Net Assets

Risk Management

After the Firewall Falls

When a school experiences a cyber breach, a well-conceived communications plan can go a long way towards building community trust.

Stock image of black business man at table

Boards and Trustees

Business Office Basics: New Trustee Orientation by the CFO

Culture

Digital Accessibility: Operational and Cultural Considerations

Feature

Communication
| Leadership

The Collaboration Conversation 9 min read This item is protected.

Three business officers in Northern California banded together to improve transportation for their schools. Now a larger group of 20 is considering solutions across the business office.

Boards and Trustees
| Governance
| Leadership

Business Office Basics: New Trustee Orientation by the CFO 3 min read

To lay the foundation for a strong relationship, consider how to present key points at the appropriate level.

CEO Notebook

Culture
| Human Resources
| Leadership

Leaders Are Not Responsible for Success. They Are Accountable for It. 5 min read

Four insights can help us meet the calls for leadership that have only been growing louder in recent years.

Culture
| Diversity and Inclusion
| Technology

Digital Accessibility: Operational and Cultural Considerations 7 min read This item is protected.

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

stock art of two school employees walking down hallway

Culture
| Leadership

Business Office Basics: Entry Interviews 3 min read

Former long-time business officer, recent interim CFO, and founding member of NBOA Jim Pugh shares wisdom he has collected in his decades of service to independent schools.

Feature

Diversity and Inclusion
| Legal
| Technology

Digital Accessibility: Legal Considerations 10 min read This item is protected.

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

Leadership
| Membership

NBOA Leadership Academy Takes Root 4 min read

The program’s success indicates that business office leaders and staff alike have an appetite for the executive skills to help advance their schools.

CEO Notebook

Legal
| Risk Management

Defending Our Independence 6 min read

If courts deem that independent schools receive federal funds simply due to our tax-exempt status, are we truly independent anymore?

Other Duties As Assigned

Accounting
| Leadership
| Membership

A Seat at the FASB Table 4 min read

This business officer represents independent schools on the FASB Not-for-Profit Advisory Committee.

CEO Notebook

Culture
| Leadership

Spend a Minute Thinking, Gain an Hour’s Insight 4 min read

To enhance productivity and creativity for all employees, consider building in time to zoom out, reflect and refuel at work.

Feature

Culture
| Diversity and Inclusion

The Business Case for DEI: Structural Solutions 17 min read This item is protected.

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

Projections

Culture
| Employment

Show Them More Than the Money 7 min read

Increasing compensation is only one factor in teacher and staff retention. Consider how your school articulates value proposition to faculty members and listens to their concerns.

CEO Notebook

Diversity and Inclusion
| Leadership

Bring Your Whole Self to Work, and Others Will Too 4 min read

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

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.

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.

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.

CEO Notebook

Reports
| Research

Actionable Data Benefits from Financial Context 4 min read

When presented with purpose, financial data can make all the difference in preparing your school for the road ahead.

Other Duties As Assigned

Accounting
| Leadership
| Membership

A Seat at the FASB Table 4 min read

This business officer represents independent schools on the FASB Not-for-Profit Advisory Committee.

Strategies

Investments
| Policy
| Risk Management

Developing a Cryptocurrency Policy 3 min read This item is protected.

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.

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.

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.

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.

https://higherlogicdownload.s3.amazonaws.com/NBOA/UploadedImages/EJyJ9skYTh2FdroPNxow_accounting.png

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.

https://higherlogicdownload.s3.amazonaws.com/NBOA/UploadedImages/fvFNU4t0TEuZ3hbWPv0H_Bergin.png

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.

https://higherlogicdownload.s3.amazonaws.com/NBOA/UploadedImages/ndOKkFrSnSmY2m3MekAg_Reichling%20Tax%20MA22.jpeg

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.

https://higherlogicdownload.s3.amazonaws.com/NBOA/UploadedImages/2QXkUi6TRbSTrZ0xps2Z_Holmes%20Better%20World%20MA22.jpeg

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.

https://higherlogicdownload.s3.amazonaws.com/NBOA/UploadedImages/Q37QZ9nWSQugCEkwaCD1_bis%20intel%20(1).png

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.

https://higherlogicdownload.s3.amazonaws.com/NBOA/UploadedImages/JeNaGCfTRAWltjGS0nSy_commonfund.png

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.

https://higherlogicdownload.s3.amazonaws.com/NBOA/UploadedImages/md11fDxxRtmPeRUjOixN_data%20sets.png

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.

https://higherlogicdownload.s3.amazonaws.com/NBOA/UploadedImages/TUcPk2waTzG1sgDJugux_bis%20intel.png

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/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.

