NBOA Net Assets

Crisis Management

Trial by Fire: School Leaders' Stories

Independent school leaders evaluated, evacuated and evolved their approach to educational operations through the fury of this year’s L.A. area fires.

Financial Aid

What Kinds of Independent Schools Are Using Indexed Tuition?

A student slips and falls on a school sidewalk, drops backpack

Budget

The “Jet Fuel” of Rising Claims Costs: Litigation Investment

paper boats navigating a wavy grid paper

Projections

Legal
| Risk Management

Navigating Uncertainty

What independent school leaders need to know about changing federal policies.

6 min read

Red ship on blue water view half under water half above

Change Management
| Enrollment
| Planning

Strategic Rightsizing to Strengthen School Operations This item is protected.

Strategic planning led to fewer enrolled students and higher NTR in the case of one boarding-day school.

3 min read

CEO Notebook

Culture
| Leadership

The School Year’s Final Weeks: A Shared Endeavor

Strong partnership between academic and business leaders, especially the head of school and business officer, is critical when working through the flurry of year-end activities.

3 min read

Budget
| Leadership

Creating a Mission Spreadsheet This item is protected.

Skutt Catholic leaders mapped how different parts of the school’s mission statement aligned with actual expenditures to ensure every dollar is spent purposefully.

4 min read

Stock image of a man hand holding a tablet with a quality check image above the tablet

Change Management
| Procedures

First Quantity, Then Quality

Moving from finance to a new quality assurance role, this business officer is aligning employees ahead of retirements and new hires.

4 min read

Stock image of a home model miniature sitting on top of an open book

Voices from the Field

Change Management
| Facilities
| Leadership

A New Chapter for Facilities Management

The new CEO of APPA — Leadership in Educational Facilities and the board’s vice chair weigh in on top facilities concerns in independent schools today.

8 min read

CEO Notebook

Culture
| Leadership

Leading with "We" in Anxious Times

These 4 tips can help steady the ship when your school community is worried about the uncertain future.

4 min read

CEO Notebook

Leadership
| Planning

Your Mission. Our Experts.

With the launch of NBOA Advisory Services, school leaders can receive personalized support in the business office.

4 min read

Two arrows pointing in different directions on a blue background

Endowment
| Governance

Keys to a Smooth OCIO Transition

When changing how your school’s endowment is managed, consider both key players and key steps involved.

5 min read

Other Duties As Assigned

Leadership
| Membership

Many Heads Are Better Than One

On volunteering with NBOA in various capacities, as shared by the current Editorial Advisory Committee.

5 min read

Voices from the Field

Culture
| Leadership

Turning the Page on Charter Schools This item is protected.

Two business officers reflect on their experiences working in charter schools.

4 min read

CEO Notebook

Leadership

Lemonade Lessons

Open-eyed optimism — not toxic positivity — can help us get through challenging periods.

4 min read

Projections

Boards and Trustees
| Governance

What Goes Into Strong Financial Governance?

It’s clear that our schools need strong financial governance, but what is it and how can we support it?

7 min read

CEO Notebook

Change Management
| Leadership

Preparing for Change: 2025 NBOA Annual Meeting Takeaways

Both keynote speakers offered strategies for thinking creatively and thinking ahead in an uncertain future.

5 min read

Attendees at the 2025 NBOA Annual Meeting at a general session

Culture
| Leadership
| Publications

Broadway’s Spotlight Shines on Business Leaders at the 2025 NBOA Annual Meeting

Camaraderie and the common good defined the largest in-person conference of independent school business professionals to date.

2 min read

CEO Notebook

Culture
| Diversity and Inclusion
| Membership

How Business Leaders Can Be a Leading Voice for Inclusion Efforts

NBOA has released a new Operational Equity and Inclusion Inventory to help business leaders make the school community more welcoming for faculty, staff and families.

3 min read

Leadership
| Membership

At Capacity: 2025 NBOA Annual Meeting Largest Gathering Yet

This year’s confluence of independent school business leaders and business partners will be the largest in-person event in NBOA’s 27-year history.

2 min read

Young Black professional making an announcement against a yellow background.

Facilities
| Leadership
| Maintenance

Giving Facilities a Voice

Effective communication and strategic planning are key for today's facilities leaders.

