This booklet is intended to provide new school board members with the background and basic information they need to perform their tasks successfully. It attempts to convey a broad understanding of the board member's role, including its scope, limitations, responsibilities, potential pitfalls, and opportunities. Various chapters discuss the organizational and interpersonal dynamics of school boards, crisis management, budgeting and educational finance, students and the school environment, employee relations and personnel matters, and educational policy. (Author/JG)