This paper identifies three steps to effect change in a school district: assessing educational needs, involving staff and community, and providing vehicles for change to take place. This framework is then used to describe programs implemented in Georgia's Clarke County School District. The district needs assessment is described as involving community residents, university and school district staff members, and the school board. The author lists a number of pitfalls to avoid in needs assessment, including committee leadership that is either too weak or too strong and people who have an ax to grind. In discussing the involvement of staff and community in effecting change, the author lists district programs including parents and community members--especially senior citizens. For example, volunteers are used to call parents of absentees and were used to set up a teen health curriculum. Community organizations also work with the school district in such areas as drug education and cultural affairs. Community members teach "minilessons" on many topics. In the concluding section on vehicles for change, the author mentions three modes for effecting change in the district: the District Curriculum Council, the cooperative plan for staff development, and parent advisory and volunteer groups. (Author/JM)