Among the most rapidly progressing issues in American public education is that of contracting with private companies for teaching or administrative services. This booklet neither encourages nor discourages school boards from considering or entering into relationships with private companies for educational services. School districts usually enter into private contracts for educational services when they want to expand options for best serving the district. Contracts can be arranged to include a predetermined set of resources and accountability for predetermined results. The booklet offers information about contracting and reviews critical questions that must be addressed by school boards considering such options as privatization, the growing interest in contracting, the kinds of companies and products involved, factors to consider, evaluation criteria, steps for implementation, and necessary elements of the contract. (Contains 19 references.) (LMI)