ISCA New Chair/Head of School Partnership Series:
Building a Strong Foundation for Success

Summer 2024
Dates and Times to Be Announced Soon

Never has there been a more compelling time for boards and leaders of independent schools to evolve how they work – this work begins with the essential partnership between the board chair and head of school.

In your new role as board chair, you and your head will set the tone for effective leadership in the boardroom and in school.  By fostering a culture of collaboration, and trust supported by open communication, clear, shared goals and expectations, and regular measurements of progress, the board chair and head of school can create a strong partnership that benefits the entire school community.  Join us to explore these essential conditions for a successful partnership and learn how to put the ideas into practice.

We have designed the series below as a guided, interactive learning experience for New Chairs and their Heads. The three sessions are designed to build on each other and offer space for large group learning and dialogue supported by individual reflection and breakout time for chairs and heads to apply their learning together.

Session 1:  Getting Started: Planning for Success

  • Building a Culture of Trust
  • Determining What Support Looks Like

Session 2:  Negotiating the Partnership

  • Understanding Communication and Leadership Styles
  • Getting Clear on Expectations, Roles and Responsibilities

Session 3:  Nurturing the Partnership

  • Feedback, Assessment and Continuous Improvement
    • Defining Healthy Feedback
    • Feedback vs Assessment
  • Planning for How You Will Work through Conflict

Each of the 3 sessions will be 90 min and will be conducted over Zoom.  We encourage the Head and Chair to be in the same physical space if possible, to foster the best communication during breakout sessions.  As you begin your new partnership, we hope you will join us for this series!

Eligible participants:  New Board Chairs starting in 2023 and their Heads of School

Fees:  This series is complimentary for ISCA members and $150.00 for non-members.

Facilitated by Greenwich Leadership Partners

Register for the program