NBOA Net Assets

Culture

Family Affairs: Second-Generation Business Officers

Two accounts of being a second-generation business officer.

Culture

Workers’ Compensation in Independent Schools

Voices from the Field

Culture
| Leadership

Family Affairs: Second-Generation Business Officers

Two accounts of being a second-generation business officer.

7 min read

CEO Notebook

Culture
| Leadership

Full Strengths Ahead

Strengths-based team development, as demonstrated by NBOA's recent staff offsite in Nashville, enhances organizational effectiveness and fosters a culture of trust.

4 min read

CEO Notebook

Boards and Trustees
| Diversity and Inclusion
| Leadership

In Their Own Words: Heads and Business Officers Talk Partnership

Role clarity, communication and joint investment in DEI efforts all help bolster the head-business officer partnership.

5 min read

stock image of Black woman with a construction hat and sensible glasses

Culture
| Facilities
| Leadership

A Facility Director’s First 100 Days

Observing campus operations, engaging with staff and collaborating with leadership are crucial steps for new facility directors to develop a successful action plan.

3 min read

Accounting
| Budget
| Change Management

Efficient Expansion: Outsourcing School Business Tasks

Outsourcing can help independent schools address higher-level priorities, enhance operational capabilities and ensure compliance.

7 min read

Leadership
| Planning
| Technology

Predictive Financial Modeling with AI: Insights from the 2023-24 NBOA Leadership Academy

AI offers the independent school business office immediate benefits, and promises a more automated and efficient future.

5 min read

CEO Notebook

Human Resources
| Leadership
| Performance Management

Feedback That Moves Everyone Forward

These three tips can help you deliver or solicit feedback that will spur professional growth.

4 min read

Stock art of hand holding miniature buildings

Facilities
| Leadership

Overcoming Space Limitations: Insights from the 2023-24 NBOA Leadership Academy This item is protected.

Outdoor classrooms, flexible scheduling and virtual learning options are just three strategies for independent schools facing space constraints.

3 min read

Other Duties As Assigned

Leadership
| Membership

Break Time, Build Time

This business officer with his school’s HR director led Habitat for Humanity spring break trips for student volunteers.

4 min read

Voices from the Field

Audit
| Facilities
| Leadership

Coming Around Again

2024 Ken White Distinguished Business Officer on construction queries, long-term teaching and business officer generosity.

9 min read

Feature

Employment
| Legal
| Misconduct

Preventing Abuse in Athletic Coaching

Emotional and physical abuse of young athletes calls for a fresh approach to prevention and response.

7 min read

Risk & Compliance

Compliance
| Legal

Are Religious Schools Exempt from Anti-Discrimination Laws? This item is protected.

How the ADA, Title VII, Title IX and NLRA may or may not apply to religious independent schools.

9 min read

Projections

Facilities
| Leadership
| Maintenance

From Boiler Room to Board Room

Today’s independent school facilities director handles far more than maintenance; they should share a long-term vision for the campus.

6 min read

CEO Notebook

Boards and Trustees
| Governance
| Leadership

A Partnership of Trust

Here’s a recipe for success of the board chair-executive director relationship.

3 min read

Change Management
| Leadership

Finding Your Strategic Partner: Insights from the 2023-24 NBOA Leadership Academy

School leaders explored how conducting a self-assessment and embracing innovation can set schools on the path for successful partnerships.

3 min read

Feature

Facilities
| Legal
| Planning

Ground Control This item is protected.

Before purchasing land or accepting a land donation, understand the financial, legal and local implications.

16 min read

Culture
| Diversity and Inclusion
| Professional Development

Creating an Equitable Workplace

When remote work is an option for some employees but not others, how can school leaders foster inclusion and belonging among all faculty and staff members?

5 min read

CEO Notebook

Change Management
| Leadership

First Listen: The Net Assets Podcast

Our first episode delves into bold leadership decisions that led to successful enrollment growth at one boarding school.

4 min read

Voices from the Field

Leadership
| Membership

What Do Students Know About the Independent School Business Office?

This student learned what the business office really does and then surveyed fellow students to see if they understood the extent of the work.

4 min read

Other Duties As Assigned

Admission
| Enrollment
| Leadership

Development and Daring Do

After a career transition, a dedicated parent volunteer-turned-development officer took on the business office as well when the need arose at her small school.

4 min read

Stock image of private school student with her head resting on her papers.

Business Intelligence

Budget
| Enrollment
| Research

Boarding School Enrollment Risk This item is protected.

Day-boarding schools are particularly concerned about lagging boarding enrollment.

4 min read

Accounting
| Budget
| Change Management

Efficient Expansion: Outsourcing School Business Tasks

Outsourcing can help independent schools address higher-level priorities, enhance operational capabilities and ensure compliance.

