NBOA Net Assets

Accounting

Can You Say Anything? Free Speech in Independent Schools

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

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

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

Budget

Lessons from a Start-Up School

Endowment

How You Spend vs. What You Spend

CEO Notebook

Culture
| Human Resources
| Leadership

Politics on Campus: Supporting Our Schools, Knowing the Rules

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

4 min read

Budget
| Leadership
| Planning

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

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

4 min read

Accounting
| Culture
| Risk Management

Can You Say Anything? Free Speech in Independent Schools

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

6 min read

Culture
| Diversity and Inclusion
| Financial Aid

Clarifying Financial Aid for Multilingual Families This item is protected.

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

4 min read

Change Management
| Planning

Using Future Studies To Cope with Top Challenges

School leaders need to envision multiple possible outcomes when facing risks and opportunities.

5 min read

Compensation Strategies
| Labor Law
| Legal

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

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

5 min read

Concept of mood change with an impassive head that turns screaming face.

CEO Notebook

Change Management
| Leadership

Don’t Be Angry — Be Open

The classic film “12 Angry Men” has leadership lessons for everyone, even if you're feeling downright cheerful.

3 min read

CEO Notebook

Boards and Trustees
| Governance

4 Tenets of Agile Governance

An independent school’s board must stay true to the mission above all else, but it must also recognize the realities of the present moment.

5 min read

Leadership
| Membership

Unsung Hero: Nadia Robinson, Mill Springs Academy

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

2 min read

Employee Benefits
| Leadership
| Membership

Unsung Hero: Matthew Piechota, Cheshire Academy

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

2 min read

CEO Notebook

Culture
| Governance
| Leadership

5 Leadership Rules for Team NBOA

You don’t have to be an Olympian to be inspired by the leader of a gold-medal winning team.

5 min read

Hiring
| Leadership
| Membership

Unsung Hero: Meeta Nosrati, Old Trail School

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

2 min read

Leadership
| Membership

Unsung Hero: Grace Moore, Hammond School

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

2 min read

Enrollment
| Leadership
| Membership

Unsung Hero: Christie Holman, The Walker School

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

2 min read

Facilities
| Leadership
| Membership

Unsung Hero: Nick Hernandez, Marlborough School

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

2 min read

Governance
| Leadership
| Membership

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

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

2 min read

Financial Aid
| Leadership

Unsung Hero: April Cerkiewicz, All Saints Episcopal School

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

2 min read

CEO Notebook

Culture
| Leadership
| Professional Development

Workplace Coaching: Go for the Gold

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

4 min read

Budget
| Legal
| Membership

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

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

2 min read

Other Duties As Assigned

Change Management
| Diversity and Inclusion
| Leadership

The Cost of Protest

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

5 min read

Budget
| Leadership
| Planning

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

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

4 min read

Endowment
| Investments

How You Spend vs. What You Spend

If your school’s endowment policy uses the Moving Average methodology, you may want to consider the Constant Growth methodology instead.

6 min read

Accounting
| Culture
| Risk Management

Can You Say Anything? Free Speech in Independent Schools

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

6 min read

CEO Notebook

Endowment
| Planning
| Research

Your Peers Are Entering Their School’s Data. Have You?

More than 1,000 member schools have started data entry so they can reap the benefits of robust analysis and benchmarking in the new year.

4 min read

Change Management
| Planning

Using Future Studies To Cope with Top Challenges

School leaders need to envision multiple possible outcomes when facing risks and opportunities.

5 min read

Rocket Launch with Rising Graph on Blue Background

Endowment
| Investments

Strategies for Boosting Unrestricted Endowment

Schools with smaller and larger endowment may benefit from different approaches.

6 min read

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

Risk & Compliance

Debt
| Enrollment
| Planning

10 Warning Signs of Financial Distress at Your School

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

6 min read

Projections

Planning
| Procedures
| Technology

The Inevitability of AI

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

6 min read

Top view of a green landscape with half in drought (stock photo)

Budget
| Planning
| Research

Financial Differences Between Surplus and Deficit Schools This item is protected.

In FY23, 66% of schools realized a surplus and 34% had a deficit. How did NTR, annual giving, reserves, staffing ratio and additional levers differ between the surplus and deficit schools?

