Culture

LGBTQ+ Leaders in the Business Office

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

Stock image people in rainbow colors

CEO Notebook  

  • Culture
  • | Membership

Business Officers Make the Best Company 4 min read

As new business officers gathered last week to learn and connect, we were reminded of the incredible community business officers have created.
Stock image people in rainbow colors

Voices from the Field  

  • Culture
  • | Diversity and Inclusion
  • | Membership

LGBTQ+ Leaders in the Business Office 8 min read

Initial insights into different experiences in the independent school business office.
student abuse prevention
  • Legal
  • | Risk Management

Risk & Compliance: Student-on-Student Harassment and Abuse 6 min read

What schools need to know about legal considerations, crafting effective policies, and creating a culture that prevents incidents.

CEO Notebook  

  • Budget
  • | Change Management
  • | Leadership

Low-Cost, High-Impact Innovation 5 min read

As we move away from the forced changes of pandemic years and into intentional innovation, consider a few low- to no-cost efforts successfully undertaken by colleges and universities.
Elementary students in tinker lab at Bennett Day School
  • Change Management
  • | Enrollment

Room To Grow: Learning Labs as External Revenue Streams 5 min read

Bennett Day School developed a project-based learning lab that has helped generate non-tuition revenue and expand its PK-12 program. Bennett Day is one of three schools to receive this year's Innovation Excellence Award.
New dormitory rendering for Solebury School
  • Culture
  • | Facilities

Building on Culture: Interpretive Master Planning 10 min read This item is protected.

An interpretive master planning process can assure the future vision of a campus truly serves the needs of the entire school community.
2022 NBOA Annual Meeting presenters Vanessa Calderon, Sherry Krebsbach and Greg Miles
  • Leadership
  • | Survey

Becoming the “School of Choice” for Faculty 4 min read

In a challenging hiring environment, schools would do well to survey faculty on employee satisfaction to identify areas of improvement and move the needle on employee retention.
Members of the 2021-22 Leadership Academy Cohort at NBOA Annual Meeting
  • Change Management
  • | Leadership

Increased Wellness in Schools Through Operational Changes 5 min read

Later start times and shorter school weeks that accommodate adolescents’ health and wellness could be independent schools’ future.
  • Enrollment
  • | Leadership

The Possibilities of Partnerships 4 min read

Be it with a local college or business, a partnership may enable your school to offer distinctive opportunities that enhance value proposition and/or develop new revenue streams.

CEO Notebook  

  • Leadership

What Wonder Woman and Workplace Assessment Have in Common 5 min read

Wonder Woman had a complex personality. So might you — and that perspective can help you as an independent school leader.
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  • Boards and Trustees
  • | Gift
  • | Leadership

Other Duties as Assigned: Who’s Asking? 5 min read

A strong relationship with a long-time donor made this business officer the best person to make a major ask to fulfill a pressing need.
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  • Diversity and Inclusion
  • | Leadership

Voices from the Field: Leaders of Color in Independent Schools 6 min read

Four business officers offer initial insights into diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives and their experiences at their schools.

Projections  

  • Change Management
  • | Leadership

Projections: Finding Financial Confidence in an Era of Uncertainty 6 min read

As the cultural landscape continues to change, business officers can be strong partners in school leadership.
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  • Leadership
  • | Membership

2022 NBOA Annual Meeting Brings Together 700 Attendees Face-to-Face 3 min read

The in-person event unfolded in Chicago, while the Digital Pass is available through March.

CEO Notebook  

  • Human Resources
  • | Leadership

Key Questions To Combat the Great Resignation at Your School 5 min read

A deep understanding of your school’s talent pool is a competitive advantage.
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  • Leadership
  • | Membership

In Chicago or From Your Desk: What To Expect at the 2022 NBOA Annual Meeting 3 min read

Come together with a community of innovative thinkers to reinvigorate, recharge and elevate the impact and value of your role.
Kosowski Powering On MA22.jpeg
  • Change Management
  • | Human Resources
  • | Leadership

Powering On: Managing Conflict Within Independent Schools 18 min read This item is protected.

When polarizing issues come to campus, the business office can be a strong force in connecting the community.
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  • Leadership
  • | Technology

Other Duties as Assigned: Coaching the E-Team 5 min read

Esports are like others sports and also not, which is their appeal for this business officer.

CEO Notebook  

  • Leadership

Announcing the 2022 NBOA Innovation Excellence Award Recipients 4 min read

The selected schools have demonstrated creative new ways to approach maker spaces, endowments and a multi-campus business model.
Voices JF22.jpeg
  • Human Resources
  • | Leadership

Voices from the Field: Full Stop 4 min read

Following the stress of the 2020–21 school year, one school experimented with a coordinated, school–wide break.
Stock Bitcoins falling

Strategies  

  • Investments
  • | Policy
  • | Risk Management

Developing a Cryptocurrency Policy 3 min read

Accepting cryptocurrency is relatively straightforward, but holding it requires careful consideration.
Image of Zoe Schwam coaching hockey at Portledge School

Other Duties As Assigned  

  • Accounting
  • | Membership

If the Hat Fits, Wear It 3 min read

Holding roles as diverse as hockey coach and human resources director, this now director of financial reporting has deep connections across her school.
Illustration of seven gray lightbulbs and one rainbow lightbulb.

