This report (1) describes a Nebraska school district's implementation of a central data processing capability and (2) summarizes study findings researched in cooperation with International Business Machines (IBM). In the mid-seventies, the district hired data processing personnel and introduced microcomputers into buildings; lack of standardization resulted in chaotic planning. An assistant to the superintendent for technology, hired in 1984, adopted IBM's cost-effective planning process that assists educational institutions--the Applications Transfer System (ATS). To take advantage of IBM's gratis provision of specialists, an administrator workshop reached consensus on goals for the ATS study. Goals identified methods for communication, training, and policy development. Subsequent steps included team orientation, development of questionnaires, sample selection, and target dates. Questions elicited staff problems and recommendations. Data findings are presented in tables, which include specified areas associated with improved data processing. The final plan for technological implementation entailed multiterminal minicomputer systems for each school, linked through the mainframe. The board of education approved the plan and established a nonprofit corporation for funding. Followup evaluations revealed support for the study's importance and the plan's provisions. This report concludes that establishing direction and eliciting support are the unwritten reasons for the study's accomplishments. (CJH)