This book is a foundational introduction to the application of lean by school administrators. Five lean essentials, paired combinations of lean tools and concepts, are described in detail within the context of typical leadership practice. The book focuses on dealing with familiar problems in schools today, such as with handling instructional remediation, aligning instructional delivery to mission, conducting special education budget reductions, evaluating administrators, and sharing instructional best practice. Regardless of the problems faced by school leaders, the book highlights how lean concepts and tools are particularly helpful in engaging employees, achieving outstanding results and sustaining continuous improvement.