Chapter 12 of a revised volume on school leadership, this chapter discusses ways for administrators to enlist community support through coalition-building. To counter insufficient tax revenues and citizen apathy, today's administrator must be a political strategist adept at identifying and recruiting potential school allies and helping divergent groups work collaboratively. Coalitions are variously named (partnerships, local education funds, alliances, or foundations) and serve many purposes. Coalitions may embrace a broad-based school improvement effort or attempt to accomplish specific objectives (such as passing a tax measure) or manage particular projects (such as an antidrug program). Coalitions may be formally constituted (like local education funds in urban areas) or informally organized to enlist school suport by targeting a specific community sector through networking activities. Initiators of coalitions may be school district officials or community leaders. If the district assumes the initiative, then it will have a major role in shaping the coalition. Chapter sections on initiating and operating a coalition and obtaining the support of key groups (parents, the power structure, local businesses, the school board, and other groups) are aimed at school leaders assuming the coalition-building initiative. (MLH)