CEO Notebook  

  • Membership
  • | Planning

NBOA’s New Strategy Begins and Ends With You 5 min read

Member insights were crucial in developing NBOA’s new strategic framework – and we’ll need your feedback today and going forward to assess its progress.
Photo of the Pine Crest School business office staff.

Voices from the Field  

  • Cash Management
  • | Reports

Piece by Piece 9 min read

The 2022 recipient of the Ken White Distinguished Business Officer Award, Nancy Greene, is known for mastering advanced strategies in finance and risk, and communicating their importance to colleagues and peers.
Miss Porter's School students
  • Diversity and Inclusion
  • | Endowment

Room to Grow: Becoming an Anti-Racist Institution 4 min read

Miss Porter’s School has leveraged its large endowment and operating budget to challenge systemic racism. Miss Porter's is one of three schools to receive this year's Innovation Excellence Award.

CEO Notebook  

  • Budget
  • | Change Management
  • | Leadership

Low-Cost, High-Impact Innovation 5 min read

As we move away from the forced changes of pandemic years and into intentional innovation, consider a few low- to no-cost efforts successfully undertaken by colleges and universities.
pie chart stock photo
  • Membership
  • | Planning

Strategies: Strategic Financial Planning for School Business Leaders 3 min read

NBOA’s latest book provides key considerations to help professionals new to independent school business succeed in their leadership roles.
  • Cash Management
  • | Financial Aid

Business Intelligence: Pandemic Predictions and Outcomes in School Finance 4 min read

Mid–2020, business officers predicted a bumpier outcome for FY21 than came to pass. Deficits and cash draws were smaller, while aid awards were higher.
  • Employee Benefits
  • | Tax

Tax Implications of Head-of-School Compensation Packages 6 min read

Fringe benefits included in head-of-school packages may help attract strong candidates, but be aware of compliance issues.
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  • Accounting
  • | Audit

2022 Accounting and Tax Updates and Reminders for Independent Schools 7 min read

A number of areas, including leases and employee retention credits, may require renewed attention this year.
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  • Boards and Trustees
  • | Gift
  • | Leadership

Other Duties as Assigned: Who’s Asking? 5 min read

A strong relationship with a long-time donor made this business officer the best person to make a major ask to fulfill a pressing need.
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  • Accounting
  • | Tax

A Practical Approach to Tax Compliance 6 min read

NBOA’s new guide outlines the essentials of not-for-profit independent school tax compliance and how to treat compliance risks strategically.
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  • Financing
  • | Investments

Financing a Better World: ESG and Credit Ratings 10 min read This item is protected.

Environmental, social and governance practices can impact a school’s credit profile, and mitigating associated risks is key to long-term financial health.
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Business Intelligence  

  • Endowment
  • | Research

Business Intelligence: Larger Data Sets, Improved Tools 3 min read

Look for new ways to filter data, create presentations and study endowment data with the latest BIIS updates.
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  • Endowment
  • | Research

Independent Schools Report 25.8% Return on Endowment Assets for FY2021 4 min read This item is protected.

More independent schools are exploring responsible investing policies and practices.
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Strategies  

  • Financing
  • | Reports

Financial Reporting in a Flash 6 min read

Focusing on 19 key financial indicators over nearly 20 years has helped one business officer ensure her school leverages resources for maximum impact.
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Business Intelligence  

  • Enrollment
  • | Financing
  • | Salary

Business Intelligence: Fewer Students and More Staff Signal New Paradigms 4 min read

While enrollment has declined slightly over the past few years, staffing has increased. How can schools offset increased costs?
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  • Financing
  • | Investments
  • | Technology

FAQ: Cryptocurrency and the Business Office 3 min read

What business officers need to know about the latest changes in technology and digital strategy.
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  • Pandemic
  • | Tax

Employee Retention Credit Accounting Guidance for Independent Schools 4 min read

Thorough and consistent documentation is key to success.
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  • Audit
  • | Technology

The Future of Auditing in Schools 7 min read

With careful planning, a mostly remote audit can improve teamwork and more meaningful communication between auditors and school staff.
The Downtown School
  • Enrollment
  • | Hiring

Room To Grow: Creating an Affordable Micro-School 4 min read

Lakeside School opened a no-frills micro-school that offers competitive teacher salaries and a tuition that is about half of neighboring independent schools. Lakeside School is one of three schools to receive this year's Innovation Excellence Award.
  • Membership
  • | Salary

NBOA To Launch Research on Innovative Faculty and Staff Compensation Models 3 min read

A grant from the Edward E. Ford Foundation will enable data collection and resource development to help independent schools reshape their compensation structures.
  • Employee Benefits
  • | Tax

Tax Implications of Head-of-School Compensation Packages 6 min read

Fringe benefits included in head-of-school packages may help attract strong candidates, but be aware of compliance issues.
  • Compliance
  • | Hiring
  • | Labor Law

No-Poach Agreements: Compliance and Best Practices for Independent Schools 3 min read

How Do Antitrust Laws Affect Independent Schools?

CEO Notebook  

  • Human Resources
  • | Leadership

Key Questions To Combat the Great Resignation at Your School 5 min read

A deep understanding of your school’s talent pool is a competitive advantage.
Kosowski Powering On MA22.jpeg
  • Change Management
  • | Human Resources
  • | Leadership

Powering On: Managing Conflict Within Independent Schools 18 min read This item is protected.

