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)

School boards are woefully unprepared to deal with "make or buy" issues, due to massive union efforts to eliminate or restrict board freedom to contract for services. Teachers neither understand nor support a market economy. School boards' contracting out ability will not be secure until favorable legislative options are considered and…

Explores the advantages and disadvantages to school districts of running a self-sustaining school lunch program or using an outside food services contractor. (MLF)

The project manager for Educational Alternatives, Inc. (EAI) and the Hartford Public Schools summarizes the relationship between the two organizations; lists questions that an administrator should ask when considering purchasing services, and how EAI would have answered them; and describes lessons learned. (MLF)

Presents a chronological history of the conflict between the Wilkinsburg, Pennsylvania, teachers' union and the school board. The board hired Alternative Public Schools, Inc, to manage Turner Elementary Schools and gave the company permission to hire a new staff at Turner. The state supreme court has ruled in favor of the school district. (MLF)

Discusses school administrators' legal-affairs management responsibilities regarding legal advice, law versus ethics, and sources of law. Suggests strategies for retaining and managing legal counsel and avoiding situations involving litigation, torts, and conflict resolution. Explains general counsel services; outlines education,…