3 min read

Budget
| Legal
| Membership

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

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

2 min read

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

Business Intelligence

Budget
| Enrollment
| Research

Boarding School Enrollment Risk This item is protected.

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

4 min read

Accounting
| Budget
| Change Management

Efficient Expansion: Outsourcing School Business Tasks

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

7 min read

Leadership
| Planning
| Technology

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

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

5 min read

Voices from the Field

Audit
| Facilities
| Leadership

Coming Around Again

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

9 min read

Strategies

Cash Management
| Endowment
| Financing

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

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

6 min read

Brewster Academy food provider cooks over a gas range stove

Budget
| Cash Management
| Food Service

Inflation on the Menu This item is protected.

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

13 min read

stock photo of wood-carved piggy bank against green background

Risk & Compliance

Accounting
| Environmental Sustainability
| Tax

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

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

3 min read

stock image of building plans and calculator

Business Intelligence

Budget
| Maintenance
| PPRRSM

Positive Change in PPRRSM This item is protected.

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

3 min read

Feature

Facilities
| Legal
| Planning

Ground Control: Risk in Property Acquisitions This item is protected.

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

16 min read

Accounting
| Risk Management
| Technology

Automating Accounts Payable to Prevent Fraud

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

3 min read

CEO Notebook

Culture
| Human Resources
| Leadership

Politics on Campus: Supporting Our Schools, Knowing the Rules

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

4 min read

Compensation Strategies
| Labor Law
| Legal

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

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

5 min read

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

Feature

Compensation Strategies
| Employee Benefits

The Philosophy Behind Your Compensation Strategy This item is protected.

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

8 min read

Employee Benefits
| Leadership
| Membership

Unsung Hero: Matthew Piechota, Cheshire Academy

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

2 min read

Hiring
| Leadership
| Membership

Unsung Hero: Meeta Nosrati, Old Trail School

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

2 min read

CEO Notebook

Culture
| Leadership
| Professional Development

Workplace Coaching: Go for the Gold

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

4 min read

Feature

Human Resources
| Risk Management

Workers’ Compensation in Independent Schools This item is protected.

Independent schools present circumstances not found in other employer settings.

8 min read

CEO Notebook

Human Resources
| Leadership
| Performance Management

Feedback That Moves Everyone Forward

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

4 min read

CEO Notebook

Employment
| Labor Law
| Salary

The New Overtime Rules: Be Aware, Not Afraid

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

4 min read

Feature

Employment
| Legal
| Misconduct

Preventing Abuse in Athletic Coaching

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

7 min read

Employment
| Hiring
| Marketing

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

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

3 min read

Culture
| Diversity and Inclusion
| Professional Development

Creating an Equitable Workplace

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

5 min read

Facilities
| Human Resources
| Membership

Announcing the 2023 NBOA Professional Achievement Award Recipients, Part 2

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

4 min read

Photo courtesy of Phillips Exeter Academy.

Feature

Employee Benefits
| Human Resources

A Holistic Approach to Health Benefits

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

6 min read

Feature

Culture
| Human Resources
| Leadership

A Civil Action Plan This item is protected.

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

10 min read

Strategies

Employee Leave
| Hiring
| Salary

Hiring a Permanent Substitute This item is protected.

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

3 min read

Compensation Strategies
| Employee Benefits
| Survey

Mission-Anchored Compensation Strategies: A Sampling

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

6 min read

beach with out of office written in sand

Compensation Strategies
| Employee Benefits
| Research

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

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

5 min read

CEO Notebook

Employment
| Leadership

Our Sometimes Forgotten Hiring Advantage

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

4 min read

Legal
| Regulatory Updates
| Salary

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

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

3 min read

Accounting
| Culture
| Risk Management

Can You Say Anything? Free Speech in Independent Schools

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

6 min read

Strategies

Crisis Management
| Software
| Technology

Early Intervention Strategies for Student Incidents This item is protected.

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

5 min read

Feature

Procedures
| Risk Management
| Technology

One Record to Inform Them All This item is protected.

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

17 min read

Feature

Human Resources
| Risk Management

Workers’ Compensation in Independent Schools This item is protected.