When polarizing issues come to campus, the business office can be a strong force in connecting the community.
Voices JF22.jpeg
  • Human Resources
  • | Leadership

Voices from the Field: Full Stop 4 min read

Following the stress of the 2020–21 school year, one school experimented with a coordinated, school–wide break.
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Business Intelligence  

  • Enrollment
  • | Financing
  • | Salary

Business Intelligence: Fewer Students and More Staff Signal New Paradigms 4 min read

While enrollment has declined slightly over the past few years, staffing has increased. How can schools offset increased costs?
https://higherlogicdownload.s3.amazonaws.com/NBOA/UploadedImages/scYwxQE8RKq0PdWfxlPN_Crossroads%20Jacobs%20JF22.jpeg
  • Diversity and Inclusion
  • | Hiring
  • | Human Resources

Hiring at the Cultural Crossroads 14 min read This item is protected.

Despite significant changes in hiring processes over the past year, implicit bias remains. It can be mitigated.

Risk & Compliance  

  • Diversity and Inclusion
  • | Hiring
  • | Human Resources

Risk & Compliance: Diverse Hiring Practices Without Discrimination 6 min read

Make sure your school’s best efforts don’t run afoul of anti-discrimination laws.
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  • Human Resources
  • | Pandemic

Get Well(ness) Soon 13 min read This item is protected.

Schools are rethinking wellness programs to drive tangible improvements in staff and faculty wellbeing.
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Strategies  

  • Human Resources
  • | Technology

Strategies: School Culture and the Cloud 8 min read

Encourage acceptance of — and minimize resistance to — remote hires or cloud-based processes by engaging in these distinct steps.
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  • Hiring
  • | Risk Management
  • | Technology

What Don’t I Know? The Importance of Social Media Screening 5 min read

Amber Stockham: What can a school learn from a social media check?
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  • Employment
  • | Hiring
  • | Salary

Benchmarking 2022-23 Salary Changes: NBOA Flash Survey 3 min read This item is protected.

A recent flash survey shows that most schools are anticipating wage increases for both new hires and retained employees. 

CEO Notebook  

  • Human Resources
  • | Leadership

The Hybrid Business Office Requires Candor and Care 4 min read

Remote work isn’t in itself an obstacle to building trust among colleagues, but strong results require intentional bridge-building.
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  • Human Resources
  • | Performance Management

Four Perspectives on Staff Evaluations 4 min read

When rethinking staff performance evaluation processes, HR leaders need to function as change agents.
  • Human Resources
  • | Pandemic

Late Pandemic Employee Wellness Efforts 5 min read

Increased communication about school planning, newly adjusted leave policies and wellness services are some of the ways schools seek to mitigate burnout this year.
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  • Leadership
  • | Professional Development

How Is a Business Office Built? 12 min read This item is protected.

Results from a recent survey suggest business office staffing is based on number of responsibilities more than budget size.
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Risk & Compliance  

  • Employee Benefits
  • | Human Resources
  • | Pandemic

Risk & Compliance: Flexible Work Arrangements in a Post-COVID Environment 5 min read

Schools are not obligated to automatically renew telework accommodations, but they must engage in an interactive process.

CEO Notebook  

  • Diversity and Inclusion
  • | Hiring
  • | Performance Management

3 “Reset” Opportunities for Business Officers 4 min read

Recruitment and retention efforts are vital in a hot labor market.
Stock Bitcoins falling

Strategies  

  • Investments
  • | Policy
  • | Risk Management

Developing a Cryptocurrency Policy 3 min read

Accepting cryptocurrency is relatively straightforward, but holding it requires careful consideration.
student abuse prevention
  • Legal
  • | Risk Management

Risk & Compliance: Student-on-Student Harassment and Abuse 6 min read

What schools need to know about legal considerations, crafting effective policies, and creating a culture that prevents incidents.
https://higherlogicdownload.s3.amazonaws.com/NBOA/UploadedImages/XwL9Vk6VSTerT6tZqfC6_air%20purifier.png
  • Facilities
  • | Pandemic

Using Pandemic-Related Government Funding To Purchase Portable Air Purifiers 4 min read

Investing in commercial grade air purifying systems can help protect your school’s “danger zones” — from cafeterias to locker rooms to the nurse’s office.
  • Compliance
  • | Hiring
  • | Labor Law

No-Poach Agreements: Compliance and Best Practices for Independent Schools 3 min read

How Do Antitrust Laws Affect Independent Schools?
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Risk & Compliance  

  • Cybersecurity
  • | Risk Management

Bracing for a Tumultuous Cyber Insurance Marketplace 7 min read

Five ways to better position your school for lower rates — and protect your network from cyberattacks.
  • Facilities
  • | Leadership
  • | Risk Management

Announcing the 2022 Recipients of the Distinguished Business Officer and Outstanding School Support Awards 5 min read

Every year since 1999, NBOA’s Ken White Distinguished Business Officer Award has recognized an exceptionally active and inspiring individual who has dedicated their career to the support of others within our community. A
https://higherlogicdownload.s3.amazonaws.com/NBOA/UploadedImages/2vmpb2BPTtGygaWt1ze9_Wellness%20Freed%20JF22.jpeg
  • Human Resources
  • | Pandemic

Get Well(ness) Soon 13 min read This item is protected.

Schools are rethinking wellness programs to drive tangible improvements in staff and faculty wellbeing.