3 min read

CEO Notebook

Culture
| Employment
| Hiring

Independent Schools’ Advantage in the Hiring Market

Compensation is just one piece of the employee retention puzzle at an independent school that offers many rich benefits.

4 min read

Projections

Compliance
| Human Resources
| Legal

When Compliance Complements Culture

Legal compliance is critical, but when applied without compassion, it can muddy school culture.

6 min read

CEO Notebook

Planning
| Procedures
| Risk Management

Summer Could Be the Time to Tackle ERM

Enterprise risk management may sound intimidating, but this simple list can help you get started this summer.

4 min read

Budget
| Policy
| Risk Management

The “Jet Fuel” of Rising Claims Costs: Litigation Investment

Third-party litigation financing is driving up liability claim costs, and independent schools may be unwittingly investing in the practice.

3 min read

Change Management
| Enrollment
| Planning

Strategic Rightsizing to Strengthen School Operations This item is protected.

Strategic planning led to fewer enrolled students and higher NTR in the case of one boarding-day school.

3 min read

Budget
| Leadership

Creating a Mission Spreadsheet This item is protected.

Skutt Catholic leaders mapped how different parts of the school’s mission statement aligned with actual expenditures to ensure every dollar is spent purposefully.

4 min read

CEO Notebook

Budget
| Membership
| Planning

The (Financial) Re-Model You’ve Been Waiting For

NBOA just released version 2.0 of the Long-Range Financial Model, which is more powerful, intuitive and customizable.

4 min read

Art collage displaying a human hand and graduation cap with dollar sign against a beige background.

Business Intelligence

Endowment
| Financial Aid
| Tuition

Variations in Tuition Discounting by Endowment Level This item is protected.

In 2023–24, schools without an endowment had a similar tuition discount rate as schools with large endowments.

5 min read

CEO Notebook

Leadership
| Planning

Your Mission. Our Experts.

With the launch of NBOA Advisory Services, school leaders can receive personalized support in the business office.

4 min read

Projections

Budget
| Facilities

Transforming Facilities for High Quality Learning

Updating the campus requires investment, but transforming spaces to deliver high-quality learning need not break the bank if you plan strategically.

6 min read

Feature

Budget
| Facilities
| Hiring

Home Improvement: Faculty Housing Solutions This item is protected.

When faculty and staff struggle to find housing close to school, creative support may be an order.

13 min read

CEO Notebook

Budget
| Planning
| Research

Enrollment, Operating Expenses and “the Gap” All Rose Last Year

Business leaders will find key benchmarks of financial and operational health in NBOA’s new Financial State of the Industry report.

4 min read

Endowment
| Governance

Keys to a Smooth OCIO Transition

When changing how your school’s endowment is managed, consider both key players and key steps involved.

5 min read

Accounting
| Facilities
| Tax

2025 Accounting, Audit and Tax Update for Independent Schools This item is protected.

With no new audit standards this season, now is the time to review current accounting guidance and optimize financial strategies.

7 min read

Endowment
| Investments
| Research

20-Year Net Returns on Endowment Average 6.9% Per New Research This item is protected.

New Commonfund Study of Independent Schools on the latest endowment trends is now available.

4 min read

Feature

Budget
| Planning

Tough Calls: Small Schools Correct Financial Course This item is protected.

When three small schools faced financial challenges, each found its own way to right the ship and perpetuate its mission.

15 min read

Accounting
| Cash Management
| Planning

Strengthening Reserves for a Sustainable Future

A new way to assess school finances led to development of a new reserve policy -- and stronger board discussions.

3 min read

Accounting
| Policy
| Tax

Navigating Sponsorships: Tax Implications for Independent Schools This item is protected.

When considering a sponsorship, evaluate the impact of UBIT, reporting and qualified payments.

2 min read

Endowment
| Legal

Managing Underwater Endowments Amid Market Volatility

A well-crafted policy will help meet both donors’ and the school’s long-term needs.

6 min read

Feature

Budget
| Enrollment
| Tuition

Public Funding, Private Choices: School Choice Funding This item is protected.

More states than ever are offering school choice funding, but are the strings attached worth it?