7 min read

Leadership
| Planning
| Technology

Predictive Financial Modeling with AI: Insights from the 2023-24 NBOA Leadership Academy

AI offers the independent school business office immediate benefits, and promises a more automated and efficient future.

5 min read

Voices from the Field

Audit
| Facilities
| Leadership

Coming Around Again

2024 Ken White Distinguished Business Officer on construction queries, long-term teaching and business officer generosity.

9 min read

Strategies

Cash Management
| Endowment
| Financing

Growing Your School’s Cash Reserves — and Using Them Wisely This item is protected.

Every school should have a clear board policy about operating cash and PPRRSM reserves, as well as a plan for using the idle cash.

6 min read

Brewster Academy food provider cooks over a gas range stove

Budget
| Cash Management
| Food Service

Inflation on the Menu This item is protected.

Independent school dining programs leverage financially sustainable strategies to nourish their communities.

13 min read

stock photo of wood-carved piggy bank against green background

Risk & Compliance

Accounting
| Environmental Sustainability
| Tax

Claiming Green Tax Credits from the Inflation Reduction Act This item is protected.

Nonprofit independent schools can receive direct cash payments when investing in renewable energy technology.

3 min read

stock image of building plans and calculator

Business Intelligence

Budget
| Maintenance
| PPRRSM

Positive Change in PPRRSM This item is protected.

An increased percentage of independent schools report having a PPRRSM reserve.

3 min read

Feature

Facilities
| Legal
| Planning

Ground Control This item is protected.

Before purchasing land or accepting a land donation, understand the financial, legal and local implications.

16 min read

Accounting
| Risk Management
| Technology

Automating Accounts Payable to Prevent Fraud

Facing the threat of financial fraud, schools can enhance their financial security by automating accounts payable.

3 min read

Feature

Debt
| Facilities
| Financing

If You Finance It, We Will Build It This item is protected.

Despite high interest rates, independent schools are taking on debt to maintain campus and attract students.

10 min read

Feature

Budget
| Extended Day
| Summer Camp

Nonprofit Profit Centers This item is protected.

For some schools, auxiliary programs can significantly help close the gap between tuition revenue and expenses.

13 min read

Endowment
| Investments

Independent Schools Averaged a 9.2% Return on Endowment Assets for FY2023 This item is protected.

Day schools averaged a 9.5% return, schools with boarding averaged an 8.4% return.

4 min read

Accounting
| Membership

Announcing the 2023 NBOA Professional Achievement Award Recipients, Part 1

From revolutionizing financial oversight to driving operational excellence, these profiles showcase the dedication and expertise of individuals shaping the future of independent school administration.

5 min read

Business Intelligence

Budget
| Facilities
| Maintenance

Trends in the Capital Spending Ratio This item is protected.

Even before the pandemic and recent economic challenges, many schools were not meeting the capital spending ratio to maintain their campuses.

3 min read

Budget
| Financial Aid

Betting on Change in Financial Aid

Leaders in independent school financial aid offer their take on the current terrain — plus NBOA’s Financial Aid Fast Facts sheet.

4 min read

Endowment
| Governance

Endowments and Governance: 5 Key Insights This item is protected.

Results from a recent survey reveal best practices for enhancing financial governance and strategies for sustained intergenerational equity.

4 min read

Business Intelligence

Budget
| Extended Day
| Summer Camp

Financial Trends in Auxiliary Programs This item is protected.

Auxiliary programs brought in higher revenues late pandemic (2021–22) than they did pre-pandemic, and with lower expenses.

3 min read

Feature

Accounting
| Audit
| Legal
| Technology

DIY AI: Business Applications (Part 2)

AI has never been more accessible, and it will impact every corner of the independent school business office.

13 min read

Membership
| Planning

Unsung Hero: Paul Silva, Cushing Academy

Silva's skilled financial management resulted in substantial tuition revenue increases backed by a long-term financial model, ensuring his school’s long-term sustainability.

2 min read

Feature

Human Resources
| Risk Management

Workers’ Compensation in Independent Schools This item is protected.

Independent schools present circumstances not found in other employer settings.

8 min read

CEO Notebook

Human Resources
| Leadership
| Performance Management

Feedback That Moves Everyone Forward

These three tips can help you deliver or solicit feedback that will spur professional growth.

4 min read

CEO Notebook

Employment
| Labor Law
| Salary

The New Overtime Rules: Be Aware, Not Afraid

In the wake of recent legal rulings, all independent schools have come away with a big win, but some may face challenges under the new overtime rules.

4 min read

Feature

Employment
| Legal
| Misconduct

Preventing Abuse in Athletic Coaching

Emotional and physical abuse of young athletes calls for a fresh approach to prevention and response.

