This study, proposed by the West Virginia School Boards Association at the request of the West Virginia Legislature's Oversight Committee was designed to examine the kinds of decisions and nature of actions of local school boards in West Virginia between July 1985 and July 1990. A qualitative research design consisting of emergent category analysis of the minutes of local school board meetings identified commonalities in decisions made and actions taken. A random sample of the minutes of two meetings by each of 55 school boards was conducted (n=110). Findings indicate that financial and personnel issue were the first and second most frequent areas of decision-making. Since 26.6% of all decisions concerned financial matters, especially Budget Supplement and Transfer decisions, it was recommended that school boards and superintendents receive training in budgeting and planning, both long and short term. It was further recommended that public interaction/presentation at meetings be encouraged and that boards receive training in school/community relations. In addition, it was recommended that boards: received training on policy creation and oversight and in the consent agenda process. (23 references) (LMI)