Offering long-range planning as a means of controlling educational problems and opportunities, this guide presents procedures for school district planning as well as relevant information concerning demographics, politics/finance, teaching staff, curriculum, computers/technology, and tomorrow's jobs. Among aspects of planning covered are background, ingredients of good planning, planning models, preparation for effective planning, community and staff involvement, setting goals, needs assessment, application of accurate information and assumptions, generating solutions, setting priorities, issues management, and formal aspects of the finished plan. The implications for planners of demographic trends--including enrollment projections, changes in student types, and increases in single-parent homes--are explored. A section on politics and finance emphasizes the necessity of improving the quality and image of public ecucation in order to maintain public support. Possible solutions to the problem of attracting and retaining capable teachers are offered and staff development policies outlined. A chapter underscoring the need for curriculum reform for higher academic achievement proposes that educational leaders set priorities for core curricula and suggests methods for curriculum review. Technological trends are discussed, and guidelines for integrating computers into educational programs and administration are provided. Educational implications of job projections are drawn. The text is illustrated with case studies throughout. (MJL)