CEO Notebook

Culture
| Human Resources
| Leadership

Leaders Are Not Responsible for Success. They Are Accountable for It. 5 min read

Four insights can help us meet the calls for leadership that have only been growing louder in recent years.

Strategies

Athletics
| Hiring
| Salary

A Straight-Talking Stipend System 6 min read This item is protected.

Coaching stipends are notoriously difficult to standardize. This points-based system can help assure fair and well-reasoned compensation.

Projections

Culture
| Employment

Show Them More Than the Money 7 min read

Increasing compensation is only one factor in teacher and staff retention. Consider how your school articulates value proposition to faculty members and listens to their concerns.

Feature

Employment
| Risk Management

All in the Family: Students on Staff 7 min read This item is protected.

The risks and rewards of putting parents and pupils on the payroll.

Feature

Employment
| Risk Management

All in the Family: Parents on the Payroll 13 min read This item is protected.

The risks and rewards of putting parents and pupils on the payroll.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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/D4Qn5VxaSQSpa9LzIAxY_graph%20salaries%20flash%20survey.png

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.

Feature

Risk Management
| Technology

After the Firewall Falls 12 min read This item is protected.

When a school experiences a cyber breach, a well-conceived communications plan can go a long way towards building community trust.

CEO Notebook

Legal
| Risk Management

Defending Our Independence 6 min read

If courts deem that independent schools receive federal funds simply due to our tax-exempt status, are we truly independent anymore?

Risk & Compliance

Crisis Management
| Risk Management

An Evolving Risk Registry 6 min read This item is protected.

A quantitative approach to risk assessment can help schools in devising more effective risk treatments and tracking risk responses across time.

Feature

Employment
| Risk Management

All in the Family: Students on Staff 7 min read This item is protected.

The risks and rewards of putting parents and pupils on the payroll.

Feature

Employment
| Risk Management

All in the Family: Parents on the Payroll 13 min read This item is protected.

The risks and rewards of putting parents and pupils on the payroll.

Strategies

Investments
| Policy
| Risk Management

Developing a Cryptocurrency Policy 3 min read This item is protected.

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

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?

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.

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

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.

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/YP2pfkwvRZqBRFf2cL7c_Untitled%20design%20(7).png

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.

https://higherlogicdownload.s3.amazonaws.com/NBOA/UploadedImages/uUMbmSeFSiO7GQiuPLz9_regulatory%20roundup.png

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

https://higherlogicdownload.s3.amazonaws.com/NBOA/UploadedImages/KnMCP8tTSRWkrYukNf62_iStock-1313536126-L.jpeg

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

https://higherlogicdownload.s3.amazonaws.com/NBOA/UploadedImages/zDkEnxJSaCSHUIVyFesl_religious%20rights%20(2).png

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.

https://higherlogicdownload.s3.amazonaws.com/NBOA/UploadedImages/fC25zjs1QjqxQjXuC6bX_ERM.png

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.

Feature

Risk Management
| Technology

After the Firewall Falls 12 min read This item is protected.

When a school experiences a cyber breach, a well-conceived communications plan can go a long way towards building community trust.

Culture
| Diversity and Inclusion
| Technology

Digital Accessibility: Operational and Cultural Considerations 7 min read This item is protected.

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

Feature

Diversity and Inclusion
| Legal
| Technology

Digital Accessibility: Legal Considerations 10 min read This item is protected.

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

Enrollment
| Technology

Rethinking the Advancement Tech Stack 5 min read

Advancement teams are drowning in software, but it’s often de-centralized and doesn’t always meet every need. Is your school’s advancement tech stack moving you forward or holding you back?

Business Intelligence

Facilities
| Maintenance

How Old Is Your Plant Now? 5 min read This item is protected.

The financial answer is a simple calculation that will help your school manage resources strategically.

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.

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.

https://higherlogicdownload.s3.amazonaws.com/NBOA/UploadedImages/h9ZnCk4TxiLCRf5SGt1w_fay%20school.png

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.

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.

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

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.

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?

