While others form committees, do research, and write legislation to address the appalling Hispanic dropout problem, Joe Sandoval, principal of Denver's North High School, performs search-and-rescue missions to reclaim missing students. Recognizing economic realities, he and his staff visit students' homes with offers of academic help, flexible scheduling, counseling, and career training. Dropouts have shrunk from 560 to 170 in just two years. (MLH)