11 min read

Business Intelligence

Budget
| Salary
| Tuition

Faith and School Finances This item is protected.

Independent schools with a religious affiliation are more reliant on annual giving than all other types of independent schools.

4 min read

Stock image of schoolgirl sitting on stack of books, shadow of university student on wall

Budget
| Leadership
| Planning

Lessons from a Start-Up School This item is protected.

Jewish Leadership Academy’s business leader shared what he learned about perpetual project management in the three years leading up to the school’s opening.

4 min read

Woodward Academy van driver smiling while wearing a Woodward hat

Strategies

Employment
| Facilities
| Hiring

Tapping the Gig Economy to Fill Labor Gaps This item is protected.

Staffing shortages in dining, custodial and grounds work led Woodward Academy to try new hiring strategies.

3 min read

Feature

Budget
| Facilities
| Hiring

Home Improvement: Faculty Housing Solutions This item is protected.

When faculty and staff struggle to find housing close to school, creative support may be an order.

13 min read

Business Intelligence

Employment
| Research
| Salary

The Gender Gap in the Business Office This item is protected.

Men and women in the business office have different professional experiences, according to new data.

5 min read

CEO Notebook

Culture
| Employment
| Hiring

Independent Schools’ Advantage in the Hiring Market

Compensation is just one piece of the employee retention puzzle at an independent school that offers many rich benefits.

4 min read

Voices from the Field

Human Resources
| Policy
| Termination

Intentional Offboarding This item is protected.

Three HR directors share their tips and tricks to smooth the transition and keep the door open for a return when appropriate.

7 min read

Projections

Compliance
| Human Resources
| Legal

When Compliance Complements Culture

Legal compliance is critical, but when applied without compassion, it can muddy school culture.

6 min read

Business Intelligence

Employment
| Enrollment
| Tuition

How Many Tuition Payments Cover an Employee’s Salary? This item is protected.

In FY 2023, after tuition discounts, a median of 3.8 students’ net tuitions paid for one school employee.

7 min read

Feature

Employee Leave
| Employment
| Human Resources

Finding Your School’s Retention Formula This item is protected.

Three areas play an outsized role in retention: compensation, onboarding and organizational culture.

17 min read

Strategies

Boards and Trustees
| Employment
| Salary

Retaining Hourly Staff in a Tight Labor Market This item is protected.

When food service workers expressed financial needs, the school negotiated wage raises and developed a staff compensation system.

4 min read

Feature

Employment
| Human Resources
| Salary

Show Me the Money: Salary Transparency This item is protected.

Whether or not there’s a state or local law on the books, many schools are finding pay transparency is better for everyone.

13 min read

Labor Law
| Regulatory Updates
| Salary

Overtime Threshold Increases Were Overturned. What Now? This item is protected.

The overtime rules that many schools have prepared for will revert to earlier thresholds. Here's how leaders can prepare.

3 min read

CEO Notebook

Human Resources
| Performance Management

Making Work Meaningful at Your School

To retain talent, school leaders must cultivate clear purpose, mutual trust and opportunities to grow.

5 min read

Business Intelligence

Budget
| Salary
| Tuition

Faith and School Finances This item is protected.

Independent schools with a religious affiliation are more reliant on annual giving than all other types of independent schools.

4 min read

Blue and red pencils on red and blue background stock photo

CEO Notebook

Culture
| Human Resources
| Leadership

Politics on Campus: Supporting Our Schools, Knowing the Rules

As the November election approaches, it’s critical to actively cultivate campus culture.

4 min read

Compensation Strategies
| Labor Law
| Legal

Sleeping on the Job? and Other Compensable Time Questions This item is protected.

Fundraising events, coaching, trips, and training programs offer great opportunities for school employees but can create confusion about paying non-exempt or hourly employees.

5 min read

Abstract figure of a person thinking with pink and blue geometric background

Feature

Compensation Strategies
| Employee Benefits

The Philosophy Behind Your Compensation Strategy This item is protected.

Whether or not you’ve actively considered it, your school’s compensation structures shape school values and culture.

8 min read

Employee Benefits
| Leadership
| Membership

Unsung Hero: Matthew Piechota, Cheshire Academy

Matthew Piechota revamped Cheshire Academy’s business office through new systems and a successful multi-employer plan.