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.

https://higherlogicdownload.s3.amazonaws.com/NBOA/UploadedImages/83B48RnvToWmn6AOnnuL_ventillation.png

Facilities

Clean Air: Ventilation Is the Foundation 6 min read

Ventilation improvements and regular inspections can lower the risk of infection on campus.

https://higherlogicdownload.s3.amazonaws.com/NBOA/UploadedImages/c781eb1f-9fca-4408-b2f8-9bceec57f0af/NetAssets/2021/09/Freed_Technology_SO21.jpg

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.

https://higherlogicdownload.s3.amazonaws.com/NBOA/UploadedImages/c781eb1f-9fca-4408-b2f8-9bceec57f0af/NetAssets/2021/08/cybersecurity__1_.png

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.

Feature

Communication
| Leadership

The Collaboration Conversation 9 min read This item is protected.

Three business officers in Northern California banded together to improve transportation for their schools. Now a larger group of 20 is considering solutions across the business office.

Enrollment
| Technology

Rethinking the Advancement Tech Stack 5 min read

Advancement teams are drowning in software, but it’s often de-centralized and doesn’t always meet every need. Is your school’s advancement tech stack moving you forward or holding you back?

Feature

Enrollment
| Financial Aid
| Tuition

NTR FTW (For the Win): A Case Study 14 min read This item is protected.

Implementing a net tuition revenue model and reconceptualizing financial aid helped Moses Brown School return to full enrollment.

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.

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.

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.

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?

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.

https://higherlogicdownload.s3.amazonaws.com/NBOA/UploadedImages/ucxx1HnQSeC9AqGHLUcO_MM%20ND21.jpeg

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.

https://higherlogicdownload.s3.amazonaws.com/NBOA/UploadedImages/duX5yqPTmeYn8b8jTvyA_5%20Minutes%20w%20King%20ND21.jpeg

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.

https://higherlogicdownload.s3.amazonaws.com/NBOA/UploadedImages/uYrRAhs1SN6Cp8mtz9L1_small%20pins.png

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.

https://higherlogicdownload.s3.amazonaws.com/NBOA/UploadedImages/R8H4fi81RwerMi616Nsm_Snyder%20integration%20ND21.jpeg

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

https://higherlogicdownload.s3.amazonaws.com/NBOA/UploadedImages/WLy1mjttTEKWzVmB45Tk_Davis%20Retention%20ND21.jpeg

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.

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.

https://higherlogicdownload.s3.amazonaws.com/NBOA/UploadedImages/c781eb1f-9fca-4408-b2f8-9bceec57f0af/NetAssets/2021/08/fill_gap.png

Business Intelligence

Research
| Tuition

Business Intelligence: Closing the Gap 5 min read

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

Culture
| Diversity and Inclusion
| Technology

Digital Accessibility: Operational and Cultural Considerations 7 min read This item is protected.

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

Feature

Diversity and Inclusion
| Legal
| Technology

Digital Accessibility: Legal Considerations 10 min read This item is protected.

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

Feature

Culture
| Diversity and Inclusion

The Business Case for DEI: Structural Solutions 17 min read This item is protected.

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

CEO Notebook

Diversity and Inclusion
| Leadership

Bring Your Whole Self to Work, and Others Will Too 4 min read

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

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.

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.

https://higherlogicdownload.s3.amazonaws.com/NBOA/UploadedImages/p9haQI0QXKDnOVJO1fk3_leaders%20of%20color.png

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.

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.

https://higherlogicdownload.s3.amazonaws.com/NBOA/UploadedImages/aiQ5uYMPSlOK4PqSdp6k_derrick%20gay.png

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.

https://higherlogicdownload.s3.amazonaws.com/NBOA/UploadedImages/nfHOGK9RjSCYwI2iIy6j_Jade%20Simmons%20(1).png

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. 

https://higherlogicdownload.s3.amazonaws.com/NBOA/UploadedImages/c781eb1f-9fca-4408-b2f8-9bceec57f0af/NetAssets/2021/08/dei_transformation.png

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.