Projections  

  • Change Management
  • | Leadership
  • | Pandemic

Projections: You Are the Continuity 8 min read

As the average head-of-school tenure shrinks, business office leadership has largely remained steady — and essential to furthering our schools’ present and future course.
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  • Hiring
  • | Risk Management
  • | Technology

What Don’t I Know? The Importance of Social Media Screening 5 min read

Amber Stockham: What can a school learn from a social media check?
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  • Communication
  • | Marketing
  • | Risk Management

Is Your Marcom Office Ready for the Latest Privacy Changes? 11 min read

The way we track email campaign metrics is going to change.
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  • Compliance
  • | Pandemic
  • | Regulatory Updates

NBOA Regulatory Roundup: Vaccines and Accommodations, ERC, International Travel and More 4 min read This item is protected.

This fall is similar to the one before it only in that both are unlike any other schools have experienced in recent memory. As schools have worked to adapt their policies and procedures again to ensure the safety of thei
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  • Compliance
  • | Pandemic
  • | Regulatory Updates

OSHA’s Emergency Temporary Standard and Independent School Operations 6 min read This item is protected.

Article by Amber Stockham, SPHR
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Risk & Compliance  

  • Legal
  • | Risk Management

Risk & Compliance: Religious Rights and Personal Liberties in Independent Schools 7 min read

Religious schools should consider how high courts have recently handled the “ministerial exception” when considering issues such as transgender rights and vaccine exemptions.
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  • Pandemic
  • | Risk Management

ERM for the (Post) Pandemic Era 9 min read

Independent schools are carrying significant “risk baggage,” both old and new. Comprehensive risk management can help leaders avoid liability and potential crises.
  • Financial Aid
  • | Pandemic

Pandemic Tested Financial Aid 11 min read This item is protected.

Trends and lessons from last year’s financial aid season can make this season calmer and more efficient.
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  • Pandemic
  • | Tax

Employee Retention Credit Accounting Guidance for Independent Schools 4 min read

Thorough and consistent documentation is key to success.
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  • Risk Management
  • | Technology

School Wide Web 12 min read This item is protected.

As technology grows more complex, it’s increasingly important that schools include tech leaders at the highest levels of school decision making.
  • Human Resources
  • | Pandemic

Late Pandemic Employee Wellness Efforts 5 min read

Increased communication about school planning, newly adjusted leave policies and wellness services are some of the ways schools seek to mitigate burnout this year.
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Strategies  

  • Risk Management
  • | Technology

Strategies: A Multilayered Approach to Cybersecurity 8 min read

An effective approach considers data, devices, software, employee training, backup systems and crisis management.

Projections  

  • Pandemic
  • | Technology

Projections: The Next Iteration of Independent Education 8 min read

School will likely look different in coming years, in everything from our markets to our staffing approach to the ubiquitous touch of technology on and off campus.
New dormitory rendering for Solebury School
  • Culture
  • | Facilities

Building on Culture: Interpretive Master Planning 10 min read This item is protected.

An interpretive master planning process can assure the future vision of a campus truly serves the needs of the entire school community.
Pingry bus students
  • Facilities
  • | Transportation

The Driving Force: Optimizing Transportation 12 min read This item is protected.

School-provided transportation can buoy enrollment and diversity, but developing a cost- and time-efficient model is tricky business.

Projections  

  • Environmental Sustainability
  • | Facilities

Projections: Three Facilities Trends That Take Us Beyond COVID 7 min read

Facilities changes made during COVID are being taken to the next level as school prepare for the longer-term future.
  • Enrollment
  • | Technology

Engaging Online Learners for Greater Financial Sustainability 4 min read

Expanding online curriculum can also promote on-campus engagement opportunities.
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  • Environmental Sustainability
  • | Facilities

Working Wellness into School Facilities: 4 Trends 4 min read

Wellness features and healthy design offer simpler, more flexible community spaces where students can relax and restore from the increased stresses of everyday life.
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  • Facilities
  • | Pandemic

Using Pandemic-Related Government Funding To Purchase Portable Air Purifiers 4 min read

Investing in commercial grade air purifying systems can help protect your school’s “danger zones” — from cafeterias to locker rooms to the nurse’s office.
https://higherlogicdownload.s3.amazonaws.com/NBOA/UploadedImages/tI5eJFK9Td62vDo4Yxnn_cyber%20insurance.png

Risk & Compliance  

  • Cybersecurity
  • | Risk Management

Bracing for a Tumultuous Cyber Insurance Marketplace 7 min read

Five ways to better position your school for lower rates — and protect your network from cyberattacks.
https://higherlogicdownload.s3.amazonaws.com/NBOA/UploadedImages/lzhQpQDJTqqBVBFjaTkW_Duties%20JF22.jpeg
  • Leadership
  • | Technology

Other Duties as Assigned: Coaching the E-Team 5 min read

Esports are like others sports and also not, which is their appeal for this business officer.
  • Facilities
  • | Leadership
  • | Risk Management

Announcing the 2022 Recipients of the Distinguished Business Officer and Outstanding School Support Awards 5 min read

Every year since 1999, NBOA’s Ken White Distinguished Business Officer Award has recognized an exceptionally active and inspiring individual who has dedicated their career to the support of others within our community. A
https://higherlogicdownload.s3.amazonaws.com/NBOA/UploadedImages/6Be9EZumTTG0cM1oZkgQ_Strategies%20JF22.jpeg

