Every superintendent eventually has to deal with "The Bomb." This refers to a loaded question from a board member dropped at an inopportune moment in a public meeting when the superintendent has been given no time to prepare an informed response. The superintendent's typical reactions include the "deer in the headlights" look, a big gulp or even a projectile fired back--a pencil, pen or laptop computer--whatever is in reach. None of these responses is appropriate, although most superintendents would love to do the latter. Most board members take their decision-making role seriously. Nothing is worse than a board member who thinks the superintendent is either trying to mislead using the "Mushroom Theory" (feed them manure and keep them in the dark) or not telling the whole story. The superintendent has to trust the board to look at all the data and make a good decision. This article discusses how to deal with these types of situations in the workplace.