2 min read

Hiring
| Leadership
| Membership

Unsung Hero: Meeta Nosrati, Old Trail School

Meeta Nosrati developed innovative compensation practices that keep Old Trail School competitive in attracting and retaining top talent.

2 min read

CEO Notebook

Culture
| Leadership
| Professional Development

Workplace Coaching: Go for the Gold

Effective workplace coaching is associated with stronger feelings of accountability among employees – and stronger financial performance.

4 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

A white person's hand going into a cookie jar

Feature

Compliance
| Policy
| Risk Management

10 Most Common Fraud Opportunities at Independent Schools — and How To Stop Them This item is protected.

Economic uncertainty and AI may create more opportunities for fraud. It’s critical to be aware of risk and mitigation measures.

6 min read

A Kinkaid School student using AI on their school laptop

Strategies

Risk Management
| Technology

7 Steps to AI Integration

An approach that balances access and oversight has helped The Kinkaid School experiment in both the classroom and operations.

7 min read

Projections

Legal
| Risk Management

Navigating Uncertainty

What independent school leaders need to know about changing federal policies.

6 min read

Feature

Crisis Management
| Facilities
| Risk Management

Trial by Fire: Best Practices This item is protected.

Independent school leaders evaluated, evacuated and evolved their approach to educational operations through the fury of this year’s L.A. area fires.

14 min read

Feature

Crisis Management
| Risk Management
| Safety and Security

Trial by Fire: School Leaders' Stories This item is protected.

Independent school leaders evaluated, evacuated and evolved their approach to educational operations through the fury of this year’s L.A. area fires.

11 min read

CEO Notebook

Planning
| Procedures
| Risk Management

Summer Could Be the Time to Tackle ERM

Enterprise risk management may sound intimidating, but this simple list can help you get started this summer.

4 min read

Budget
| Policy
| Risk Management

The “Jet Fuel” of Rising Claims Costs: Litigation Investment

Third-party litigation financing is driving up liability claim costs, and independent schools may be unwittingly investing in the practice.

3 min read

Risk & Compliance

Crisis Management
| Procedures
| Risk Management

Mitigating an Active Shooter This item is protected.

Strong planning and leadership helped one school through the unthinkable.

7 min read

Risk & Compliance

Enrollment
| Financial Aid
| Risk Management

Navigating Two-Household Families This item is protected.

Strong policies are critical when parents have different ideas about applications, financial aid and enrollment contracts.

6 min read

Feature

Policy
| Risk Management
| Trips

Tripped Up: Trip Management & Risk This item is protected.

New challenges populate the decision-making maze of independent school travel programs.

12 min read

Projections

Compliance
| Human Resources
| Legal

When Compliance Complements Culture

Legal compliance is critical, but when applied without compassion, it can muddy school culture.

6 min read

Risk & Compliance

Compliance
| Legal
| Policy

The Evolving Role of the School Counselor This item is protected.

School leaders and counselors both need to understand confidentiality from a legal standpoint and prepare accordingly.

5 min read

Compliance
| Cybersecurity

It’s Keeping Me Awake at Night: What International School Tech Directors Are Losing Sleep Over

Data privacy and security remain top concerns for tech directors, with the introduction of AI tools adding complexity to regulatory compliance.

6 min read

stock illustration of a man painting over another person's speech bubble

Accounting
| Culture
| Risk Management

Can You Say Anything? Free Speech in Independent Schools

How laws and regulations on free speech apply to nonprofit independent schools as well as policy and cultural considerations.

6 min read

Strategies

Crisis Management
| Software
| Technology

Early Intervention Strategies for Student Incidents This item is protected.

Proactive monitoring and alert systems on student devices have helped identify issues early.

5 min read

Feature

Procedures
| Risk Management
| Technology

One Record to Inform Them All This item is protected.

Clarifying and streamlining your school’s data operations not only mitigates risk but has strategic payoffs.

17 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 This item is protected.

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
| Risk Management

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

Strategies

Risk Management
| Technology

7 Steps to AI Integration

An approach that balances access and oversight has helped The Kinkaid School experiment in both the classroom and operations.

7 min read

Feature

Crisis Management
| Facilities
| Risk Management

Trial by Fire: Best Practices This item is protected.