Strategies  

  • Human Resources
  • | Technology

Strategies: School Culture and the Cloud 8 min read

Encourage acceptance of — and minimize resistance to — remote hires or cloud-based processes by engaging in these distinct steps.
https://higherlogicdownload.s3.amazonaws.com/NBOA/UploadedImages/oFdL2k4tQG2CDWRHMF9D_iStock-1312818032.jpeg
  • Hiring
  • | Risk Management
  • | Technology

What Don’t I Know? The Importance of Social Media Screening 5 min read

Amber Stockham: What can a school learn from a social media check?
https://higherlogicdownload.s3.amazonaws.com/NBOA/UploadedImages/5K7IM0dlTkeTMtYqAy3y_crypto.png
  • Financing
  • | Investments
  • | Technology

FAQ: Cryptocurrency and the Business Office 3 min read

What business officers need to know about the latest changes in technology and digital strategy.
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  • Facilities

Clean Air: Ventilation Is the Foundation 6 min read

Ventilation improvements and regular inspections can lower the risk of infection on campus.
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  • Risk Management
  • | Technology

School Wide Web 12 min read This item is protected.

As technology grows more complex, it’s increasingly important that schools include tech leaders at the highest levels of school decision making.
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Strategies  

  • Risk Management
  • | Technology

Strategies: A Multilayered Approach to Cybersecurity 8 min read

An effective approach considers data, devices, software, employee training, backup systems and crisis management.

Projections  

  • Pandemic
  • | Technology

Projections: The Next Iteration of Independent Education 8 min read

School will likely look different in coming years, in everything from our markets to our staffing approach to the ubiquitous touch of technology on and off campus.
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  • Audit
  • | Technology

The Future of Auditing in Schools 7 min read

With careful planning, a mostly remote audit can improve teamwork and more meaningful communication between auditors and school staff.
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  • Environmental Sustainability
  • | Facilities

Finding Financial Gains with a Lower Carbon Footprint 5 min read

Schools looking to reduce energy consumption can begin conservation measures now with low-hanging fruit, and extend their savings with a well-conceived plan.
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Safety & Security  

  • Pandemic
  • | Safety and Security

Safety & Security: Coming Out of the Storm 4 min read

Strong emergency communications and visual alerts helped one school manage a safer return to campus.
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Strategies  

  • Diversity and Inclusion
  • | Facilities

Strategies: Holding Ourselves Accountable 4 min read

As the pandemic drives more students to independent schools, business officers need to focus on big-picture strategies for tuition policies and other factors.
The Downtown School
  • Enrollment
  • | Hiring

Room To Grow: Creating an Affordable Micro-School 4 min read

Lakeside School opened a no-frills micro-school that offers competitive teacher salaries and a tuition that is about half of neighboring independent schools. Lakeside School is one of three schools to receive this year's Innovation Excellence Award.
Elementary students in tinker lab at Bennett Day School
  • Change Management
  • | Enrollment

Room To Grow: Learning Labs as External Revenue Streams 5 min read

Bennett Day School developed a project-based learning lab that has helped generate non-tuition revenue and expand its PK-12 program. Bennett Day is one of three schools to receive this year's Innovation Excellence Award.
  • Cash Management
  • | Financial Aid

Business Intelligence: Pandemic Predictions and Outcomes in School Finance 4 min read

Mid–2020, business officers predicted a bumpier outcome for FY21 than came to pass. Deficits and cash draws were smaller, while aid awards were higher.
  • Enrollment
  • | Technology

Engaging Online Learners for Greater Financial Sustainability 4 min read

Expanding online curriculum can also promote on-campus engagement opportunities.
  • Enrollment
  • | Leadership

The Possibilities of Partnerships 4 min read

Be it with a local college or business, a partnership may enable your school to offer distinctive opportunities that enhance value proposition and/or develop new revenue streams.
Krempley Preschool Pipeline MA22.jpeg
  • Enrollment

Building a Preschool Pipeline 12 min read This item is protected.

Investing in early childhood programs can help build enrollment, but the effort requires significant management and resources.
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Business Intelligence  

  • Enrollment
  • | Financing
  • | Salary

Business Intelligence: Fewer Students and More Staff Signal New Paradigms 4 min read

While enrollment has declined slightly over the past few years, staffing has increased. How can schools offset increased costs?
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  • Communication
  • | Marketing
  • | Risk Management

Is Your Marcom Office Ready for the Latest Privacy Changes? 11 min read

The way we track email campaign metrics is going to change.
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Mission & Motivation  

  • Enrollment
  • | Leadership

Mission & Motivation: Partnerships That Raise Our Profile 4 min read

Creating joint programs with related organizations has helped differentiate our school in a competitive market.
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  • Admission
  • | Enrollment

5 Minutes With Jenna Rogers King: To Test or Not To Test? 9 min read

What business officers need to know about the admissions testing debate, the best of virtual admissions processes and potential iterations for online learning.
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Business Intelligence  

  • Research
  • | Tuition

Business Intelligence: Benchmarking for Small Schools 3 min read

Modest changes that might not phase larger schools can impact smaller schools significantly.
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  • Admission
  • | Enrollment
  • | Leadership

Advancing the Bottom Line: Integrating Enrollment and Advancement 13 min read This item is protected.

Integrating advancement, communications and marketing functions can help leaders tap resources to generate alternative revenue streams. Ann Snyder, director of independent and international schools at the Council for Adv
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  • Enrollment
  • | Tuition

Holding Patterns: Strategies for Student Retention 19 min read This item is protected.

