""A remarkable tool for educators and communities. We are fortunate that a very effective former superintendent and successful business person are willing to share their quest for ensuring that all students are well prepared for their futures.""-June St. Clair Atkinson, State SuperintendentNorth Carolina Department of Public Instruction

""Blends business principles with excellent leadership in one of America's largest school districts to create a model for achieving excellence in school districts everywhere. This is a well-written, practical illustration of how a leader makes things happen.""-Larry Price, SuperintendentWilson County Schools, NC

"Learn how school districts can go from average to outstanding!"

The challenge of preparing children and youth for success in the 21st century requires improvement in the business of education. This unique resource provides an inside account of how one of the nation's largest school districts made significant gains in student achievement and school performance over a ten-year period to become a shining example of success.

Award-winning superintendent Bill McNeal and successful businessman/school board member Tom Oxholm show readers how they established a partnership to help students meet grade-level expectations and support schools in closing achievement gaps. Through the authors' experience and tips, readers will discover how to facilitate: Improved educational outcomes, especially among minority populationsProgressive instructional leadershipFiscal responsibility and efficient allocation of resourcesStronger school-community relationships

Rich in examples, case studies, and data, "A School District's Journey to Excellence "is amuch-needed map to excellence in public education.

Written by an award winning superintendent and a successful educator and business person, this book is about courage, heart, brains and home-four assets that are essential to effective education. Educational leaders must have the courage to do the right thing, open their hearts to care for others, use their brains to continuously improve, and promote caring and nurturing homes.A School District's Journey to Excellence shows educators how to become adept at employing these four assets along with appropriate practices to successfully educate public school children. The authors help superintendents, school leaders, school boards, and their constituencies understand the importance of implementing new methods and illustrate how to facilitate: Increased student achievement Progressive instructional leadership Better use of precious resources Strong school-community and school-business relationships

Readers will find a realistic perspective on the best practices that work inside schools and how school boards and the greater community can best collaborate with school leaders to serve our children. Filled with sound educational and business practices, rich examples, cases, and data, this book will become a critical how-to manual to foster productive school change.