The organization and responsibilities of trustees of independent schools has changed and increased greatly over the last decade. The first chapter gives a summary of independent school trusteeship that may aid in the orientation of new trustees. The five concepts of trusteeship are discussed: ethos, change, partnership, leadership, and volunteer service. Chapter 2 breaks down the board organization and describes the duties of officers and committees, particularly, board size, board composition, board meetings, and trustee selection, orientation, and evaluation. The third chapter describes the board's responsibility for the establishment of the school's mission, formation of board policy, assessment of the school's performance, financial management, and development and fund raising activities. Chapter 4 focuses on the role of the head of the school and the relationship between board and head. Chapter 5 deals with the search process made by the board in the selection of the new head of school. Sample board chair and head evaluation forms are appended. (SI)