Beginning educational administrators often find that they are unprepared to deal with the realities of school administration. This paper describes how the Halifax County, North Carolina, school system worked with a national organization and an area university to develop a plan to improve its administrator-preparation program. In 1992 the school system created a partnership with the National Association of Secondary School Principals and East Carolina University called the Potential Administrator's Development Program (PADP). During the first year of the program, participants attended monthly seminars on topics relevant to administrators and were paired with mentors. During the second year, participants who had completed most of the requirements for licensure were given the opportunity to complete a 6-week internship. A survey of 10 participants in the PADP elicited 9 responses. Seven of the nine respondents held administrative positions. Most agreed that the program had provided them with valuable experience that would enhance their careers. They reported that activities that simulated actual administrative tests were valuable in linking theory and practice. They suggested that the program provide more information on school financial management, legal issues regarding student rights, personnel issues, management of auxiliary school functions, and state reporting forms. Overall, respondents rated the PADP as excellent and reported that it had eased their transition into administration. (Contains 10 references.) (LMI)