School boards spend almost 500 billion in taxpayer provided funds they employ more than 6 million people offering pensions and lifetime health benefits that have helped build the obligation that has put state governments in fiscal peril this book lifts the veil of obscurity from school boards. Local school boards hold sway over 13862 separate districts in america many other nations have national systems of education while local school boards are often described as bulwarks of democracy and providing more responsive and efficient services author maeroff suspects that theyve become as outmoded as the privately owned pharmacy on the corner. Up to 90 off textbooks at amazon canada plus free two day shipping for six months when you sign up for amazon prime for students. Gene maeroff school boards in america a flawed exercise in democracy new york ny palgrave macmillan december 2010 daniela was the development manager and policy analyst for the fordham institute