7 min read

Employment
| Hiring
| Marketing

Securing the Workforce: Insights from the 2023-24 NBOA Leadership Academy

To combat teacher shortages, consider pipeline programs, housing incentives, teacher training centers, and targeted marketing.

3 min read

Culture
| Diversity and Inclusion
| Professional Development

Creating an Equitable Workplace

When remote work is an option for some employees but not others, how can school leaders foster inclusion and belonging among all faculty and staff members?

5 min read

Facilities
| Human Resources
| Membership

Announcing the 2023 NBOA Professional Achievement Award Recipients, Part 2

Congratulations to the 2023 recipients of the NBOA Professional Achievement Award.

4 min read

Photo courtesy of Phillips Exeter Academy.

Feature

Employee Benefits
| Human Resources

A Holistic Approach to Health Benefits

With anonymized data made available through a self-funded health insurance program, independent schools are tailoring their benefits to meet their employees’ specific needs.

6 min read

Feature

Culture
| Human Resources
| Leadership

A Civil Action Plan This item is protected.

An uptick in workplace conflict warrants new attention to civility training.

10 min read

Strategies

Employee Leave
| Hiring
| Salary

Hiring a Permanent Substitute This item is protected.

A position created late in the pandemic continues to ensure faculty and staff wellbeing.

3 min read

Compensation Strategies
| Employee Benefits
| Survey

Mission-Anchored Compensation Strategies: A Sampling

Following extensive research, NBOA has developed a suite of resources to help leaders at independent schools of every size, type and context recruit and retain mission-aligned professionals.

6 min read

beach with out of office written in sand

Compensation Strategies
| Employee Benefits
| Research

Benchmarking 2022-23 Paid Time Off Benefits This item is protected.

A recent flash survey shows different approaches to paid leave, including vacation and personal days, and paid parental leave.

5 min read

CEO Notebook

Employment
| Leadership

Our Sometimes Forgotten Hiring Advantage

In a hot labor market, independent schools’ mission offers a distinct advantage over non-educational employers.

4 min read

Legal
| Regulatory Updates
| Salary

NBOA and NAIS Advocate for Reasonable Overtime Rules This item is protected.

NAIS and NBOA are advocating to ensure proposed changes to FLSA overtime rules do not threaten the viability of our schools.

3 min read

Employee Benefits
| Research
| Salary

Now Available: NBOA’s Mission-Anchored Compensation Strategies Resources

NBOA spent more than a year researching compensation trends in independent schools. Resources that leaders can use to consider their own school’s compensation practices are now here.

3 min read

Stock image of multiple generations in workforce

Culture
| Performance Management

Bridging the Gap in Multi-Generational Workplaces

Challenging preconceived notions around age is key to understanding generational differences and fostering a collaborative workforce.

4 min read

CEO Notebook

Compliance
| Employment

Sound Off On Overtime Rules, Again

NBOA and NAIS are advocating to ensure proposed changes to FLSA overtime rules do not threaten the viability of our schools.

4 min read

CEO Notebook

Human Resources
| Leadership

Winning Buy-In for a Better Year

With a focus on impact now, we’ll conclude this new school year with a real sense of accomplishment.

3 min read

Risk & Compliance

Employment
| Human Resources
| Labor Law

Recent Regulatory Rulings Expand Employee Rights This item is protected.

The NLRB and DOJ have granted further protections for labor organization practices, cracked down on employer wage collusion and widened the scope of compensable damages.

5 min read

Business Intelligence

Employment
| Research

A Portrait of the Business Office 2021–22 This item is protected.

Analysis of business office staffing, human resources staffing, years of experience and salary for chief business officers and more.

5 min read

Feature

Human Resources
| Risk Management

Workers’ Compensation in Independent Schools This item is protected.

Independent schools present circumstances not found in other employer settings.

8 min read

Risk & Compliance

Compliance
| Misconduct
| Policy

Discrimination Claims on the Rise

To prevent costly claims related to racial and other discrimination, consider including a proactive plan to your school’s business strategy.

7 min read

Projections

Misconduct
| Risk Management

Familiar Risks, New Perspectives This item is protected.

School leaders share what risks are top of mind for them, while insurers bring the data on what claims are topping the list.

6 min read

Facilities
| Misconduct

Risks of Tradition: Managing Liability at Boarding Schools and Beyond This item is protected.

With their 24/7 environment, boarding schools have heightened liability — and solutions to handle it.

16 min read

Feature

Risk Management
| Technology

Think Before You Ask: Managing AI Risk This item is protected.

Actively managing AI risk allows the school community to innovate safely.

13 min read

CEO Notebook

Policy
| Risk Management
| Technology

AI Risk and Reward

A few key takeaways from NBOA’s highly informative AI risk management town hall.

