"Ask the Staff" is a feature that appears regularly in The Illinois School Board Journal consisting of school board questions answered by members of the IASB staff.

Every article published since July 2000 is posted here by title and date of publication.

If you have a question for consideration, please submit it to the Editor, Illinois School Board Journal, 2921 Baker Drive, Springfield, IL, 62703. You may also fax it to 217.528-2831 or email your question to ldawson@iasb.com.

Answers will be provided by IASB staff members most qualified to address each specific question. Not all questions may warrant an article; however, every question will be answered.

Note: Ask the Staff is not a substitute for legal advice; rather answers provide general guidelines for governance, policy and rules affecting school boards and their procedures. Please consult your school attorney for specific legal guidance.

• IASB tries to match JAC housing requests -- May-June, 2008
• Is a 'second' required following a motion? -- March-April, 2008
• Laws will necessitate changes in bus policy -- January-February, 2008
• Thumbs up or down, law requires biometrics policy -- November-December, 2007
• Web traffic drives IASB.com redesign -- September-October, 2007
• Panels for secretaries grew out of requests -- July-August, 2007
• When talking money, simplify the messages -- May-June, 2007
• Remote communication's easy, but heed restrictions -- March-April, 2007
• Resource Center offers ways to find out more -- January-February, 2007
• Axioms highlight effective behavior -- November-December, 2006
• Bonding a treasurer helps protect funds -- September-October, 2006
• Ensuring a full slate for board elections -- July-August, 2006
• In employment, some questions are illegal -- May-June, 2006
• Use different tactics for different groups -- March-April, 2006
• Boards can take lead on achievement goals -- January-February, 2006
• Conference expenses need documentation -- November-December, 2005
• Replacement process can be hassle free -- July-August, 2005
• 'Fair' may be 'good,' 'equal' impractical -- May-June, 2005
• Craft a 'dashboard' to meet board goals -- March-April, 2005
• IASB online courses offer new way to learn -- January-February, 2005
• Why the controversey over tort fund levies? -- November-December, 2004
• Political activities and gifts face tougher scrutiny -- September-October, 2004
• Desire to unseat may overlook real issues -- May-June, 2004
• Questions determine if retreat is 'open' -- January-February, 2004
• School boards should prepare for verbatim recording -- November-December, 2003
• Board policy or resolution: What's the difference? -- September-October, 2003
• Typical costs can help boards budget -- July-August, 2003
• Board work includes few 'means' decisions -- May-June, 2003
• District Employment could create problems -- March-April, 2003
• Should the school board share authority with the union? -- January-February, 2003
• Meeting closures must follow legal exceptions -- November-December, 2002
• Speaking 'ends' helps clarify board, superintendent roles -- September-October, 2002
• "Governing by policy" defines board work -- July-August, 2002
• Student status, past practice answer graduation dilemma -- May-June, 2002
• Trust, strategy help to implement change -- March-April, 2002
• Committees will trigger Open Meetings Act -- January-February, 2002
• Technology helps manage policy -- September-October, 2001
• Educators, boards must drive school reform -- July-August, 2001
• Random testing of entire staff would violate their privacy -- May-June, 2001
• Effective board meetings begin communications link -- March-April, 2001
• Straying from agenda invites peril -- January-February, 2001
• A dual perspective of school board work -- September-October, 2000
• Getting the straight scoop from the superintendent -- July-August, 2000