Fewer women than men serve on local school boards despite the fact that female volunteers in schools outnumber male volunteers. This paper presents findings of a study that explored the barriers and facilitators to women's participation on school boards, as well as women's motivations. Data were obtained from four focus groups composed of 7-10 women each, distinguished by their different levels of involvement in the school system. The most involved group included women with actual school-board experience, and the least involved group included women who did not volunteer at schools. Indepth interviews were conducted with one woman from each focus group. All groups shared a similar motivation for running for office--the desire to make a difference in the educational system. Barriers to participation included lack of self-confidence, fear of not being taken seriously, socioeconomic factors, and the presence of young children at home. Women most likely to seek school-board office had high levels of self-esteem and personal efficacy, a family income over $50,000, older children, and previous volunteer experience; they were also between 35 and 44 years of age, well educated with college experience, dissatisfied with the education system, and not employed full-time outside the home. Three figures and the interview guide, and individual interview questions are included. (Contains 27 references.) (LMI)