Compares a 1970s-era Canadian high school's failure to sustain its innovative character with challenges faced by a similar, recently founded high school. Both schools experienced problems with leadership succession, staff recruitment and retention, expanding enrollments, district and policy context, and community support. Recommendations are…

During the 1990s, the school has become the center of blame. Policymakers seem more interested in identifying failing schools than celebrating successes. This paper uses case-study research on a once-innovative Ontario high school to show that "deadwood" schools do not kill themselves, but need outsiders' help. (42 references) (MLH)

Presents a historical case study of a once-innovative Canadian high school that, 25 years later, has "evolved" into a conventional secondary school. There is a predictable historical pattern that this and other innovative schools generally follow. Early indications of attrition may prevent further erosion of a school's vision. (79…