This case of district turnover was developed as part of a project with state leaders and funders supporting local early education systems development. Understanding strategic and reactive activities during district leadership transition can be useful in assisting educators and their partners to prepare for sustainability. In this case, early education efforts supported by a district-community partnership, Childhood Advancing Partnership (CAP), were threatened by turnover of many central administration positions at the same time, shortly before an economic downturn. Due to strategic planning, hiring a supportive new superintendent, and organizing community support, the partnership with CAP was sustained across transitions within the district.