Purpose: This article examines factors that affect school board policy making about student diversity within two southern urban-suburban school districts experiencing changing demographics: Jefferson County Public Schools and the Wake County Public School System. Both districts have a history of voluntary integration efforts, and research shows…

The new strategic paradigm of resource development described in this paper recognizes that there are a number of important resources, in addition to financial ones, that are important to support the mission and to achieve the vision of a nonprofit organization, such as a college or university. It acknowledges and utilizes board members, with…

The purpose of this study was to examine the decision-making processes of superintendents. Using a democratic lens and ethic of care, this researcher used a multiple case study design to examine two superintendents' perceptions of their processes. Analysis of interview data from the two cases showed that superintendents use a deliberative…

Holding closed sessions in school board meetings to reach major policy decisions is generally discouraged; but, school boards occasionally use this tactic if conflict and tension arise. Therefore, the questions of "how often does a Board of Education encounter conflict and tension" and "how is the decision made to schedule a closed session to…

A survey of boards on a regional basis reveals regional variations, not major differences. (Editor)

An interview with Janice Weaver, chairperson of the Educational Policy Center at Glassboro State College, New Jersey. Explores the meaning and significance of school board policy. (Author/JF)

A "trustee" means different things to different people. Some have suggested abolishing Boards of Trustees and handing all power to the students and faculty. Yet, if the University is to remain a center of learning and free inquiry, it will be easier to preserve this function with the support of a dedicated board of lay trustees. One responsibility…

Seventy trustees of various California library boards responded to a questionnaire designed to determine how the trustees viewed their duties, whether they agreed as to their responsibilities, what they felt were their main functions, and what was the division of responsibilities between the board and the library staff. The questionnaire data…

A trustee of long experience outlines 13 principles for trustee participation, concerning the trustee's role, relationships with others in leadership positions, and expectations. (MSE)

A 9-page curriculum for school boards. (Author)

Seven suggestions are provided to help superintendents plan and conduct more cohesive school board meetings: (1) research all proposals; (2) schedule time for discussion; (3) anticipate questions; (4) include background, rationale, and options for proposals; (5) present reports lucidly; (6) allow for independent exploration; and (7) follow up on…

The principal is no longer regarded merely as a middle manager. An effective board relationship should develop his leadership role. (WM)

A policy is a general statement of intent to act in a particular manner when confronted with a given situation or to achieve a given result in the future. Because policies ensure consistency and fairness, policy making is the most important function assigned to a governing board. Policies are not only the vehicle by which a board expresses and…

Intended as a guide for public library board members of the state of North Dakota, this manual provides basic information that all trustees should have and suggestions that will help them become more active and useful not only to their library and community but also to libraries and library services in the state. Subjects covered include goals,…