Schools that experienced a “flight to quality” last year share strategies that have helped them retain new students.
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Strategies  

  • Enrollment
  • | Financial Aid

Strategies: Partnering for Better Financial Aid Decisions 6 min read

A structured financial aid review process that involves both admissions and the business office can maximize enrollment without breaking the bank.

Projections  

  • Enrollment
  • | Financial Aid

Projections: The Essential Business of Admissions 8 min read

It is time to switch our mindset from short-term problem-solving to long-term strategizing.
  • Financial Aid
  • | Pandemic

Pandemic Tested Financial Aid 11 min read This item is protected.

Trends and lessons from last year’s financial aid season can make this season calmer and more efficient.
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Business Intelligence  

  • Research
  • | Tuition

Business Intelligence: Closing the Gap 5 min read

To mitigate financial risk, focus on closing, rather than filling, the gap.

Projections  

  • Financial Aid
  • | Tuition
  • | Tuition Remission

Projections: Tuition Discounting in Unprecedented Times 7 min read

As the pandemic drives more students to independent schools, business officers need to focus on big-picture strategies for tuition policies and other factors.

CEO Notebook  

  • Research
  • | Tuition

NBOA Schools Netting 82 Cents on Sticker Price 5 min read

The data in NBOA’s new Tuition Discounting Report for PK-12 Independent Schools may not be as troubling as related data in higher education, but it is trending in the same direction.
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Mission & Motivation  

  • Communication
  • | Leadership

Mission & Motivation: You Can Only Change Yourself 5 min read

This year’s recipient of the Ken White Distinguished Business Officer Award shares her journey of life lessons, balanced priorities and personal growth.
Stock image people in rainbow colors

Voices from the Field  

  • Culture
  • | Diversity and Inclusion
  • | Membership

LGBTQ+ Leaders in the Business Office 8 min read

Initial insights into different experiences in the independent school business office.
Miss Porter's School students
  • Diversity and Inclusion
  • | Endowment

Room to Grow: Becoming an Anti-Racist Institution 4 min read

Miss Porter’s School has leveraged its large endowment and operating budget to challenge systemic racism. Miss Porter's is one of three schools to receive this year's Innovation Excellence Award.
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  • Diversity and Inclusion
  • | Leadership

Voices from the Field: Leaders of Color in Independent Schools 6 min read

Four business officers offer initial insights into diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives and their experiences at their schools.
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  • Diversity and Inclusion
  • | Hiring
  • | Human Resources

Hiring at the Cultural Crossroads 14 min read This item is protected.

Despite significant changes in hiring processes over the past year, implicit bias remains. It can be mitigated.

Risk & Compliance  

  • Diversity and Inclusion
  • | Hiring
  • | Human Resources

Risk & Compliance: Diverse Hiring Practices Without Discrimination 6 min read

Make sure your school’s best efforts don’t run afoul of anti-discrimination laws.
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  • Diversity and Inclusion
  • | Leadership

2022 NBOA Annual Meeting: Foundations for Engagement: Derrick Gay 5 min read

To bring more constituents on board with diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives, NBOA Breakfast speaker Derrick Gay urges schools to consider the efforts in terms of change management.
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  • Diversity and Inclusion
  • | Leadership

2022 NBOA Annual Meeting: Capacity for Audacity: Jade Simmons 8 min read

Renowned pianist and opening keynote speaker Jade Simmons explains how everyone can bring creativity into the workplace.

CEO Notebook  

  • Diversity and Inclusion
  • | Leadership

When Politics Knocks, Answer with Mission 4 min read

Our schools’ missions and values are being put to the test. They should be our guide as we navigate contentious times. 
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  • Change Management
  • | Diversity and Inclusion

DEI Transformation 10 min read This item is protected.

How to build consensus, maintain energy and remain mission-aligned when your school faces questions regarding its diversity, equity and inclusion efforts.

CEO Notebook  

  • Diversity and Inclusion
  • | Hiring
  • | Performance Management

3 “Reset” Opportunities for Business Officers 4 min read

Recruitment and retention efforts are vital in a hot labor market.
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Strategies  

  • Diversity and Inclusion
  • | Facilities

Strategies: Holding Ourselves Accountable 4 min read

As the pandemic drives more students to independent schools, business officers need to focus on big-picture strategies for tuition policies and other factors.
https://higherlogicdownload.s3.amazonaws.com/NBOA/UploadedImages/c781eb1f-9fca-4408-b2f8-9bceec57f0af/NetAssets/2021/06/pivotal_moment.png

5 Minutes with  

  • Crisis Management
  • | Diversity and Inclusion
  • | Leadership

5 Minutes with Chris Lukach: Pivotal Moments 8 min read

When communicating about difficult issues, do not aim to avoid conflict but rather strive to convey the school's work and the spirit in which it is done.
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  • Diversity and Inclusion
  • | Leadership

Back in Action at BOI 2 min read

Last week, from June 21-24, 50 new and relatively new business officers met to learn and connect during NBOA’s first virtual Business Officer Institute. While the program was concentrated compared to previous years, to m
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5 Minutes with  

  • Diversity and Inclusion
  • | Facilities
  • | Summer Camp

5 Minutes with Karen McCann McClelland and Nat Saltonstall: Masters of Innovation 9 min read

Against the backdrop of the pandemic, summer and auxiliary program directors take on more diverse roles while looking for new ways to add value.
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  • Compliance
  • | Diversity and Inclusion
  • | Policy

Pushing for Pay Equity 15 min read This item is protected.

