Financial sustainability
Independent School Strategic Planning: The Times They Are A-Changin’
Among the many victims of our current economic malaise may well be the standard strategic planning process in independent schools. I can’t say that I will be sorry to see it go.
Having facilitated the strategic planning process for several schools and reviewed the plans of many others, I know how often these plans have included [...]
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 [...]
May Day Mayday?
Anecdotal reports are all over the lot as independent schools wait to see how this year’s admissions cycle will shake out. Many are full. Some have been pleasantly surprised that demand is holding steady despite the wobbly economy. A few are benefiting from concerns about local public school budget cuts. Everyone is seeing increased demand for financial [...]
Leadership Logjam: Why Heads Are Staying Put
Among the myriad repercussions of the current economic downturn is one of particular interest to us: a steep decline in the number of Head of School searches being launched this spring (about 50 so far, compared to 90 or more in previous years). Predictions that the graying Head of School corps would translate into a [...]
