This essay suggests a more precise set of definitions for the terms used to describe adminis­trative issues in situations where Indian bands operate schools on reserves. Referring to other critical literature and to experience in order to critique the federal government's claims about the locus of control in band-operated schools, the author suggests that primari­ly because of fiscal policy constraints, in most cases that are said to be band "controlled," control is in fact retained by the federal government: band councils simply administer federal government policy, and band education committees only advise. A first step toward a remedy is suggested, the articulation by the band of formal, written, and specific educa­tional policy.