Despite progress, the pay gap between men and women still exists. Learn what independent schools can do to ensure equitable pay practices.

CEO Notebook  

  • Diversity and Inclusion
  • | Leadership

What the Chauvin Verdict Means to Me 4 min read

To eradicate persistent racial inequities, we need transformative solutions. Many are already in motion, but more needs to happen.
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  • Diversity and Inclusion
  • | Human Resources

Shaping Community-Wide Diversity, Equity and Inclusion 3 min read

How do we utilize equity and inclusion practices as assets and opportunity makers towards reshaping and transforming our schools?
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  • Diversity and Inclusion
  • | Leadership

What’s in Your 100-Day Plan? 2 min read

How can school leaders continue creating change within their organizations?
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Strategies  

  • Diversity and Inclusion
  • | Human Resources
  • | Leadership

Strategies: Diversifying the Senior Leadership Team 4 min read

Through concerted hiring efforts, senior leadership at Crossroads School for Arts and Sciences is nearly half people of color.
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  • Change Management
  • | Diversity and Inclusion
  • | Leadership

2021 NBOA Annual Meeting: Return on Innovation: Duncan Wardle 11 min read

Opening keynote speaker Duncan Wardle has helped thousands of employees think differently — and improve their organizations’ perceived value.

CEO Notebook  

  • Culture
  • | Membership

Business Officers Make the Best Company 4 min read

As new business officers gathered last week to learn and connect, we were reminded of the incredible community business officers have created.
Stock image people in rainbow colors

Voices from the Field  

  • Culture
  • | Diversity and Inclusion
  • | Membership

LGBTQ+ Leaders in the Business Office 8 min read

Initial insights into different experiences in the independent school business office.
Image of Zoe Schwam coaching hockey at Portledge School

Other Duties As Assigned  

  • Accounting
  • | Membership

If the Hat Fits, Wear It 3 min read

Holding roles as diverse as hockey coach and human resources director, this now director of financial reporting has deep connections across her school.
Illustration of seven gray lightbulbs and one rainbow lightbulb.

CEO Notebook  

  • Membership
  • | Planning

NBOA’s New Strategy Begins and Ends With You 5 min read

Member insights were crucial in developing NBOA’s new strategic framework – and we’ll need your feedback today and going forward to assess its progress.
pie chart stock photo
  • Membership
  • | Planning

Strategies: Strategic Financial Planning for School Business Leaders 3 min read

NBOA’s latest book provides key considerations to help professionals new to independent school business succeed in their leadership roles.
  • Membership
  • | Salary

NBOA To Launch Research on Innovative Faculty and Staff Compensation Models 3 min read

A grant from the Edward E. Ford Foundation will enable data collection and resource development to help independent schools reshape their compensation structures.

CEO Notebook  

  • Membership

Building a Member-Centric Website 3 min read

We’ve completely overhauled NBOA.org to make it easier for our members to use and engage.
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  • Leadership
  • | Membership

2022 NBOA Annual Meeting Brings Together 700 Attendees Face-to-Face 3 min read

The in-person event unfolded in Chicago, while the Digital Pass is available through March.
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  • Leadership
  • | Membership

In Chicago or From Your Desk: What To Expect at the 2022 NBOA Annual Meeting 3 min read

Come together with a community of innovative thinkers to reinvigorate, recharge and elevate the impact and value of your role.
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  • Leadership
  • | Membership

NBOA 2021: A Year in Review 4 min read

A snapshot of NBOA’s priorities, offerings and operational health in support of member schools during the 2021 fiscal year.
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  • Membership

Unsung Hero: David Wright, University School 2 min read

Wright shifted University School’s health insurance to a self-insured captive program while consolidating other shared costs.
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  • Membership

Unsung Hero: David Wollam, Winchester Thurston School 2 min read

Wollam’s negotiating skills have helped Winchester Thurston School expand its campus and foster long-term financial health.
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  • Membership

Unsung Hero: Teresa Standard, University School of Nashville 2 min read

A financial trailblazer, Standard has modernized every inch of the business office while promoting and enhancing diversity, equity and inclusion.
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  • Membership

Unsung Hero: Chad Stacy, Dunn School 2 min read

Stacy’s financial management skills helped the Dunn School eliminate structural deficits, grow the endowment and remodel the school’s budget process.
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  • Membership

Unsung Hero: Laura Placio, John Burroughs School 3 min read

For over three decades, Placio has established and maintained firm financial practices at John Burroughs School while taking time to mentor other business officers in the region.
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  • Membership

Unsung Hero: Vipada Musick, Evergreen School 2 min read

Musick led an extensive update to the Evergreen School’s employee handbook, which helped the school manage HR issues handily during the pandemic.
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  • Membership

Unsung Hero: Graeme McWhirter, The Pennington School 2 min read

McWhirter’s discretionary financial planning skills have helped The Pennington School reduce debt, grow the endowment and strengthen the advancement office.
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  • Membership

Unsung Hero: Dave Mancos, Charlotte Country Day School 2 min read

Mancos led Charlotte Country Day School through three capital campaigns that enabled the construction of 12 buildings. He now serves as interim head of school.
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  • Membership

Unsung Hero: Mary Maisano, Garden School 2 min read

Maisano bolstered the school’s financial health while managing a successful head-of-school transition at the Garden School.
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  • Membership

Unsung Hero: Carol Lyon, St. Johnsbury Academy 2 min read

Lyon’s financial savvy has helped St. Johnsbury Academy secure emergency funds and emerge from the pandemic with a balanced budget.
Stock Bitcoins falling

Strategies  

  • Investments
  • | Policy
  • | Risk Management

Developing a Cryptocurrency Policy 3 min read

Accepting cryptocurrency is relatively straightforward, but holding it requires careful consideration.

