During the past several years, school systems have implemented a variety of organizational improvement initiatives, such as Six Sigma, Balanced Scorecards, Baldrige Criteria, activity-based costing, and managing for results. Unfortunately, evidence of sustained success is fleeting as school districts remain trapped in a time warp of command, compliance, and control. Generally, staff members work harder instead of smarter. One strategy that district leaders should champion and build a supportive culture around is performance management. Performance management uses data to change the organizational management model from a culture of compliance and control to one of learning and continuous improvement. An effective performance management process also uses collaboration, trust, and information sharing to reinforce district-level accountability for key objectives that support school and student progress. The author stresses that the success of today's school districts depends on a culture that promotes performance management.