Independent schools present circumstances not found in other employer settings.

8 min read

Risk & Compliance

Compliance
| Misconduct
| Policy

Discrimination Claims on the Rise This item is protected.

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

7 min read

Projections

Misconduct
| Risk Management

Familiar Risks, New Perspectives This item is protected.

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

6 min read

Facilities
| Misconduct
| Risk Management

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

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

16 min read

Feature

Risk Management
| Technology

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

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

13 min read

CEO Notebook

Policy
| Risk Management
| Technology

AI Risk and Reward

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

5 min read

Feature

Employment
| Legal
| Misconduct

Preventing Abuse in Athletic Coaching

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

7 min read

Risk & Compliance

Compliance
| Legal

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

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

9 min read

Accounting
| Risk Management
| Technology

Automating Accounts Payable to Prevent Fraud

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

3 min read

Strategies

Change Management
| Crisis Management
| Risk Management

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

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

5 min read

Feature

Cybersecurity
| Risk Management
| Technology

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

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

14 min read

Risk & Compliance

Misconduct
| Risk Management

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

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

6 min read

Crisis Management
| Enrollment
| Risk Management

Educational Resilience in Maui's Wildfire Aftermath

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

4 min read

Compliance
| Legal

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

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

4 min read

CEO Notebook

Compliance
| Employment

Sound Off On Overtime Rules, Again

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

4 min read

Crisis Management
| Membership

Unsung Hero: Aimée Weil, Edmund Burke School

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

2 min read

Risk Management
| Safety and Security
| Technology

Don’t Look Back This item is protected.

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

11 min read

Other Duties As Assigned

Extended Day
| Summer Camp

Revving Up Alternative Revenue This item is protected.

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

4 min read

Voices from the Field

Software
| Technology

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

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

7 min read

Strategies

Crisis Management
| Software
| Technology

Early Intervention Strategies for Student Incidents This item is protected.

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

5 min read

Projections

Planning
| Procedures
| Technology

The Inevitability of AI

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

6 min read

Facilities
| Safety and Security
| Technology

Optimizing Campus Networks and Security This item is protected.

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

4 min read

Feature

Procedures
| Risk Management
| Technology

One Record to Inform Them All This item is protected.

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

17 min read

Facilities
| Leadership
| Membership

Unsung Hero: Nick Hernandez, Marlborough School

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

2 min read

Facilities
| Misconduct
| Risk Management

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

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

16 min read

Feature

Risk Management
| Technology

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

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

13 min read

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

Culture
| Facilities
| Leadership

A Facility Director’s First 100 Days

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

3 min read

Leadership
| Planning
| Technology

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

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

5 min read

Stock art of hand holding miniature buildings

Facilities
| Leadership

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

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

3 min read

CEO Notebook

Policy
| Risk Management
| Technology

AI Risk and Reward

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

5 min read

Voices from the Field

Audit
| Facilities
| Leadership

Coming Around Again

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

9 min read

Budget
| Cash Management
| Food Service

Inflation on the Menu This item is protected.

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

13 min read

Risk & Compliance

Accounting
| Environmental Sustainability
| Tax

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

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

3 min read

Business Intelligence

Budget
| Maintenance
| PPRRSM

Positive Change in PPRRSM This item is protected.

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

3 min read

Projections

Facilities
| Leadership
| Maintenance

From Boiler Room to Board Room

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

6 min read

Feature

Facilities
| Legal
| Planning

Ground Control: Risk in Property Acquisitions This item is protected.

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

16 min read

Accounting
| Risk Management
| Technology

Automating Accounts Payable to Prevent Fraud

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

3 min read

Culture
| Diversity and Inclusion
| Financial Aid

Clarifying Financial Aid for Multilingual Families This item is protected.

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

4 min read

Risk & Compliance

Debt
| Enrollment
| Planning

10 Warning Signs of Financial Distress at Your School

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

6 min read

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

Business Intelligence

Enrollment
| Financial Aid
| Policy

Tuition Discounting in School Choice States This item is protected.

