Public school boards and public education are increasingly under fire across the nation. Media coverage of current events and issues is often the main source of information for the public. Media portrayal of school boards and their operations is generally the only opportunity for the public to get information or to learn about what school boards discuss and what actions they take. Public opinion about school boards is based nearly entirely on this coverage. Therefore, the role of the media as it relates to portrayal of school boards is critical to the success of any school board. This study examines issue framing by print media outlets as related to the Wake County Public School Board over a period of fourteen years. In doing so, clear changes in language choices and tone are seen and tangentially tracked by election cycle and the candidates running for school board positions. By examining media coverage volume and tone of a typical, urban school district, this study informs all school boards about the possible effect of media coverage or media silence on their operations and success. It also serves as a reminder to school boards and other public boards of the necessity to work cooperatively with media while remaining vigilant of the different priorities for school boards. [The dissertation citations contained here are published with the permission of ProQuest LLC. Further reproduction is prohibited without permission. Copies of dissertations may be obtained by Telephone (800) 1-800-521-0600. Web page: http://www.proquest.com/en-US/products/dissertations/individuals.shtml.]