5 min read

Feature

Employment
| Legal
| Misconduct

Preventing Abuse in Athletic Coaching

Emotional and physical abuse of young athletes calls for a fresh approach to prevention and response.

7 min read

Risk & Compliance

Compliance
| Legal

Are Religious Schools Exempt from Anti-Discrimination Laws? This item is protected.

How the ADA, Title VII, Title IX and NLRA may or may not apply to religious independent schools.

9 min read

Accounting
| Risk Management
| Technology

Automating Accounts Payable to Prevent Fraud

Facing the threat of financial fraud, schools can enhance their financial security by automating accounts payable.

3 min read

Strategies

Change Management
| Crisis Management
| Risk Management

Preparing the School for a Tumultuous Election Cycle This item is protected.

Strong communication networks, insurance policies and strategic planning have helped this school prepare for potential disruptions.

5 min read

Feature

Cybersecurity
| Risk Management
| Technology

For Our Eyes Only: Data Privacy This item is protected.

Domestic and international privacy laws may be complex, but independent schools can adopt a practical strategy for compliance.

14 min read

Risk & Compliance

Misconduct
| Risk Management

What the Past Year Taught Us About Abuse Prevention This item is protected.

In-depth analysis of recent claims as well as trends in legislation and litigation reveal how schools can refresh their abuse prevention policies.

6 min read

Crisis Management
| Enrollment
| Risk Management

Educational Resilience in Maui's Wildfire Aftermath

In the wake of the Maui wildfires, La Pietra – Hawai‘i School for Girls took swift and decisive action to alleviate the impact on the affected community.

4 min read

Compliance
| Legal

Post-Affirmative Action, Is Financial Aid Next? This item is protected.

Following the Supreme Court’s decision on affirmative action in college admissions, financial aid practices may receive more scrutiny.

4 min read

CEO Notebook

Compliance
| Employment

Sound Off On Overtime Rules, Again

NBOA and NAIS are advocating to ensure proposed changes to FLSA overtime rules do not threaten the viability of our schools.

4 min read

Crisis Management
| Membership

Unsung Hero: Aimée Weil, Edmund Burke School

Weil demonstrated exceptional resilience in the face of adversity, guiding her school through a traumatic incident while ensuring safety, recovery and positive outcomes.

2 min read

Risk Management
| Safety and Security
| Technology

Don’t Look Back This item is protected.

Smart security cameras can help schools shift from reactive to proactive responses, but are independent schools tapping their high-tech capabilities?

11 min read

Feature

Leadership
| Risk Management

Riding the Waves: Managing Risk in the Mental Health Crisis: Students This item is protected.

With mental health risks at all-time highs, school leaders can help both staff and students “ride the waves” of emotion while protecting the school.

15 min read

Projections

Cybersecurity
| Risk Management

A Clear and Ever-Present Danger

Cybersecurity is no longer new to independent schools, but as the threats continue to rise, it’s never been more important that your school’s practices are up to date.

6 min read

Feature

Crisis Management
| Facilities
| Safety and Security

Safe Bets This item is protected.

When it comes to school safety technology, what actually works? And what is worth the investment?

15 min read

Facilities
| Misconduct

Risks of Tradition: Managing Liability at Boarding Schools and Beyond This item is protected.

With their 24/7 environment, boarding schools have heightened liability — and solutions to handle it.

16 min read

Feature

Risk Management
| Technology

Think Before You Ask: Managing AI Risk This item is protected.

Actively managing AI risk allows the school community to innovate safely.

13 min read

Culture
| Facilities
| Leadership

A Facility Director’s First 100 Days

Observing campus operations, engaging with staff and collaborating with leadership are crucial steps for new facility directors to develop a successful action plan.

3 min read

Leadership
| Planning
| Technology

Predictive Financial Modeling with AI: Insights from the 2023-24 NBOA Leadership Academy

AI offers the independent school business office immediate benefits, and promises a more automated and efficient future.

5 min read

Facilities
| Leadership

Overcoming Space Limitations: Insights from the 2023-24 NBOA Leadership Academy This item is protected.

Outdoor classrooms, flexible scheduling and virtual learning options are just three strategies for independent schools facing space constraints.

3 min read

CEO Notebook

Policy
| Risk Management
| Technology

AI Risk and Reward

A few key takeaways from NBOA’s highly informative AI risk management town hall.

5 min read

Voices from the Field

Audit
| Facilities
| Leadership

Coming Around Again

2024 Ken White Distinguished Business Officer on construction queries, long-term teaching and business officer generosity.

9 min read

Budget
| Cash Management
| Food Service

Inflation on the Menu This item is protected.

Independent school dining programs leverage financially sustainable strategies to nourish their communities.

13 min read

Risk & Compliance

Accounting
| Environmental Sustainability
| Tax

Claiming Green Tax Credits from the Inflation Reduction Act This item is protected.

