing policy and representing the educational interests of district constituents. Superintendents are charged with translating policies into administrative practice and with providing professional…

Private school governing boards and their relationship with school heads are discussed in this booklet. Based on his experiences as a board member, the author counsels on the size of the board, selection of board members, length of membership, and board election. Specific advice is offered about the conduct of meetings. Other chapters outline the…

Constructive strategies to pursue in cases of opposition to an established school board policy include the following: (1) persuade colleagues to consult with the board attorney; (2) share sources of information; (3) confine comments to the issues; (4) ask tough questions; and (5) work to get better board members. (MLF)

Lack of public attendance at school board meetings could indicate public trust in the board. But to be sure that board meetings are running most efficiently, seven essential questions must be answered. (JW)

A superintendent's contract should be individually designed and negotiated; however, necessary characteristics are suggested in the areas of duration, certification and responsibilities, compensation, vacation and fringe benefits, liability and indemnification, medical examination, evaluation, renewal and nonrenewal, termination, and a…

Outlines ten steps that could be incorporated into training efforts to help new board members learn the ins and outs of school business. (WD)

Outlines some courses of action open to school boards of "broke" districts when they participate in collective bargaining. (IRT)

Research suggests four different metaphors of schools as organizations: (1) factory; (2) family; (3) jungle; and (4) cathedral. Each implies a leadership role and an ethical responsibility for board members. Integrating all four images might help provide a better map of the board's governance task and improve the board's ability to make wise…