Independent school leaders evaluated, evacuated and evolved their approach to educational operations through the fury of this year’s L.A. area fires.

14 min read

Feature

Crisis Management
| Risk Management
| Safety and Security

Trial by Fire: School Leaders' Stories This item is protected.

Independent school leaders evaluated, evacuated and evolved their approach to educational operations through the fury of this year’s L.A. area fires.

11 min read

Voices from the Field

Change Management
| Facilities
| Leadership

A New Chapter for Facilities Management

The new CEO of APPA — Leadership in Educational Facilities and the board’s vice chair weigh in on top facilities concerns in independent schools today.

8 min read

Strategies

Employment
| Facilities
| Hiring

Tapping the Gig Economy to Fill Labor Gaps This item is protected.

Staffing shortages in dining, custodial and grounds work led Woodward Academy to try new hiring strategies.

3 min read

EV charging stations or electric vehicle recharging stations with graphic display

Feature

Environmental Sustainability
| Facilities
| Policy

Back to the Future: Facilities That Think Forward This item is protected.

How schools are staying in the green — and the black — with the latest facilities updates.

13 min read

Projections

Budget
| Facilities

Transforming Facilities for High Quality Learning

Updating the campus requires investment, but transforming spaces to deliver high-quality learning need not break the bank if you plan strategically.

6 min read

Feature

Budget
| Facilities
| Hiring

Home Improvement: Faculty Housing Solutions This item is protected.

When faculty and staff struggle to find housing close to school, creative support may be an order.

13 min read

Accounting
| Facilities
| Tax

2025 Accounting, Audit and Tax Update for Independent Schools This item is protected.

With no new audit standards this season, now is the time to review current accounting guidance and optimize financial strategies.

7 min read

Facilities
| Leadership
| Maintenance

Giving Facilities a Voice

Effective communication and strategic planning are key for today's facilities leaders.

3 min read

Other Duties As Assigned

Culture
| Facilities
| Leadership

On the Road: Transitioning to a Boarding School

This business officer has come to treasure his weekend duties, even navigating heavy traffic on airport runs.

4 min read

Compliance
| Cybersecurity

It’s Keeping Me Awake at Night: What International School Tech Directors Are Losing Sleep Over

Data privacy and security remain top concerns for tech directors, with the introduction of AI tools adding complexity to regulatory compliance.

6 min read

Feature

Change Management
| Leadership
| Technology

An Ear on the Future: Interview with 2025 NBOA Annual Meeting Speaker Crystal Washington

Organizations that are successfully adopting new technologies find ways to harness staff feedback, says keynote speaker Crystal Washington.

8 min read

Other Duties As Assigned

Facilities
| Leadership

The Circle of (Estimated, Useful) Life

Nothing teaches adaptability quite like chasing the school’s runaway rabbits, as this business officer discovered.

6 min read

Other Duties As Assigned

Extended Day
| Summer Camp

Revving Up Alternative Revenue This item is protected.

When this communications director took on auxiliary programs, non-tuition revenue increased significantly.

4 min read

Voices from the Field

Software
| Technology

Favorite AI Tools and How To Vet Them This item is protected.

A sprinkling of generative AI tools that business leaders are using, with advice on adopting them thoughtfully.

7 min read

Strategies

Crisis Management
| Software
| Technology

Early Intervention Strategies for Student Incidents This item is protected.

Proactive monitoring and alert systems on student devices have helped identify issues early.

5 min read

Projections

Planning
| Procedures
| Technology

The Inevitability of AI

As AI capabilities grow rapidly, so does their potential to enhance efficiency and strategic thinking in the business office.

6 min read

Facilities
| Safety and Security
| Technology

Optimizing Campus Networks and Security This item is protected.

Independent schools are increasingly integrating smart technologies to enhance campus management, security and efficiency.

4 min read

Feature

Procedures
| Risk Management
| Technology

One Record to Inform Them All This item is protected.

Clarifying and streamlining your school’s data operations not only mitigates risk but has strategic payoffs.

17 min read

Financial Aid
| Marketing
| Tuition

What Kinds of Independent Schools Are Using Indexed Tuition? This item is protected.

Schools employing indexed tuition receive less net tuition, have lower expenses and distribute more financial aid.

