This book provides guidance for school-board members who wish to enhance their effectiveness. It is structured around two central questions: What does an effective school board look like? and How can a board, with the support of its superintendent and community, become more effective? Part 1 describes the issues facing school boards and the major reasons school boards fail. It outlines the decision-making process, shares the opinions of interviewees who describe a shared respect for the contributions of each board member, presents board members speaking of their effective activities in the context of the superintendent's recommendations, cites board members' actions in maintaining a multifaceted relationship with the community, presents interviewees discussing activities that help new members understand their responsibilities, and relates board members' presentation of issues that are central to helping children learn. Part 2 demonstrates what steps boards can take to become more effective. It discusses how boards can best use the superintendent and the information that they receive. The text builds the case for board development, showing why boards should spend time and money for reflection and self-improvement. Finally, it describes various steps to board development that are based on a model of school-board effectiveness. (RJM)