Should you have Executive Sessions and if so, what is the best way to structure them?Join your fellow Board chairs for a discussion on the use of Executive Sessions at board meetings. We know this can be a contentious proposition for Heads of School so should you have them? What benefit can they add to […]

Exploring the boundaries of social responsibilityWhat does it mean for school leaders to consider how their actions—and inactions—affect the world around them and the delicate ecosystems in which our schools exist? In the context of independent school governance, what exactly are the boundaries of social responsibility? With increasing frequency, school stakeholders (parents, alumni, faculty, students) […]

Making the Best Use of Your Time TogetherJoin your fellow board chairs as we discuss how to design and execute a successful board retreat that makes the best use of your extended time together as a board. Join us if you are seeking ideas and guidance in planning your next retreat or have a great […]

A National Research Study on Form and Performance Independent schools face an acute need for new business models. Friends Council on Education, in partnership with Rational Partners (with collaborative grants from EE Ford Foundation and BLBB Charitable), launched a national research project to survey, analyze and report on the form and performance of schools that […]

Learn how to successfully get your board engaged in their fund development responsibilities.Re-Engaging your Board in Fundraising After the PandemicSchools are back in full fundraising mode following the pandemic and Board members should be a powerful asset in that effort. When engaged strategically, they serve as the school's best advocates and most dedicated—and often most […]

Aligning the work that matters most with the structure and function of the boardPlanning and organizing the work of the board is one of the most important roles of the board and its Chair. We aspire for our boards to function as highly effective leadership teams working in partnership with our school leaders to advance […]

Developing an Effective Board PartnershipAn interactive session to assist Board Chairs in cultivating a Board of Trustees where individual board members and the head of school understand their roles and responsibilities in governing, leading, and serving their school. Participants will learn the value of being a learning organization, the importance of effective annual goal setting, […]

As individuals and as boards, trustees and Heads of School have been embarking on learning journeys to understand Diversity, Equity and Inclusion in the Independent School context. In this session we will explore ways to effectively integrate this learning into board processes. By sharing concrete examples and tools for participants, the presenters will model pathways to creating meaningful shifts toward equitable practices and participation by a broader group of voices. At the end of this session you will have actionable ideas about how to:

Build your governance leadership skillsCase study Chair Chats offer board chairs an opportunity to dig into a situation that reflects the challenges of chair-ship. In a guided discussion with experienced board chairs, you will identify the key governance issues in the case and explore what steps you, as board chair, might take to make the […]

For Board Chairs of schools with less than 250 studentsPlease join this Chair Chat to discuss the unique challenges facing board chairs of small independent schools (<250 students). In today's competitive environment, small schools are hit with pressures around falling enrollment numbers and philanthropic support that may threaten thier financial sustainability. In addition, trustees of […]