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

4 min read

Enrollment
| Leadership
| Membership

Unsung Hero: Christie Holman, The Walker School

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

2 min read

NBOA Tuition Discounting publication cover against blank background

CEO Notebook

Financial Aid
| Research
| Tuition

Tuition Discounting Data Is Here

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

4 min read

Multiple dotted trails looping across a yellow background.

Admission
| Enrollment
| Financial Aid

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

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

4 min read

Financial Aid
| Leadership

Unsung Hero: April Cerkiewicz, All Saints Episcopal School

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

2 min read

Business Intelligence

Budget
| Enrollment
| Research

Boarding School Enrollment Risk This item is protected.

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

4 min read

Employment
| Hiring
| Marketing

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

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

3 min read

Other Duties As Assigned

Admission
| Enrollment
| Leadership

Development and Daring Do

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

4 min read

Projections

Leadership
| Marketing
| Membership

Making the NBOA Difference

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

5 min read

Feature

Enrollment

Comeback Kids: Enrollment Turnarounds This item is protected.

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

13 min read

Crisis Management
| Enrollment
| Risk Management

Educational Resilience in Maui's Wildfire Aftermath

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

4 min read

Other Duties As Assigned

Communication
| Leadership

Balancing the Books and the Brand

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

4 min read

Strategies

Enrollment
| Survey

A Match Made in Data This item is protected.

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

3 min read

Business Intelligence

Research
| Tuition

A Tuition Discounting Pulse Check This item is protected.

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

6 min read

Budget
| Financial Aid

Betting on Change in Financial Aid

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

4 min read

Enrollment
| Tuition

Micro Schools Test Flexible Tuition This item is protected.

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

12 min read

Diversity and Inclusion
| Financial Aid
| Research

Telling Our Financial Aid Story

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

6 min read

Change Management
| Enrollment
| Tuition

Returns on a Reset This item is protected.

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

12 min read

Culture
| Diversity and Inclusion
| Financial Aid

Clarifying Financial Aid for Multilingual Families This item is protected.

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

4 min read

Other Duties As Assigned

Change Management
| Diversity and Inclusion
| Leadership

The Cost of Protest

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

5 min read

CEO Notebook

Boards and Trustees
| Diversity and Inclusion
| Leadership

In Their Own Words: Heads and Business Officers Talk Partnership

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

5 min read

Culture
| Diversity and Inclusion
| Professional Development

Creating an Equitable Workplace

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

5 min read

CEO Notebook

Diversity and Inclusion
| Leadership

Morale Boosters on a Budget

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

5 min read

Feature

Culture
| Diversity and Inclusion
| Leadership

2024 NBOA Annual Meeting: Bertice Berry: Smarter Together

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

12 min read

Diversity and Inclusion
| Financial Aid
| Research

Telling Our Financial Aid Story

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

6 min read

CEO Notebook

Culture
| Diversity and Inclusion
| Leadership

Healing and Humor in Atlanta

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

4 min read

Feature

Boards and Trustees
| Diversity and Inclusion
| Leadership

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

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

12 min read

Risk & Compliance

Diversity and Inclusion
| Legal

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

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

9 min read

Diversity and Inclusion
| Technology

Tech-Enabled DEI Solutions

Independent schools can operationalize their DEI goals using technology.

