This research study examined creating and implementing a district-level strategic plan called the PROMISE to provide and tell its story. In June of 2014, the Palmdale School District Board Members directed the superintendent to create a new strategic plan to set a new direction and purpose for the school district. PROMISE was selected for this study to tell its story. The district leadership strongly believed in developing a comprehensive plan with a new vision, mission, values, beliefs, and strategic goals that would turn around the district and impact academic achievement. First, the researcher reviewed federal education reforms from the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 to Every Student Succeeds Act of 2015 (ESSA). Second, the study examined what researchers described as change methods and strategies. Third, the study presented a description of transformational leadership. Finally, the study reviewed essential theoretical frameworks that guided how to interpreted the data. The study used several qualitative methods to gather data, including Zoom interviews, surveys, observations, and document reviews. The researcher used in vivo coding (Saldana, 2016). In addition, the study used Tesch's Eight Steps in the Coding Process to analyze the data (Tesch, 1990). Finally, the study used an inductive and deductive coding approach for the qualitative data analysis. The primary purpose for using Fullan's Theory of Action for System Change was to discover how well PROMISE aligned with Fullan's theoretical framework. PROMISE aligned exceptionally well with Fullan's Theory of Action. However, more studies need to be conducted on district-level turnaround models and whole-system strategic planning. [The dissertation citations contained here are published with the permission of ProQuest LLC. Further reproduction is prohibited without permission. Copies of dissertations may be obtained by Telephone (800) 1-800-521-0600. Web page: http://www.proquest.com/en-US/products/dissertations/individuals.shtml.]