Nonprofit independent schools can receive direct cash payments when investing in renewable energy technology.

3 min read

Business Intelligence

Budget
| Maintenance
| PPRRSM

Positive Change in PPRRSM This item is protected.

An increased percentage of independent schools report having a PPRRSM reserve.

3 min read

Projections

Facilities
| Leadership
| Maintenance

From Boiler Room to Board Room

Today’s independent school facilities director handles far more than maintenance; they should share a long-term vision for the campus.

6 min read

Feature

Facilities
| Legal
| Planning

Ground Control This item is protected.

Before purchasing land or accepting a land donation, understand the financial, legal and local implications.

16 min read

Accounting
| Risk Management
| Technology

Automating Accounts Payable to Prevent Fraud

Facing the threat of financial fraud, schools can enhance their financial security by automating accounts payable.

3 min read

CEO Notebook

Leadership
| Technology

AI That Serves You

We’re learning from each other how our schools and community can make use of this exciting and ever-changing technology.

4 min read

Feature

Debt
| Facilities
| Financing

If You Finance It, We Will Build It This item is protected.

Despite high interest rates, independent schools are taking on debt to maintain campus and attract students.

10 min read

Feature

Cybersecurity
| Risk Management
| Technology

For Our Eyes Only: Data Privacy This item is protected.

Domestic and international privacy laws may be complex, but independent schools can adopt a practical strategy for compliance.

14 min read

Feature

Budget
| Extended Day
| Summer Camp

Nonprofit Profit Centers This item is protected.

For some schools, auxiliary programs can significantly help close the gap between tuition revenue and expenses.

13 min read

Facilities
| Human Resources
| Membership

Announcing the 2023 NBOA Professional Achievement Award Recipients, Part 2

Congratulations to the 2023 recipients of the NBOA Professional Achievement Award.

4 min read

Other Duties As Assigned

Food Service
| Leadership

Food Truck from the Ground Up

This business officer dreamed up and developed a school-branded food truck.

4 min read

Business Intelligence

Budget
| Facilities
| Maintenance

Trends in the Capital Spending Ratio This item is protected.

Even before the pandemic and recent economic challenges, many schools were not meeting the capital spending ratio to maintain their campuses.

3 min read

Business Intelligence

Budget
| Enrollment
| Research

Boarding School Enrollment Risk This item is protected.

Day-boarding schools are particularly concerned about lagging boarding enrollment.

4 min read

Employment
| Hiring
| Marketing

Securing the Workforce: Insights from the 2023-24 NBOA Leadership Academy

To combat teacher shortages, consider pipeline programs, housing incentives, teacher training centers, and targeted marketing.

3 min read

Other Duties As Assigned

Admission
| Enrollment
| Leadership

Development and Daring Do

After a career transition, a dedicated parent volunteer-turned-development officer took on the business office as well when the need arose at her small school.

4 min read

Projections

Leadership
| Marketing
| Membership

Making the NBOA Difference

NBOA’s rebranding positions our incredible community as one that is more accessible and approachable to a wider range of school roles and school types.

5 min read

Feature

Enrollment

Comeback Kids This item is protected.

Two schools, one on the West Coast and the other on the East, have significantly increased their enrollment following sweeping changes.

13 min read

Crisis Management
| Enrollment
| Risk Management

Educational Resilience in Maui's Wildfire Aftermath

In the wake of the Maui wildfires, La Pietra – Hawai‘i School for Girls took swift and decisive action to alleviate the impact on the affected community.

4 min read

Other Duties As Assigned

Communication
| Leadership

Balancing the Books and the Brand

This business officer has overseen marketing and communications when needed — including during the Covid pandemic.

4 min read

Strategies

Enrollment
| Survey

A Match Made in Data This item is protected.

Kimball Union Academy’s enrollment and finance teams share an attention to data that builds the partnership.

3 min read

Business Intelligence

Research
| Tuition

A Tuition Discounting Pulse Check This item is protected.

Trends in the tuition discount rate, discount types, administering discounts, funding discounts and more.

6 min read

Budget
| Financial Aid

Betting on Change in Financial Aid

Leaders in independent school financial aid offer their take on the current terrain — plus NBOA’s Financial Aid Fast Facts sheet.

4 min read

Enrollment
| Tuition

Micro Schools Test Flexible Tuition This item is protected.

Wildflower Schools, based across the U.S., have adapted their tuitions to meet community needs and fulfill their missions.

12 min read

Diversity and Inclusion
| Financial Aid
| Research

Telling Our Financial Aid Story

The financial aid plot is shifting as dollars increase and diversity numbers fall.

6 min read

Change Management
| Enrollment
| Tuition

Returns on a Reset This item is protected.

