This study aimed to better understand of the factors that contribute to and hinder parent participation in their child's school Governing Board [GB] using a values-costs perspective. By being a member in GB, parents can actively participate in the decision-making processes of their child's school. A sample of 3,250 parents (87% mothers; 515 GB members) completed an online questionnaire about their perceptions of GB participation. Results revealed that although parents uninvolved in GB perceived more costs than those who are involved, they nevertheless placed a high value on participation. Furthermore, the values-costs ratio is an important predictor of parents' intentions to participate in GB the following year. These findings have important implications for enhancing parents' involvement in school governance.