School board members with concerns for success benefit the entire school district. An ambiguity between administration and policy-making necessitates a clarification of the role of the school board. The board should care about the quality of education and the district, recognize the increasing complexity of education, and represent the goals of public education. In the state of Washington, a survey was administered to 750 board members to assess their most successful experiences as school board members and to determine how they thought superintendents could make board members more successful. Among the 249 respondents' successful school board experiences were board cooperation, the selection of an effective superintendent, involvement in building programs, solving personal problems, passing a school levy, instigating new curricula, increasing community input, and improving school financial methods. Responses regarding how superintendents can make board members more successful included keeping the board informed; working openly with the board; conducting orientation sessions for the board; keeping up with budget conditions, state laws, and legislation; encouraging board members to attend conferences; demonstrating appreciation for the board's efforts; and involving the board in the establishment of goals. Twenty-three footnotes are attached. (RG)