To boost harvest yield, gardeners must prune early growth. Likewise, an independent school may at some point need to cut its tuition or “reset” the sticker price in order to grow net tuition revenue.

12 min read

Enrollment
| Financial Aid
| Tuition Remission

Navigating Tuition and Financial Strategies

NBOA and EMA partner to examine the unique relationship between tuition pricing, financial aid and independent school dynamics.

8 min read

Cybersecurity
| Enrollment
| Tuition

Sophisticated New Tuition Phishing Scams: What Schools Need to Know

Tuition phishing scams pose a growing threat to independent schools and parents.

3 min read

Feature

Communication
| Leadership

Optimized, Optimistic Operations & Outcomes This item is protected.

How to create efficiency and effectiveness using the Entrepreneurial Operating System.

11 min read

Projections

Enrollment
| Technology

Leaning Into Online Learning

Digital education can support the independent school business model in two primary ways.

6 min read

Business Intelligence

Enrollment
| Research
| Tuition

A Regional View of the Financial State of the Industry This item is protected.

A school’s location can play a role in their financial operations.

5 min read

Feature

Enrollment
| Membership

Celebrate! 25 Years of NBOA: Advancement and the Business Office

A strong partnership between the chief business officer and chief advancement officer leads to better outcomes in all areas of school business, from tuition revenue to planned giving.

3 min read

International
| Membership

Celebrate! 25 Years of NBOA: Global Growth

Though NBOA has had schools outside the U.S. in its membership from very early days, the mid-2010s marked a period of growth for the organization’s international member base.

8 min read

CEO Notebook

Boards and Trustees
| Diversity and Inclusion
| Leadership

In Their Own Words: Heads and Business Officers Talk Partnership

Role clarity, communication and joint investment in DEI efforts all help bolster the head-business officer partnership.

5 min read

Culture
| Diversity and Inclusion
| Professional Development

Creating an Equitable Workplace

When remote work is an option for some employees but not others, how can school leaders foster inclusion and belonging among all faculty and staff members?

5 min read

CEO Notebook

Diversity and Inclusion
| Leadership

Morale Boosters on a Budget

Regularly recognizing small wins can have a significant impact on staff wellbeing and retention.

5 min read

Feature

Culture
| Diversity and Inclusion
| Leadership

2024 NBOA Annual Meeting: Bertice Berry: Smarter Together

Drawing on her perspectives as both a sociologist and a comedian, NBOA Luncheon Award speaker Bertice Berry discusses the importance of learning from each other.

12 min read

Diversity and Inclusion
| Financial Aid
| Research

Telling Our Financial Aid Story

The financial aid plot is shifting as dollars increase and diversity numbers fall.

6 min read

CEO Notebook

Culture
| Diversity and Inclusion
| Leadership

Healing and Humor in Atlanta

A message of humor and inspiration from 2024 NBOA Annual Meeting Speaker Bertice Berry.

4 min read

Feature

Boards and Trustees
| Diversity and Inclusion
| Leadership

The Business Case for DEI: Supporting the Board’s DEI Goals This item is protected.

Tracking data, assessing vendors and working with the investment committee are just a few ways business officers can play a role in board level DEI work.

12 min read

Risk & Compliance

Diversity and Inclusion
| Legal

Transgender Student Participation in Athletics: Legal Implications for Independent Schools This item is protected.

What to know about federal and state laws and athletic governing bodies, and tips on crafting a policy.

9 min read

Diversity and Inclusion
| Technology

Tech-Enabled DEI Solutions

Independent schools can operationalize their DEI goals using technology.

3 min read

Feature

Diversity and Inclusion
| Facilities

The Business Case for DEI: Accessible, Affordable Facilities This item is protected.

Investing in accessible facilities goes beyond compliance for most schools — and can have unexpected dividends.

13 min read

Diversity and Inclusion
| Membership

Celebrate! 25 Years of NBOA: Who Was at the Table?

NBOA explores how efforts centered around inclusion and belonging within a diverse workforce have impacted the association and its members over the past 25 years.

8 min read

stock image of two women supporting each other

Voices from the Field

Diversity and Inclusion
| Human Resources

Critical Compassion

Those whose work touches human resources have a special role to play in creating accessible, equitable school communities.

6 min read

Stock illustration of woman in wheelchair with a tablet

Feature

Diversity and Inclusion
| Human Resources

The Business Case for DEI: Making Space for Differing Abilities This item is protected.

Reviewing practices in four key areas of operations can help staff and students with disabilities feel more at home in your school and increase the richness of the school community.

8 min read

Feature

Diversity and Inclusion
| Financial Aid

Economic Affinity Groups and Inclusion Efforts: A Case Study This item is protected.

Two schools share strategies for improving socioeconomic inclusion through voluntary, community-led programs and innovative fundraising efforts.

