This book gives attention to governance structures and the allocation of power in school systems. It argues for radical changes, such as abolishing boards of education, that would give parents, teachers, and the community greater voice in educational policy decisions. For schools to change, not only must a new governance structure replace the old, it must also confront and answer the questions: Governance for what educational purpose? What should be the single, overarching purpose upon which all other purposes depend? The book begins with an explanation of the political principle, which holds that all people should have a voice in decisions that affect them. The most important ingredients are trust and respect among all involved parties. Recommendations are offered for a new governance structure at the local and state levels. Three foci of the book include: (1) the moral, conceptual, and practical significance of the political process; (2) a rationale for abolishing the existing governance structure of school systems; and (3) a discussion of what is the most important purpose by which schools should be judged. (LMI)