This guide to effective school board service is a "how-to" manual for school board members. The objective of the book is to condense the time board members need to become more effective school leaders, but it also contains information and advice intended to be helpful to experienced board members. Consisting of 17 chapters, the book is based on personal interviews with and surveys of school board members and school administrators. Included are many checklists, helpful hints, and illustrations designed for easy reading and understanding. The 17 chapters discuss getting on board, learning boardsmanship, board meetings, exercising board leadership, the board as decision maker, and boards and superintendents. Also covered are the board and the district staff, school boards and collective bargaining, the fundamentals of school finance, curriculum, and other matters (including transportation, food services, insurance, declining enrollment, use of facilities, and student discipline). The last three chapters discuss communication techniques, politics and the political process, and a board member's personal life (including time management, stress, and the benefits of board membership). (Author/JM)