Describes the alliance that Manuel Ariztia (Don Manuel), a highly respected owner of one of the leading poultry companies in Chile, has forged with Melipilla, a Chilean municipality, to collaborate in the management of its public educational system. The vehicle used for this alliance is the Corporacion Municipal de Melipilla (CMM), which is defined as a private, not-for-profit, autonomous, nonpartisan entity that provides education and health services at the municipal level. Don Manuel became a leader on the board of directors of the CMM and was instrumental in improving CMM's financial and educational performance. Opens with the challenge facing the CMM--the upcoming retirement of the general manager, who has been in charge of the administration since the beginning. Additionally, the impending retirement of Don Manuel, whose presence has given the board an element of stability, along with the upcoming mayoral elections are jeopardizing the board's stability. Addresses issues of management succession, governance, decision making, and collaboration between business leaders and nonprofit organizations. Also addresses issues related to the key role that board of directors can play in the effective management of educational organizations.

Describes the alliance between a private businessman in Chile and a municipality to manage the local public education system. Describes the institution of a performance-based culture, including the use of management tools to align visions and incentives among key stakeholders.