Here is a Table of Contents for the September/October 2008 issue of Illinois School Board Journal. Highlighted articles are available here in full-text form. For other articles get in touch with:

IASB Publications
2921 Baker Drive
Springfield 62703
217/528-9688, extension 1131

• Keeping schools safe and secure
  by Shayne L. Aldridge
  Safety and security are big issues for school districts, and the board's policy role can provide a sound basis for good district climate and preparedness.

• Obligations changing for benefit programs
  by Stewart H. Diamond and Margaret Kostopulos
  Amendments to regulations that govern 403(b) benefit plans have changed the role school districts will play beginning in 2009.

• Former IASB leader still inspires students
  by Linda Dawson
  Howard "Bud" Thompson can now add "Lincolnland Legend" to his list of accomplishments.

• Collective bargaining: A philosophical update
  by Walter H. Warfield
  Differences of opinion during collective bargaining can serve as the anvil on which to forge improved relationships between the district and its employees.

• Plan on it! Being prepared is essential.
  by John Dively
  A number of resources are available to help districts with school safety and crisis management.

• How you can lock a schoolhouse gate
  by Phillip L. Jacobs Jr.
  A school board member with a security background shares tips on keeping "the wolf" outside the gate.

• MySpace, SchoolSpace: Is your computer safe?
  by Laura Hemmer
  As a school board, are you doing all that you can to protect students from Internet predators and cyberbullying?

• Safety should never be risky business
  by Howard Bultinck
  A retired superintendent shares how he always instilled "safety first" as a motto in his district.

• Is your E-image the real 'you'?
  by Donna McCaw
  Protecting your reputation on the Internet can be important when it comes to looking for your next job.

• Mailbag: Managed construction article brings memories

• Practical PR: It did happen to us, and we responded
  By Russ Fletcher and Tony Sanders

• Ask the staff: IASB to help district salute board members