7 min read

Feature

Diversity and Inclusion
| Enrollment

The Business Case for DEI: The Business of Economic Diversity This item is protected.

Those in the business office have a distinct role to play in supporting economic diversity and inclusion efforts.

12 min read

Culture
| Diversity and Inclusion
| Technology

The Business Case for DEI: Digital Accessibility: Operational and Cultural Considerations This item is protected.

When those overseeing physical and digital accommodations work together, the impact on school culture is stronger and more inclusive.

7 min read

Feature

Diversity and Inclusion
| Legal
| Technology

The Business Case for DEI: Digital Accessibility: Legal Considerations This item is protected.

Recent ADA guidance puts new emphasis on making websites and digital assets accessible to all.

10 min read

Feature

Culture
| Diversity and Inclusion

The Business Case for DEI: Structural Solutions

Business officers are helping schools move beyond aspirational goals toward real change.

17 min read

CEO Notebook

Diversity and Inclusion
| Leadership

Bring Your Whole Self to Work, and Others Will Too

As school leaders face another summer of employee “churn,” it is essential to ensure everyone feels comfortable in the school community to improve their chances of retention.

4 min read

Voices from the Field

Culture
| Diversity and Inclusion
| Membership

LGBTQ+ Leaders in the Business Office

Initial insights into different experiences in the independent school business office.

8 min read

Other Duties As Assigned

Leadership
| Membership

Break Time, Build Time

This business officer with his school’s HR director led Habitat for Humanity spring break trips for student volunteers.

4 min read

Voices from the Field

Leadership
| Membership

What Do Students Know About the Independent School Business Office?

This student learned what the business office really does and then surveyed fellow students to see if they understood the extent of the work.

4 min read

Business Intelligence

Membership
| Research

Time Flies When You Have Better Data

In the three years that NBOA and NAIS have jointly collected financial operations data, outcomes for schools have only improved.

6 min read

2024 NBOA Annual Meeting band opening reception

Culture
| Leadership
| Membership

2024 NBOA Annual Meeting Delivers on Community

Energy was high and connections were strong, as evidenced in our photo essay of the event.

2 min read

Projections

Leadership
| Marketing
| Membership

Making the NBOA Difference

NBOA’s rebranding positions our incredible community as one that is more accessible and approachable to a wider range of school roles and school types.

5 min read

Facilities
| Human Resources
| Membership

Announcing the 2023 NBOA Professional Achievement Award Recipients, Part 2

Congratulations to the 2023 recipients of the NBOA Professional Achievement Award.

4 min read

Accounting
| Membership

Announcing the 2023 NBOA Professional Achievement Award Recipients, Part 1

From revolutionizing financial oversight to driving operational excellence, these profiles showcase the dedication and expertise of individuals shaping the future of independent school administration.

5 min read

Membership

2024 NBOA Annual Meeting Nearing Record Attendance

School leaders rooted in excellence and growing together will gather in Atlanta in late February.

2 min read

CEO Notebook

Leadership
| Membership

Congratulations to the 2024 NBOA Award Recipients!

This year’s recipients have demonstrated exceptional integrity, expertise and effective collaboration.

5 min read

CEO Notebook

Leadership
| Membership

Cheers to Camaraderie in 2023

Amidst the holiday cheer, the NBOA staff reflect on a year of accomplishments, celebrating milestones and setting a course for the future.

3 min read

Leadership
| Membership

The Best of Net Assets Magazine 2023

In NBOA's 25th-year, Net Assets magazine focused on critical issues in independent schools, from navigating the challenges of inflation to fostering inclusive environments.

4 min read

Feature

Leadership
| Membership

2024 NBOA Annual Meeting: Leading through Disruption: Shawn Kanungo

Opening keynote speaker Shawn Kanungo has helped hundreds of business leaders innovate their organizations’ approaches to finance, technology and workplace culture.

9 min read

Crisis Management
| Membership

Unsung Hero: Aimée Weil, Edmund Burke School

Weil demonstrated exceptional resilience in the face of adversity, guiding her school through a traumatic incident while ensuring safety, recovery and positive outcomes.

2 min read

Membership
| Planning

Unsung Hero: Paul Silva, Cushing Academy

Silva's skilled financial management resulted in substantial tuition revenue increases backed by a long-term financial model, ensuring his school’s long-term sustainability.

2 min read

Leadership
| Membership

Unsung Hero: Howard Richmond, Krieger Schechter Day School

With a commitment to process management, Howard's financial stewardship paved the way for lasting improvements at Krieger Schechter Day School.

2 min read

Membership
| Planning

Unsung Hero: Robert A. Orenstein, Avon Old Farms School

Orenstein's dedicated approach to school finances extends to his work with the broader business officer community.