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.

https://higherlogicdownload.s3.amazonaws.com/NBOA/UploadedImages/c781eb1f-9fca-4408-b2f8-9bceec57f0af/NetAssets/2021/06/2021-06-24-BOI-Hats-2.png

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

https://higherlogicdownload.s3.amazonaws.com/NBOA/UploadedImages/c781eb1f-9fca-4408-b2f8-9bceec57f0af/NetAssets/2021/05/Sidwell_Friends.png

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.

https://higherlogicdownload.s3.amazonaws.com/NBOA/UploadedImages/c781eb1f-9fca-4408-b2f8-9bceec57f0af/NetAssets/2021/05/3_Gender_Pay_Gap.jpg

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.

Membership

Unsung Hero: Ann-Marie Tewey, Boulder Country Day School 2 min read

Through major construction projects and benefits improvements, Tewey has been an instrumental force in modernizing operations at her school.

Marcus Shuflin, NBOA Unsung Hero recipient

Membership

Unsung Hero: Marcus Shuflin, Oasis International School — Kuala Lumpur 2 min read

An innovative thinker, Shuflin designed a professional development program to get business office staff thinking about the school’s mission and culture.

Gamaliel Rivera, NBOA Unsung Hero Award recipient

Membership

Unsung Hero: Gamaliel Rivera, The Baldwin School of Puerto Rico 2 min read

Rivera has been instrumental in restoring the facilities and financial health of The Baldwin School of Puerto Rico after Hurricane Maria caused extensive damage.

Lori Lauman, NBOA Unsung Hero Award recipient

Membership

Unsung Hero: Lori Lauman, Omni Montessori School 2 min read

Lauman’s project management skills have helped Omni Montessori School improve employee benefits and payroll processes.

Membership

Unsung Hero: Scott Hicks, Aspen Country Day School 2 min read

Hicks was instrumental in establishing a firm financial footing through careful stewardship of resources, thoughtful planning and adept property management.

Membership

Unsung Hero: Elizabeth Healy, Cardinal Spellman High School 2 min read

Healy helped her school transition to an independent business model after years of being an archdiocesan school.

Membership

Unsung Hero: Rebecca Grimmer, All Saints' Episcopal School of Fort Worth 2 min read

Grimmer has been instrumental in conserving natural resources on campus while running a lean budget.

Unsung Hero Award recipient Robert Constantine

Membership

Unsung Hero: Robert Constantine, The White Mountain School 2 min read

As his school’s longest-tenured administrator, Constantine helped oversee several leadership transitions while modernizing financial practices at The White Mountain School.

Leadership
| Membership

NBOA Leadership Academy Takes Root 4 min read

The program’s success indicates that business office leaders and staff alike have an appetite for the executive skills to help advance their schools.

Membership

Unsung Hero: Dyana Conroy, The Potomac School 2 min read

Conroy’s outstanding communication skills have helped build trust and streamline operations at The Potomac School.

Membership

Unsung Hero: Jenny Chen, Hanahau'oli School 2 min read

A master risk manager and strategic thinker, Chen helped the Hanahau'oli School navigate pandemic-related challenges and ward off fraud attempts.

Taryn Clatanoff, NBOA Unsung Hero recipient

Membership

Unsung Hero: Taryn Clatanoff, Skutt Catholic High School 2 min read

Clatanoff's organizational leadership skills have helped Skutt Catholic High School transition to a new tuition model and grow enrollment.

Membership

Unsung Hero: Meredith Chase, The Howard School 2 min read

An advocate for financial literacy, Chase empowered faculty and staff at the Howard School to plan expenses and reduce costs, resulting in stronger operational and budgeting outcomes for the school.

Other Duties As Assigned

Accounting
| Leadership
| Membership

A Seat at the FASB Table 4 min read

This business officer represents independent schools on the FASB Not-for-Profit Advisory Committee.

Francis Cash, NBOA Unsung Hero award recipient

Membership

Unsung Hero: Francis Cash, Atrium School 2 min read

As his school's first business officer, Cash has helped standardize business and facilities operations at Atrium School.

Daniel Cargill, 2022 Will J. Hancock Unsung Hero recipient

Membership

Unsung Hero: Daniel Cargill, Central Catholic High School 2 min read

For over four decades, Cargill has helped secure the school's financial health while modernizing the its technology infrastructure.

Curt Brossman, 2022 NBOA Unsung Hero Award recipient

Membership

Unsung Hero: Curt Brossman, One Schoolhouse 2 min read

Brossman’s innovative thinking and transparent leadership style have helped One Schoolhouse reinvent the organization’s compensation model.