3 min read

Change Management
| Enrollment
| Planning

Strategic Rightsizing to Strengthen School Operations This item is protected.

Strategic planning led to fewer enrolled students and higher NTR in the case of one boarding-day school.

3 min read

Business Intelligence

Endowment
| Financial Aid
| Tuition

Variations in Tuition Discounting by Endowment Level This item is protected.

In 2023–24, schools without an endowment had a similar tuition discount rate as schools with large endowments.

5 min read

Risk & Compliance

Enrollment
| Financial Aid
| Risk Management

Navigating Two-Household Families This item is protected.

Strong policies are critical when parents have different ideas about applications, financial aid and enrollment contracts.

6 min read

Business Intelligence

Employment
| Enrollment
| Tuition

How Many Tuition Payments Cover an Employee’s Salary? This item is protected.

In FY 2023, after tuition discounts, a median of 3.8 students’ net tuitions paid for one school employee.

7 min read

Feature

Financial Aid
| Research
| Tuition

Remission Accomplished? This item is protected.

Tuition remission is on the rise. What does that mean for schools’ sustainability and culture?

14 min read

Feature

Budget
| Enrollment
| Tuition

Public Funding, Private Choices: School Choice Funding This item is protected.

More states than ever are offering school choice funding, but are the strings attached worth it?

11 min read

Business Intelligence

Budget
| Salary
| Tuition

Faith and School Finances This item is protected.

Independent schools with a religious affiliation are more reliant on annual giving than all other types of independent schools.

4 min read

Heather Hoerle (center) accepting the 2022 Sarah Daignault Outstanding Support for Independent Schools Award with Shields and Rose Neubert, the 2021–23 NBOA Board Chair.

Projections

Boards and Trustees
| Enrollment
| Leadership

A Fond Farewell

A conversation with Heather Hoerle as she reflects on a career serving independent schools, from NAIS to EMA.

6 min read

Strategies

Culture
| Diversity and Inclusion
| Financial Aid

Clarifying Financial Aid for Multilingual Families This item is protected.

Making the process clearer to parents whose dominant language is not English can result in significant community enrichment.

4 min read

Hand holds danger warning sign with exclamation mark on red background.

Risk & Compliance

Debt
| Enrollment
| Planning

10 Warning Signs of Financial Distress at Your School

Board members and top administrators should know these rules of thumb before problems become too dire to correct.

6 min read

multiple doors against one blue wall. One door is red.

Business Intelligence

Enrollment
| Financial Aid
| Policy

Tuition Discounting in School Choice States This item is protected.

The tuition discount rate was higher among schools in school-choice states compared to schools not in school choice states.

4 min read

Enrollment
| Leadership
| Membership

Unsung Hero: Christie Holman, The Walker School

Christie Holman has driven The Walker School’s recovery and growth through creative problem-solving and expert budgeting.

2 min read

NBOA Tuition Discounting publication cover against blank background

CEO Notebook

Financial Aid
| Research
| Tuition

Tuition Discounting Data Is Here

NBOA’s latest Tuition Discounting Report offers robust analysis of the pandemic years and practical takeaways for school leadership.

4 min read

Multiple dotted trails looping across a yellow background.

Admission
| Enrollment
| Financial Aid

Uncovering Hidden Trails in Financial Aid Documentation This item is protected.

Learning how to read tax forms in the financial aid application process is like finding a map through sometimes dense documentation.

4 min read

Financial Aid
| Leadership

Unsung Hero: April Cerkiewicz, All Saints Episcopal School

Cerkiewicz transformed her school's tuition assistance program, significantly increasing the percentage of families receiving aid.

2 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

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

Strategies

Diversity and Inclusion
| Policy
| Procedures

An Inclusion Tool for the Whole School

Business leaders can play a critical role in steering school-wide equity and inclusion efforts, through assessing the impact of school business practices.

2 min read

CEO Notebook

Culture
| Diversity and Inclusion
| Membership

How Business Leaders Can Be a Leading Voice for Inclusion Efforts

NBOA has released a new Operational Equity and Inclusion Inventory to help business leaders make the school community more welcoming for faculty, staff and families.

