The purpose of this research study was to evaluate the role of the superintendent in the turnaround process in persistently low achieving school districts. This research identified common threads, principles, and suggestions on turnaround processes and the role of the superintendent through examination of research on leadership and school turnaround processes. This author, a superintendent in a Kentucky public school district at the time of the research, adopted a case study approach for this capstone project. In order to carry out the research, all of Kentucky's public school district superintendents were surveyed. Surveys were analyzed by method of content and survey analysis. The researcher also conducted a follow-up study using a focus group of Kentucky superintendents. The findings of the study helped in developing recommendations for the effective role of the school superintendent in the school district turnaround process. The results of the study suggest effective improvement strategies for school superintendents. [The dissertation citations contained here are published with the permission of ProQuest LLC. Further reproduction is prohibited without permission. Copies of dissertations may be obtained by Telephone (800) 1-800-521-0600. Web page: http://www.proquest.com.bibliotheek.ehb.be/en-US/products/dissertations/individuals.shtml.]