Educators will find more than sixty strategies and reflections to help guide the success of any new or experienced school leader. Beginning with methods of assessing the organization's culture, the book expands on ways to empower staff, students, and community members to embrace change. It is filled with creative approaches that make more out of less, work with individuals from an asset model, and assess results. This book examines the process used by one Colorado school to achieve two, five-year visions and to change its image in the community. Once staff, students, parents, and community stakeholders "catch the vision," programs, people and resources are aligned to promote success. As a result, the school, once slated for the financial chopping block, effectively moved from potential closure to national recognition as an exemplary program. Like its unique programs, most of the visions strategies can be replicated and adapted to any organizational setting. For aspiring or veteran principals or school leaders.

"In this book he [Lamperes] describes how he and his faculty changed their school and shares strategies others can use to improve their own organizations....It [Making Change Happen] tells an inspiring success story and contains a wealth of good ideas and practices for anyone who cares about making schools better for students and those who teach them." - Nassp Bulletin

"...the principal explains how he fixed the school and...turned it into an award-winning jewel....Maybe his story will provide inspiration for your own fixer-upper." - American School Board Journal

"Bill Lamperes...was the principal of Centennial High School in Fort Collins, Colo., where he coordinated the successful transformation of a school on the brink of closing. His book is filled with practical lessons in direct leadership. New principals and central-office administrators will benefit especially from his specific references on how to court key people and develop professional relationships. Making Change Happen is a well-organized reference starting with the author's commitment to the task at Centennial and ending with his reflections on the cycles of vision and change." - School Administrator