CEO Notebook  

  • Culture
  • | Membership

Business Officers Make the Best Company 4 min read

As new business officers gathered last week to learn and connect, we were reminded of the incredible community business officers have created.
Stock image people in rainbow colors

Voices from the Field  

  • Culture
  • | Diversity and Inclusion
  • | Membership

LGBTQ+ Leaders in the Business Office 8 min read

Initial insights into different experiences in the independent school business office.
Image of Zoe Schwam coaching hockey at Portledge School

Other Duties As Assigned  

  • Accounting
  • | Membership

If the Hat Fits, Wear It 3 min read

Holding roles as diverse as hockey coach and human resources director, this now director of financial reporting has deep connections across her school.
Illustration of seven gray lightbulbs and one rainbow lightbulb.

CEO Notebook  

  • Membership
  • | Planning

NBOA’s New Strategy Begins and Ends With You 5 min read

Member insights were crucial in developing NBOA’s new strategic framework – and we’ll need your feedback today and going forward to assess its progress.
Photo of the Pine Crest School business office staff.

Voices from the Field  

  • Cash Management
  • | Reports

Piece by Piece 9 min read

The 2022 recipient of the Ken White Distinguished Business Officer Award, Nancy Greene, is known for mastering advanced strategies in finance and risk, and communicating their importance to colleagues and peers.
The Downtown School
  • Enrollment
  • | Hiring

Room To Grow: Creating an Affordable Micro-School 4 min read

Lakeside School opened a no-frills micro-school that offers competitive teacher salaries and a tuition that is about half of neighboring independent schools. Lakeside School is one of three schools to receive this year's Innovation Excellence Award.
Miss Porter's School students
  • Diversity and Inclusion
  • | Endowment

Room to Grow: Becoming an Anti-Racist Institution 4 min read

Miss Porter’s School has leveraged its large endowment and operating budget to challenge systemic racism. Miss Porter's is one of three schools to receive this year's Innovation Excellence Award.
student abuse prevention
  • Legal
  • | Risk Management

Risk & Compliance: Student-on-Student Harassment and Abuse 6 min read

What schools need to know about legal considerations, crafting effective policies, and creating a culture that prevents incidents.

CEO Notebook  

  • Budget
  • | Change Management
  • | Leadership

Low-Cost, High-Impact Innovation 5 min read

As we move away from the forced changes of pandemic years and into intentional innovation, consider a few low- to no-cost efforts successfully undertaken by colleges and universities.
Elementary students in tinker lab at Bennett Day School
  • Change Management
  • | Enrollment

Room To Grow: Learning Labs as External Revenue Streams 5 min read

Bennett Day School developed a project-based learning lab that has helped generate non-tuition revenue and expand its PK-12 program. Bennett Day is one of three schools to receive this year's Innovation Excellence Award.
pie chart stock photo
  • Membership
  • | Planning

Strategies: Strategic Financial Planning for School Business Leaders 3 min read

NBOA’s latest book provides key considerations to help professionals new to independent school business succeed in their leadership roles.
New dormitory rendering for Solebury School
  • Culture
  • | Facilities

Building on Culture: Interpretive Master Planning 10 min read This item is protected.

An interpretive master planning process can assure the future vision of a campus truly serves the needs of the entire school community.
  • Cash Management
  • | Financial Aid

Business Intelligence: Pandemic Predictions and Outcomes in School Finance 4 min read

Mid–2020, business officers predicted a bumpier outcome for FY21 than came to pass. Deficits and cash draws were smaller, while aid awards were higher.
  • Membership
  • | Salary

NBOA To Launch Research on Innovative Faculty and Staff Compensation Models 3 min read

A grant from the Edward E. Ford Foundation will enable data collection and resource development to help independent schools reshape their compensation structures.
Pingry bus students
  • Facilities
  • | Transportation

The Driving Force: Optimizing Transportation 12 min read This item is protected.

School-provided transportation can buoy enrollment and diversity, but developing a cost- and time-efficient model is tricky business.
2022 NBOA Annual Meeting presenters Vanessa Calderon, Sherry Krebsbach and Greg Miles
  • Leadership
  • | Survey

Becoming the “School of Choice” for Faculty 4 min read

In a challenging hiring environment, schools would do well to survey faculty on employee satisfaction to identify areas of improvement and move the needle on employee retention.
Members of the 2021-22 Leadership Academy Cohort at NBOA Annual Meeting
  • Change Management
  • | Leadership

Increased Wellness in Schools Through Operational Changes 5 min read

Later start times and shorter school weeks that accommodate adolescents’ health and wellness could be independent schools’ future.
  • Employee Benefits
  • | Tax

Tax Implications of Head-of-School Compensation Packages 6 min read

Fringe benefits included in head-of-school packages may help attract strong candidates, but be aware of compliance issues.

CEO Notebook  

  • Membership

Building a Member-Centric Website 3 min read

We’ve completely overhauled NBOA.org to make it easier for our members to use and engage.

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