When a board member starts pushing an agenda different from the rest of the board and appears personally or emotionally involved in the matter, a superintendent can be put in a very difficult position, impairing the discharge of one's duties and responsibilities. From early on, board members need to be reminded that unlike almost every other elected official, including the U.S. presidency, a member of Congress and the town councilor, there is no singular term for a member of a board of education. They are one member of a board of education. Board members have no individual authority and when they approach you to do something for them it is important not to succumb. This article provides examples of what happens when school board members put their own interests before those of the board of education, as well as helpful suggestions for handling these situations such as bringing new board members in for one-on-one conversations early-on to establish rapport and to giving them ideas about how they should approach issues in the community. The author suggests asking them about their concerns and issues and helping to explain how they can address them as board members. It is better to be seen as a team member and an ally than an impediment to their goals. Board members need to understand there is a district vision that guides and governs the district and your decision making.