This article features Christopher Steinhauser, superintendent of the Long Beach Unified School District (LBUSD), and his contributions to the district. Steinhauser, who himself attended the city's public schools and California State University at Long Beach and has worked for the district in various capacities over the past 27 years, fits right in. He says he understood the culture of Long Beach's community very well. But Steinhauser has also shown that he understands what it takes to turn around struggling schools and to elevate student achievement, so much so that LBUSD has garnered national attention. In 2003 the district won the vaunted Broad Prize--$500,000 in college scholarships for graduating seniors--as the nation's best urban school system. Last spring LBUSD was named one of four Broad finalists (New York City won the grand prize) and earned another $125,000 in scholarships, as well as high praise.