This publication is a general overview of American school boards that explains how they function and why their continued operation is crucial to sustaining participatory and representative government. It comprises five chapters that cover the following topics: (1) a general summary of the significance of school board service; (2) the roles and responsibilities of school boards; (3) boardsmanship from the individual school board member's perspective; (4) the interaction between school boards and other governing boards in the community; and (5) a look at the current and future status of influences affecting the school board movement. An appendix lists resource organizations (12 entries) as well as resource materials (36 citations). The stated purpose of the publication is to increase citizens' understanding of school boards and the importance of local governance in education, and to encourage responsible citizens in communities across the nation to serve as members of their local school boards. (TE)