3 min read

CEO Notebook

Diversity and Inclusion
| Leadership
| Research

The Business of You

NBOA’s new research report, “Demographics of the Independent School Business Office,” reveals trends across schools, positions and individual career backgrounds and satisfaction.

4 min read

CEO Notebook

Diversity and Inclusion
| Membership
| Research

How Do You Measure 2024?

Among this year’s many efforts to enhance your professional development opportunities, these four stand out.

4 min read

Strategies

Culture
| Diversity and Inclusion
| Financial Aid

Clarifying Financial Aid for Multilingual Families This item is protected.

Making the process clearer to parents whose dominant language is not English can result in significant community enrichment.

4 min read

Other Duties As Assigned

Change Management
| Diversity and Inclusion
| Leadership

The Cost of Protest

At Dunn School, a proactive approach to discussing events of October 7 and the ensuing war resulted in positive educational outcomes with minimal impact to budget and operations.

5 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

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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

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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

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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

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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

CEO Notebook

Budget
| Membership
| Planning

The (Financial) Re-Model You’ve Been Waiting For

NBOA just released version 2.0 of the Long-Range Financial Model, which is more powerful, intuitive and customizable.

4 min read

Other Duties As Assigned

Leadership
| Membership

Many Heads Are Better Than One

On volunteering with NBOA in various capacities, as shared by the current Editorial Advisory Committee.

5 min read

CEO Notebook

Culture
| Diversity and Inclusion
| Membership

How Business Leaders Can Be a Leading Voice for Inclusion Efforts

NBOA has released a new Operational Equity and Inclusion Inventory to help business leaders make the school community more welcoming for faculty, staff and families.

3 min read

Leadership
| Membership

At Capacity: 2025 NBOA Annual Meeting Largest Gathering Yet

This year’s confluence of independent school business leaders and business partners will be the largest in-person event in NBOA’s 27-year history.

2 min read

CEO Notebook

Leadership
| Membership

Announcing the 2025 NBOA Award Recipients

This year’s recipients have supported the independent school community by generously sharing their knowledge and financial support, and have innovated in the areas of compensation and AI.

5 min read

CEO Notebook

Diversity and Inclusion
| Membership
| Research

How Do You Measure 2024?

Among this year’s many efforts to enhance your professional development opportunities, these four stand out.

4 min read

Leadership
| Membership

The Best of Net Assets Magazine 2024

This year's top 12 cover every thing from food service inflation to financing in a new lending environment.

2 min read

Leadership
| Membership

Unsung Hero: Nadia Robinson, Mill Springs Academy

Nadia Robinson took on additional administrative duties and ensured smooth operations during a challenging year of staff transitions.

2 min read

Employee Benefits
| Leadership
| Membership

Unsung Hero: Matthew Piechota, Cheshire Academy

Matthew Piechota revamped Cheshire Academy’s business office through new systems and a successful multi-employer plan.

2 min read

Hiring
| Leadership
| Membership

Unsung Hero: Meeta Nosrati, Old Trail School

Meeta Nosrati developed innovative compensation practices that keep Old Trail School competitive in attracting and retaining top talent.

2 min read

Leadership
| Membership

Unsung Hero: Grace Moore, Hammond School

Grace Moore expertly led recovery efforts following a fire at the Hammond School, all while ensuring the school's financial stability.

2 min read

Enrollment
| Leadership
| Membership

Unsung Hero: Christie Holman, The Walker School

Christie Holman has driven The Walker School’s recovery and growth through creative problem-solving and expert budgeting.

2 min read

Facilities
| Leadership
| Membership

Unsung Hero: Nick Hernandez, Marlborough School

Hernandez transformed Marlborough School’s campus and uses financial data to align business goals with the school’s mission.

2 min read

Governance
| Leadership
| Membership

Unsung Hero: Hemant Dutia, The American International School of Muscat

Over his 26-year tenure, Dutia has spearheaded capital development projects and established robust international and local business relationships.

2 min read

Budget
| Legal
| Membership

Unsung Hero: Iveth Bosmediano, The Sacred Heart School of Montreal

This finance director has excelled in regulatory compliance and advanced her school’s policies and handbooks.

2 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.

