This booklet examines the problem of gaining public support for the schools. It examines the leadership role of the school superintendent; discusses integrity, accountability, and decentalization; and explains some methods of building support among community leaders. The publication closes with a summary of the steps taken by the Dallas school…

Briefly discusses no-plan approach and linear approach to school district computer involvement and suggests contingency planning approach is better. Components of this approach--conducting situation audit of internal and external environments, generating within-district support, formulating district-wide policies, and developing an ongoing…

Establishing a marketing and public relations program to improve community perceptions of public schooling involves identifying community expectations, determining whether "inequalities of exchange" are occurring between the school and the community, gaining support of both students and staff, deciding what needs to be communicated to…

The passage of a bond issue in support of school building construction or renovation can be one of the most difficult activities for a rural school district. The process of getting a bond passed requires a delicate mix of public relations, community education, and consensus building. In this chapter, a superintendent in a rural district describes…

Beginning with a review of signs and signals of public attitudes toward American education over the last 15 years, this paper analyzes some concerns regarding public confidence in public schools. Following a brief introduction, issues involved in the definition and behavioral attributes of confidence are mentioned. A synopsis of three approaches…

Addressing the concerns and resources of small, rural school districts, this book sets out a rationale and model plan for school-community relations. After introductory material and a review of what's been done, the first major section lists and describes 10 criteria shown by research to be most important for a small school district community…