Greg Bokman, 2022 NBOA Unsung Hero Award Recipient

Membership

Unsung Hero: Greg Bokman, The Langley School 2 min read

Bokman helped The Langley School complete an ambitious capital campaign while securing endowment investment to aid its future growth.

Membership

Announcing the 2022 NBOA Will J. Hancock Unsung Heroes 2 min read

The Will J. Hancock Unsung Hero Award is given to independent school business officers who have made an extraordinary contribution to their schools, as nominated by their colleagues. Congratulations to the 2022 recipients!

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.

CEO Notebook

Reports
| Research

Actionable Data Benefits from Financial Context 4 min read

When presented with purpose, financial data can make all the difference in preparing your school for the road ahead.

Feature

Communication
| Leadership

The Collaboration Conversation 9 min read This item is protected.

Three business officers in Northern California banded together to improve transportation for their schools. Now a larger group of 20 is considering solutions across the business office.

stock image of pregnant person signing paperwork

Developing a Parental Leave Policy 6 min read This item is protected.

More schools, even small ones, are offering paid leave to attract and retain top talent.

Membership

Unsung Hero: Ann-Marie Tewey, Boulder Country Day School 2 min read

Through major construction projects and benefits improvements, Tewey has been an instrumental force in modernizing operations at her school.

Feature

Risk Management
| Technology

After the Firewall Falls 12 min read This item is protected.

When a school experiences a cyber breach, a well-conceived communications plan can go a long way towards building community trust.

Membership

Unsung Hero: Marcus Shuflin, Oasis International School — Kuala Lumpur 2 min read

An innovative thinker, Shuflin designed a professional development program to get business office staff thinking about the school’s mission and culture.

Boards and Trustees
| Governance
| Leadership

Business Office Basics: New Trustee Orientation by the CFO 3 min read

To lay the foundation for a strong relationship, consider how to present key points at the appropriate level.

CEO Notebook

Culture
| Human Resources
| Leadership

Leaders Are Not Responsible for Success. They Are Accountable for It. 5 min read

Four insights can help us meet the calls for leadership that have only been growing louder in recent years.

Strategies

Athletics
| Hiring
| Salary

A Straight-Talking Stipend System 6 min read This item is protected.

Coaching stipends are notoriously difficult to standardize. This points-based system can help assure fair and well-reasoned compensation.

Membership

Unsung Hero: Gamaliel Rivera, The Baldwin School of Puerto Rico 2 min read

Rivera has been instrumental in restoring the facilities and financial health of The Baldwin School of Puerto Rico after Hurricane Maria caused extensive damage.

Membership

Unsung Hero: Lori Lauman, Omni Montessori School 2 min read

Lauman’s project management skills have helped Omni Montessori School improve employee benefits and payroll processes.

Culture
| Diversity and Inclusion
| Technology

Digital Accessibility: Operational and Cultural Considerations 7 min read This item is protected.

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

Membership

Unsung Hero: Scott Hicks, Aspen Country Day School 2 min read

Hicks was instrumental in establishing a firm financial footing through careful stewardship of resources, thoughtful planning and adept property management.

Membership

Unsung Hero: Elizabeth Healy, Cardinal Spellman High School 2 min read

Healy helped her school transition to an independent business model after years of being an archdiocesan school.

Culture
| Leadership

Business Office Basics: Entry Interviews 3 min read

Former long-time business officer, recent interim CFO, and founding member of NBOA Jim Pugh shares wisdom he has collected in his decades of service to independent schools.

Feature

Diversity and Inclusion
| Legal
| Technology

Digital Accessibility: Legal Considerations 10 min read This item is protected.

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

Membership

Unsung Hero: Rebecca Grimmer, All Saints' Episcopal School of Fort Worth 2 min read

Grimmer has been instrumental in conserving natural resources on campus while running a lean budget.

Membership

Unsung Hero: Robert Constantine, The White Mountain School 2 min read

As his school’s longest-tenured administrator, Constantine helped oversee several leadership transitions while modernizing financial practices at The White Mountain School.

Leadership
| Membership

NBOA Leadership Academy Takes Root 4 min read

The program’s success indicates that business office leaders and staff alike have an appetite for the executive skills to help advance their schools.

Membership

Unsung Hero: Dyana Conroy, The Potomac School 2 min read

Conroy’s outstanding communication skills have helped build trust and streamline operations at The Potomac School.