Since 1992, Maine has received National Science Foundation Statewide Systemic Initiative (SSI) program monies. SSI is a model for improvement of mathematics and science education based on systemic reform. The SSI initiative in Maine has created seven "Beacon School" sites that vary in size and location including high poverty areas, urban areas, and rural areas. Each site is supported by a grant of $50,000 per year for 5 years plus two full-time on-site facilitators. In view of Maine's long history of local control of education, this study examined whether the SSI program influenced nine local school boards responsible for Beacon School sites to change policies, agendas, or behaviors. School board policy audits examined the adopted date of new or revised policies and analyzed current policies related to organizational structure, decision making, resources, professional development, and instruction. Secondly, a review of school board minutes from prior to project implementation through the first 2 project years examined what issues were addressed and what kind of decisions or actions took place. Data indicate that the SSI program impacted local policy makers as evidenced by a decrease in budget actions and an increase in personnel and academic/curriculum actions at board meetings; an increase in the number of policies adopted or revised related to communication, decision making, and instruction; and increased board interest and time spent discussing the Beacon project and systemic change. The findings suggest that school boards can be responsive to programs supportive of systemic change and that boards themselves, through their policy-setting mandates, can play a positive role in engendering systemic change. Includes data tables. (LP)