The research on effective schools has identified the superintendent's role as critical in the success of school improvement efforts. The New Brunswick school improvement program is featured as an example of a successful program. In 1980 the New Brunswick school system selected a new superintendent who faced a district with myriad problems including: poor self-image, low student test scores, disjointed central office leadership, community unrest, and poor communication. During the first year the superintendent set up a Department of Curriculum and Instruction; phased out the junior high; and took steps to increase communication between the school, community, and parents. In 1981 the school system and Research for Better Schools (RBS), Inc. reached an agreement to develop Achievement Directed Leadership (ADL) as a tool for change in the district. A detailed plan was designed to implement the program. The leadership of the superintendent was crucial in establishing the program, which included extensive staff development training in the methods of ADL. The outcome of the collaborative effort of the RBS and the New Brunswick public schools is impressive. The district has improved dramatically at all levels in a relatively short period of time. Included are tables reflecting student improvement in test scores, and the timetable used for the improvement program. Also included is a bibliography. (MD)