The reality of acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) and AIDS-related diseases is a matter of great concern to school personnel. Because no evidence that AIDS is spread through casual contact exists, most authorities assert that school and daycare situations do not pose a threat for transmission of the disease. To determine the views of school administrators and teachers concerning AIDS and the related issues that affect the operation and management of public schools and to provide a basis for organizational planning, staff develop activities, and community related programs, questionnaires were mailed to 100 building level administrators and 100 teachers employed in rural mid-Tennessee public schools. The results indicate that both administrators and teachers: (1) felt uncomfortable with their current level of AIDS knowledge; (2) thought that students and personnel would be at risk with AIDS-infected persons in schools; and (3) objected to AIDS-diagnosed personnel or students attending school. Accurate, research-based, and medically documented information is recommended to help dispel myths and to resolve the misunderstandings about AIDS. Elementary school health education classes are the logical place to introduce study about this serious health problem. (20 references) (KM)