To explore themes previously identified among successful schools from the perspective of the school district, this report organizes its discussion of the nine themes developed by T.B. Corcoran and B.L. Wilson (1986) around the role of the central office administration and the ways in which it might cooperate with schools in supporting secondary school improvement. The themes, which emerged from Corcoran and Wilson's study of 571 schools included in the Secondary School Recognition Program, are presented to reflect the writers' interpretations. Anecdotes from interviews with selected central office staff and secondary school principals are included in discussions of the themes, as well as supplemental analysis. The themes, which portrayed the dynamics of successful schools, were derived from data on school characteristics, reports by site visitors, and reports by the schools on the factors contributing to their success. The nine themes defined and reviewed are as follows: (1) clear goals and core values; (2) leadership: (3) control and discretion; (4) solving problems and improving schools; (5) recognition and rewards for teaching; (6) high expectations and recognition of achievement; (7) student-teacher relationships; (8) school-community relations; and (9) good people and a good environment. The report offers concluding remarks with suggestions for decision-makers contemplating their district's role. Over 70 references are appended. (CJH)