Setting an Example
In this time of tight budgets, independent schools are responding with significant financial adjustments. Many are postponing the launch of major building projects or putting capital campaigns on hold. Some Heads are announcing their intention not to fill vacancies, and many schools have instituted salary freezes or granted only very modest raises to staff.
Most independent schools so far seem to be making a concerted effort not to cut programs or financial aid. In fact, many of the schools with whom we’ve consulted are increasing financial aid this year - a strategy we applaud for both practical and symbolic reasons.
And speaking of symbolism, I think this is a great time for independent school leaders to consider making a personal sacrifice as well. If, for example, the Head of School were to publicly reduce his or her own salary by an amount sufficient to fund one child’s attendance or to save a position or program that would otherwise be on the chopping block, that would send a powerful message indeed. Furthermore, it would give the school’s leadership more credibility when communicating with the school family about the “hard decisions” that have to be made.
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