This handbook, the successor to the original published in 1973, is designed to help boards of trustees and administrators strengthen both their internal and external communications programs. Key points to be considered by each school board as it develops its own communication program and specific job requirements are outlined. A four-step communication developmental process is presented that includes commitment, assessment, master plan, and responsibility. The characteristics of newspapers and radio-television are discussed in a section about the news media. Some successful Texas community-school district rapport measures are summarized, as are some techniques that have worked in communicating with special audiences--minority group parents, parents of handicapped children, and parents of disadvantaged children. In the final section are workable ideas and the steps necessary to bring them about. Included are how to pass a bond issue, communicating with community newcomers, and crisis communication. The appendices contain examples from Texas school districts of subjects covered in the text--policy statements, job descriptions, an administrative outline for a community survey, and condensed case studies of successful community involvement techniques. (Author/MLF)