This handbook was written to help school boards conduct routine business meetings more efficiently, and thereby improve their ability to reach constructive decisions and solve problems. After a brief introduction, the first chapter focuses on organizing the new school board, electing officers, adopting policies, and appointing committees. The second chapter provides advice for planning the meeting and preparing the agenda, while the third focuses on optimum procedures for conducting the meeting. The fourth chapter outlines the duties and responsibilities of the board president, board members, superintendent, and school attorney. Chapter 5 is devoted to procedures for recording the meeting and preparing the minutes for distribution. Chapter 6 discusses the process of making and monitoring two types of school board decisions--policy and problem solving. The seventh chapter discusses methods for dealing with the public at board meetings and for handling complaints or criticisms. Similarly, chapter 8 focuses on dealing with the news media--working with reporters, preparing for news coverage, and handling interviews. The final chapter provides a checklist for evaluating the school board meeting. Appended are five short advisory articles written by members of the Illinois, Georgia, and Pennsylvania School Boards Associations, a quick reference for appropriate motions in various situations, and a suggested reading list for school board members. (TE)