This article presents a protocol change leaders can use to navigate whole-system change in their school districts. The information describing the protocol will help change leaders in school districts and policymakers interested in whole-district change answer the question, "How do we transform our entire school system"? The protocol is called Step-Up-To-Excellence (SUTE; Duffy, 2002, 2003, 2004a, 2004b, 2004c). Every time SUTE is presented to an audience there is at least one person who calls out some "yes, buts"--statements questioning whether the protocol is practical, do-able, or valid. Three "yes, buts" that are frequently heard and responses to them are found near the end of this article.