Through research, data collection, and analysis, this descriptive project examined rural Missouri school board governance practices. The study focused on Missouri rural schools with a student population of 400 to 1000. Effective school board members, as questionnaire respondents, were identified as having served rural Missouri school districts earning the Distinction in Performance award a minimum of once between the 2005 to 2008 school years. Data were gathered around the following governance practices: vision, student achievement, school board governance, school board and superintendent relations, working with the culture, professional development, and team development. The project identified the following list of board practices from the literature and data gathered, not as an inclusive list of board practices, but rather as a guide to better assist Missouri rural school board members. The following governance practices for school boards were identified through the data analysis as strong governance practices: (1) A shared vision was established by the local board of education and is understood by faculty and staff; (2) Open and honest school board and superintendent relations; (3) Governance and team development is essential; (4) Student achievement, as identified as a major component, is established by the local board of education; (5) Community involvement and community support is essential; (6) School boards implement a process to recognize excellence in teachers, staff, and students; (7) Professional development opportunities are available for district staff and school board members with a focus on increasing student performance; (8) Conflict resolution procedures are in place; (9) Community and staff needs assessments are collected to assist in the decision making process. [The dissertation citations contained here are published with the permission of ProQuest LLC. Further reproduction is prohibited without permission. Copies of dissertations may be obtained by Telephone (800) 1-800-521-0600. Web page: http://www.proquest.com/en-US/products/dissertations/individuals.shtml.]