2 min read

Other Duties As Assigned

Culture
| Membership

No Child Left Inside

This business officer has helped lead more than 100 outdoor trips for students, from cross-country skiing to mountain biking to backpacking.

4 min read

Voices from the Field

Leadership
| Membership

End Games

Long-time business officers share how they chose to wrap up their careers.

7 min read

Environmental Sustainability
| Facilities
| Membership

Unsung Hero: Laura Miyoshi, Sandy Spring Friends School

With an eye for detail and functionality, Miyoshi has helped ensure a greener future at Sandy Spring Friends School.

2 min read

Debt
| Membership

Unsung Hero: Joan McCabe, Pinecrest Academy

McCabe's financial skills resulted in successful debt refinancing, reduced interest rates and enhanced financial stability.

2 min read

Feature

Human Resources
| Risk Management

Workers’ Compensation in Independent Schools This item is protected.

Independent schools present circumstances not found in other employer settings.

8 min read

Voices from the Field

Culture
| Leadership

Family Affairs: Second-Generation Business Officers

Two accounts of being a second-generation business officer.

7 min read

CEO Notebook

Culture
| Leadership

Full Strengths Ahead

Strengths-based team development, as demonstrated by NBOA's recent staff offsite in Nashville, enhances organizational effectiveness and fosters a culture of trust.

4 min read

Risk & Compliance

Compliance
| Misconduct
| Policy

Discrimination Claims on the Rise

To prevent costly claims related to racial and other discrimination, consider including a proactive plan to your school’s business strategy.

7 min read

Projections

Misconduct
| Risk Management

Familiar Risks, New Perspectives This item is protected.

School leaders share what risks are top of mind for them, while insurers bring the data on what claims are topping the list.

6 min read

Business Intelligence

Budget
| Enrollment
| Research

Boarding School Enrollment Risk This item is protected.

Day-boarding schools are particularly concerned about lagging boarding enrollment.

4 min read

Facilities
| Misconduct

Risks of Tradition: Managing Liability at Boarding Schools and Beyond This item is protected.

With their 24/7 environment, boarding schools have heightened liability — and solutions to handle it.

16 min read

CEO Notebook

Boards and Trustees
| Diversity and Inclusion
| Leadership

In Their Own Words: Heads and Business Officers Talk Partnership

Role clarity, communication and joint investment in DEI efforts all help bolster the head-business officer partnership.

5 min read

Feature

Risk Management
| Technology

Think Before You Ask: Managing AI Risk This item is protected.

Actively managing AI risk allows the school community to innovate safely.

13 min read

Culture
| Facilities
| Leadership

A Facility Director’s First 100 Days

Observing campus operations, engaging with staff and collaborating with leadership are crucial steps for new facility directors to develop a successful action plan.

3 min read

Accounting
| Budget
| Change Management

Efficient Expansion: Outsourcing School Business Tasks

Outsourcing can help independent schools address higher-level priorities, enhance operational capabilities and ensure compliance.

7 min read

Leadership
| Planning
| Technology

Predictive Financial Modeling with AI: Insights from the 2023-24 NBOA Leadership Academy

AI offers the independent school business office immediate benefits, and promises a more automated and efficient future.

5 min read

CEO Notebook

Human Resources
| Leadership
| Performance Management

Feedback That Moves Everyone Forward

These three tips can help you deliver or solicit feedback that will spur professional growth.

4 min read

Facilities
| Leadership

Overcoming Space Limitations: Insights from the 2023-24 NBOA Leadership Academy This item is protected.

Outdoor classrooms, flexible scheduling and virtual learning options are just three strategies for independent schools facing space constraints.

3 min read

Other Duties As Assigned

Leadership
| Membership

Break Time, Build Time

This business officer with his school’s HR director led Habitat for Humanity spring break trips for student volunteers.

4 min read

CEO Notebook

Policy
| Risk Management
| Technology

AI Risk and Reward

A few key takeaways from NBOA’s highly informative AI risk management town hall.

5 min read

Voices from the Field

Audit
| Facilities
| Leadership

Coming Around Again

2024 Ken White Distinguished Business Officer on construction queries, long-term teaching and business officer generosity.

9 min read

Strategies

Cash Management
| Endowment
| Financing

Growing Your School’s Cash Reserves — and Using Them Wisely This item is protected.

Every school should have a clear board policy about operating cash and PPRRSM reserves, as well as a plan for using the idle cash.

6 min read

Budget
| Cash Management
| Food Service

Inflation on the Menu This item is protected.

Independent school dining programs leverage financially sustainable strategies to nourish their communities.

13 min read

Risk & Compliance

Accounting
| Environmental Sustainability
| Tax

Claiming Green Tax Credits from the Inflation Reduction Act This item is protected.

Nonprofit independent schools can receive direct cash payments when investing in renewable energy technology.

3 min read