Reform efforts require stakeholder support, but more importantly, a strong leader to see them through. In this article, the author addresses the importance of strong leadership and the role of principals in effecting change. He describes the success story of Harborside Elementary School in Chula Vista, California as one of a growing group of high-poverty, high-achieving schools in the nation. Harborside also serves as a model for how low-performing schools can quickly turn around when the district, school leadership, and teaching staff are all equally focused and committed to the same goals.