Action Now Institute, a Chicago non-profit organization focused on community research, finds that the number of support staff present at struggling schools impacts the schools’ rate of improvement. An analysis of the distressed schools in the CPS Zone Far South, shows that a school makes greater gains when there is a greater presence of guidance counselors and other support staff. As new reports of chronic school truancy, neighborhood crime, and school performance become available, Action Now Institute’s findings reinforce arguments that schools can be improved when offered the necessary support, and need not be the victim of school actions. An executive summary can be found at, www.actionnowinstitute.org.