This paper contains two sections, each with a different author, that address the need to increase the effective role of school boards in public school governance. Section 1, by David K. Wiles, argues that most school boards are becoming increasingly irrelevant in educational policymaking and offers a radical alternative to the present arrangement that would counteract this trend. Section 2, by Houston Conley, suggests a training program for school board members that would improve their political and administrative skills and enable them to meet the demands of modern education and respond better to the needs of their constituents. (JG)