In 1977 the Texas Education Agency (TEA) organized the Community Schools Advisory Panel (CSAP) because administrators of smaller school districts wanted regular opportunities to express their schools' views to TEA decision makers, especially the Commissioner of Education. CSAP consists of 14 representatives of Texas' 1,009 community schools (districts with only 1 high school) and 1 education service center director, who work with a TEA staff liaison person. As much as possible, CSAP membership reflects schools of all sizes from all parts of the state. Members serve for five years, with a rotation of three members every August. Members maintain contact with the school administrators they represent at regional inservice meetings during the year, through professional associations, and through informal networks. Regular spring and fall panel meetings are preceded by planning meetings, chaired by the Commissioner of Education, and include TEA presentations. Deliberation of issues is frank but friendly in an atmosphere of mutual respect. CSAP now has the opportunity to influence the climate in which community schools operate. TEA now takes advantage of available expertise and wins good will. CSAP has worked to the mutual benefit of TEA and the community schools of Texas. (SB)