A composite guidebook covers the collective wisdom and teachings of local school governance. From goal-setting to policy making to board-superintendent relations, this publication places in one complete resource information available to the new and the veteran school board member. Although specifically directed to Pennsylvania board members, the guidebook contains information applicable for board members in other states. Included in this publication are materials from a variety of Pennsylvania School Boards Association (PSBA) publications and self-development articles. The following eight chapters take the individual board member through a variety of basic duties and responsibilities, plus proven tenets of board leadership: (1) welcome aboard; (2) planning, policy making and evaluating; (3) operating effective meetings; (4) making informed decisions; (5) board-superintendent relationships; (6) school boards and collective bargaining; (7) finances and budgets; and (8) communicating with your publics. In addition, a concluding section offers self-development resources for the individual board members in effective public speaking and writing to be understood. (MLF)