During the 1970's, school districts throughout the country have created alternative educational programs allowing students and parents to choose the appropriate educational structure and methodology that suit their individual needs. School boards who establish alternative schools must assess, plan, design, effect, and evaluate educational programs to meet the particular needs of local students. The purpose of this report is to assist school boards in these undertakings. Authors asked people recognized as knowledgeable and experienced in the field of nontraditional education programs to provide responses to the most persistent questions of school leaders about alternatives. The interview format allows the expression of a diversity of experiences, beliefs, and attitudes, rather than offering only one correct answer. Questions and answers center around setting goals for alternative schools, dealing with problems, initiating creative planning processes, estimating expenses, matching students with the options, evaluating alternatives, selecting and training staff, ensuring the survival of alternatives, and getting started. (Author/JM)