Board members in smaller districts need to overcome their fear, distrust, and indifference toward written board policies long enough to adopt policies in certain crucial areas. (Author/IRT)

Argues that policies with ideas to develop the talents of people deserve more board time and energy than policies prescribing ways to handle things or to manage noneducational operations. (Author/JF)

This paper discusses the public relations problem facing school boards and suggests board action to alleviate these problems. The author emphasizes that one of the most critical instruments of public relations is the board meeting. To improve board meetings as mediums of public relations, the author suggests (1) improving procedures for handling…

The author provides an overview of the responsibilities of a school board member. Beginning with a view of the origins and constraints of the board's authority--federal and state law and, increasingly, court decisions--the author examines the board member's responsibilities in the areas of directing the educational system, making decisions that…