This publication describes a collaboration, known as the DC Education Compact. Hundreds of volunteers, parents, residents, youth, business leaders, teachers, principals, public officials, and university leaders were invited to put aside "personal, parochial, and political interests" to "ensure that the District of Columbia schools provide excellent student learning and achievement for all children." It is this work that lays a new, stronger foundation for efforts to improve outcomes for students. It is the work of the DC Education Compact, that has established the basis for the strategic plan described and, the commitment to move it forward. The plan is guided by three core values: (1) Each and every student will learn; (2) Adults--staff and community--are mutually accountable for providing students with quality opportunities to learn and for modeling responsible behavior; and (3) Actions matter most, as a testament to effective implementation and steady progress toward the goals. The plan is organized around three goals, each with strategic priorities that will guide the Education Compact's work in the coming years: (1) Improve teaching and learning in every classroom in every school; (2) Provide more efficient management and operations systems to support teachers and students; and (3) Create a culture of increased transparency, open communications and expanded opportunities for involvement. The next step is to build an implementation plan in partnership with educators, the DC Education Compact, and many new partners.