Few researchers support the belief that a school superintendent can drive improvements in student achievement. The Science and Mathematics Achievement Required for Tomorrow (SMART) Consortium was formed in northeast Ohio in 1998 with the belief that superintendents can have a measurable effect on student learning. The goal of this collaboration was to promote continuous improvement in mathematics and science achievement. The consortium's urban constituency ranged in size from 4,000 to 76,500. SMART superintendents led and supported the initiatives in which principals and teachers participated. Superintendent commitment and support empowered teachers to risk change and provided them with effective teaching tools and methods. (Contains 3 figures.)