The role of the school board and strategies for collective bargaining are described in this guide. Section 1 describes the development of a board philosophy, including techniques and imperatives for the collective bargaining table. The second section examines the school board role in negotiations, with a focus on its role in labor relations and discipline at the bargaining table. Appropriate board responses to pressure tactics are discussed in the third section, with an analysis of types of pressure tactics, and responses to strike activity are presented in the fourth section. Section 5 describes the board's operational philosophy, including maintaining academic standards, improving teaching, management, accountability, and creating partnerships. The sixth part discusses development of an operational program, specifically ways to finance an instructional program. Formulating a bargaining team proposal is presented in the final section, including suggestions for the composition of the bargaining team, planning process, and cost. Thirty-one advanced collective bargaining strategies are offered. (LMI)