In 1977, Yehuda Hershowitz took over from Mr. Holmdohl as the director at the American School Foundation of Guadalajara. He made some financial changes but left after a year. Kenneth Crowl then became the director in 1978. He faced financial problems and teachers' unhappiness during his three years in charge. At the same time in Mexico, President José López Portillo led a new government. They found more oil, making Mexico a big oil producer by 1981. This made Mexico feel stronger and more confident, but it didn't last and later problems showed its weaknesses.