The role of the local school board in delivering quality education is examined in this booklet, which provides a set of expectations and principles for drastic change in the role and operation of school boards. Now that fundamental, systemic change is being called for, the performance of school boards is under greater scrutiny. Following the preface and introduction, chapter 1 analyzes national trends in changes external to schooling and new demands placed upon schools and their boards by business and other leadership sectors. The interrelationships between education and other children's services for children's success are also explored. Chapter 2 examines reform strategies of the 1980s, particularly those implemented by Kentucky and Chicago. The major theme of these reforms was the intensification of the existing system rather than restructuring. Chapter 3 discusses state-local relations, and the fourth chapter presents governance lessons from Canada, Great Britain, and Japan. The fifth chapter presents findings of a survey conducted from 1988-90 of 266 school boards from 16 states. Superintendents from 128 of the districts completed a questionnaire. The results indicate that local boards are weakest in the areas necessary for effectiveness in changed school systems. Chapter 6 offers conclusions and recommendations for improving board performance and endorses state action that changes the roles and responsibilities of local boards. One figure, 15 tables, and chapter endnotes are included. (Contains 61 references.) (LMI)