5 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

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Compliance
| Policy
| Risk Management

10 Most Common Fraud Opportunities at Independent Schools — and How To Stop Them This item is protected.

Economic uncertainty and AI may create more opportunities for fraud. It’s critical to be aware of risk and mitigation measures.

6 min read

Strategies

Risk Management
| Technology

7 Steps to AI Integration

An approach that balances access and oversight has helped The Kinkaid School experiment in both the classroom and operations.

7 min read

CEO Notebook

Policy
| Procedures

Time-Saving, Trustworthy Policies Now at Your Fingertips

NBOA’s newly released Business Office Policies and Procedures were developed to help improve business office protocols while giving you time back for everything else on your plate.

4 min read

Projections

Legal
| Risk Management

Navigating Uncertainty

What independent school leaders need to know about changing federal policies.

6 min read

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Crisis Management
| Facilities
| Risk Management

Trial by Fire: Best Practices This item is protected.

Independent school leaders evaluated, evacuated and evolved their approach to educational operations through the fury of this year’s L.A. area fires.

14 min read

Feature

Crisis Management
| Risk Management
| Safety and Security

Trial by Fire: School Leaders' Stories This item is protected.

Independent school leaders evaluated, evacuated and evolved their approach to educational operations through the fury of this year’s L.A. area fires.

11 min read

CEO Notebook

Planning
| Procedures
| Risk Management

Summer Could Be the Time to Tackle ERM

Enterprise risk management may sound intimidating, but this simple list can help you get started this summer.

4 min read

Financial Aid
| Marketing
| Tuition

What Kinds of Independent Schools Are Using Indexed Tuition? This item is protected.

Schools employing indexed tuition receive less net tuition, have lower expenses and distribute more financial aid.

3 min read

Budget
| Policy
| Risk Management

The “Jet Fuel” of Rising Claims Costs: Litigation Investment

Third-party litigation financing is driving up liability claim costs, and independent schools may be unwittingly investing in the practice.

3 min read

Change Management
| Enrollment
| Planning

Strategic Rightsizing to Strengthen School Operations This item is protected.

Strategic planning led to fewer enrolled students and higher NTR in the case of one boarding-day school.

3 min read

CEO Notebook

Culture
| Leadership

The School Year’s Final Weeks: A Shared Endeavor

Strong partnership between academic and business leaders, especially the head of school and business officer, is critical when working through the flurry of year-end activities.

3 min read

Budget
| Leadership

Creating a Mission Spreadsheet This item is protected.

Skutt Catholic leaders mapped how different parts of the school’s mission statement aligned with actual expenditures to ensure every dollar is spent purposefully.

4 min read

Change Management
| Procedures

First Quantity, Then Quality

Moving from finance to a new quality assurance role, this business officer is aligning employees ahead of retirements and new hires.

4 min read

Voices from the Field

Change Management
| Facilities
| Leadership

A New Chapter for Facilities Management

The new CEO of APPA — Leadership in Educational Facilities and the board’s vice chair weigh in on top facilities concerns in independent schools today.

8 min read

CEO Notebook

Budget
| Membership
| Planning

The (Financial) Re-Model You’ve Been Waiting For

NBOA just released version 2.0 of the Long-Range Financial Model, which is more powerful, intuitive and customizable.

4 min read

Strategies

Employment
| Facilities
| Hiring

Tapping the Gig Economy to Fill Labor Gaps This item is protected.

Staffing shortages in dining, custodial and grounds work led Woodward Academy to try new hiring strategies.

3 min read

Business Intelligence

Endowment
| Financial Aid
| Tuition

Variations in Tuition Discounting by Endowment Level This item is protected.

In 2023–24, schools without an endowment had a similar tuition discount rate as schools with large endowments.

5 min read

CEO Notebook

Culture
| Leadership

Leading with "We" in Anxious Times

These 4 tips can help steady the ship when your school community is worried about the uncertain future.

4 min read

Risk & Compliance

Crisis Management
| Procedures
| Risk Management

Mitigating an Active Shooter This item is protected.

Strong planning and leadership helped one school through the unthinkable.

7 min read

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Environmental Sustainability
| Facilities
| Policy

Back to the Future: Facilities That Think Forward This item is protected.

How schools are staying in the green — and the black — with the latest facilities updates.

13 min read