The demographics and educational needs of individual states are far too varied to identify any single preferred structure of educational governance. What matters is quality of leadership. Ideally state board of education members should possess integrity combined with decision-making and teamwork skills. The board should engage important stakeholders and the general public, granting as much autonomy as possible to the lowest possible level, as long as essential governance responsibilities are maintained through reliable methods of accountability. Neither the status quo nor narrow political factions should be in charge. All points of view should be honestly brought forward to be investigated, evaluated, and calmly debated. Relevant research findings and innovative ideas should be considered. The merits and potential consequences of proposed policies should be carefully considered. Decisions should be reached through a fair process that balances competing interests while offering solutions that are more than quick fixes or shortsighted tinkering. Board members should look at the whole picture and work to establish steady nonpartisan leadership. The contextual, educational, interpersonal, analytical, political, and strategic dimensions form the six competencies of effective boards. Education governance in all states is summarized in chart format. The current four models of state governance are described. (RKJ)