This book is part of a series of case studies that present better ways to educate Ohio's students. The case study is part of the Transforming Learning Communities (TLC) Project, designed to support significant school-reform efforts among Ohio's elementary, middle, and high schools. The text describes the transformation of a small high school in the rural, southeastern corner of Ohio. The book outlines a history of problems at the school and gives examples of changes arising from desperation. It then discusses the systematic reforms that were initiated at the school over a 7-year period, reforms that included plan development, staff development, changing school structures, involving students and the community, and the consolidation of change. The text focuses on the elements of a democratic learning community and demonstrates the importance of involving teachers in shared decision making, in team teaching, and in team-planning sessions. It also describes the need to include students in the democratic learning community and their role in directing their own education. Suggestions for marshaling resources for democratic change and for the institutionalization and renewal of the democratic learning community are provided. Five appendices provide information on methodology, the change timeline, coalitions, and graduation portfolio requirements. (RJM)