3 min read

Feature

Diversity and Inclusion
| Facilities

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

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

13 min read

Diversity and Inclusion
| Membership

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

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

8 min read

stock image of two women supporting each other

Voices from the Field

Diversity and Inclusion
| Human Resources

Critical Compassion

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

6 min read

Stock illustration of woman in wheelchair with a tablet

Feature

Diversity and Inclusion
| Human Resources

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

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

8 min read

Feature

Diversity and Inclusion
| Financial Aid

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

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

7 min read

Feature

Diversity and Inclusion
| Enrollment

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

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

12 min read

Culture
| Diversity and Inclusion
| Technology

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

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

7 min read

Feature

Diversity and Inclusion
| Legal
| Technology

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

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

10 min read

Feature

Culture
| Diversity and Inclusion

The Business Case for DEI: Structural Solutions

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

17 min read

Leadership
| Membership

Unsung Hero: Nadia Robinson, Mill Springs Academy

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

2 min read

Employee Benefits
| Leadership
| Membership

Unsung Hero: Matthew Piechota, Cheshire Academy

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

2 min read

Hiring
| Leadership
| Membership

Unsung Hero: Meeta Nosrati, Old Trail School

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

2 min read

Leadership
| Membership

Unsung Hero: Grace Moore, Hammond School

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

2 min read

Enrollment
| Leadership
| Membership

Unsung Hero: Christie Holman, The Walker School

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

2 min read

Facilities
| Leadership
| Membership

Unsung Hero: Nick Hernandez, Marlborough School

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

2 min read

Governance
| Leadership
| Membership

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

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

2 min read

Budget
| Legal
| Membership

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

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

2 min read

Other Duties As Assigned

Leadership
| Membership

Break Time, Build Time

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

4 min read

Voices from the Field

Leadership
| Membership

What Do Students Know About the Independent School Business Office?

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

4 min read

Business Intelligence

Membership
| Research

Time Flies When You Have Better Data

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

6 min read

2024 NBOA Annual Meeting band opening reception

Culture
| Leadership
| Membership

2024 NBOA Annual Meeting Delivers on Community

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

2 min read

Projections

Leadership
| Marketing
| Membership

Making the NBOA Difference

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

5 min read

Facilities
| Human Resources
| Membership

Announcing the 2023 NBOA Professional Achievement Award Recipients, Part 2

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

4 min read

Accounting
| Membership

Announcing the 2023 NBOA Professional Achievement Award Recipients, Part 1

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

5 min read

Membership

2024 NBOA Annual Meeting Nearing Record Attendance

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

2 min read

CEO Notebook

Leadership
| Membership

Congratulations to the 2024 NBOA Award Recipients!

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

5 min read

CEO Notebook

Leadership
| Membership

Cheers to Camaraderie in 2023

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

3 min read

Leadership
| Membership

The Best of Net Assets Magazine 2023

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

4 min read

Feature

Leadership
| Membership

2024 NBOA Annual Meeting: Leading through Disruption: Shawn Kanungo

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

9 min read

CEO Notebook

Culture
| Human Resources
| Leadership

Politics on Campus: Supporting Our Schools, Knowing the Rules

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

4 min read

Budget
| Leadership
| Planning

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

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

4 min read

Endowment
| Investments

How You Spend vs. What You Spend

If your school’s endowment policy uses the Moving Average methodology, you may want to consider the Constant Growth methodology instead.

6 min read

Accounting
| Culture
| Risk Management

Can You Say Anything? Free Speech in Independent Schools

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

6 min read

Culture
| Diversity and Inclusion
| Financial Aid

Clarifying Financial Aid for Multilingual Families This item is protected.

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

4 min read

CEO Notebook

Endowment
| Planning
| Research

Your Peers Are Entering Their School’s Data. Have You?

More than 1,000 member schools have started data entry so they can reap the benefits of robust analysis and benchmarking in the new year.

4 min read

Change Management
| Planning

Using Future Studies To Cope with Top Challenges

School leaders need to envision multiple possible outcomes when facing risks and opportunities.

5 min read

Endowment
| Investments

Strategies for Boosting Unrestricted Endowment

Schools with smaller and larger endowment may benefit from different approaches.

6 min read

Compensation Strategies
| Labor Law
| Legal

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

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

5 min read

CEO Notebook

Change Management
| Leadership

Don’t Be Angry — Be Open

The classic film “12 Angry Men” has leadership lessons for everyone, even if you're feeling downright cheerful.

3 min read

Other Duties As Assigned

Extended Day
| Summer Camp

Revving Up Alternative Revenue This item is protected.

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

4 min read

Risk & Compliance

Debt
| Enrollment
| Planning

10 Warning Signs of Financial Distress at Your School

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

6 min read

Business Intelligence

Enrollment
| Financial Aid
| Policy

Tuition Discounting in School Choice States This item is protected.

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

4 min read

Voices from the Field

Software
| Technology

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

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

7 min read

CEO Notebook

Boards and Trustees
| Governance

4 Tenets of Agile Governance

An independent school’s board must stay true to the mission above all else, but it must also recognize the realities of the present moment.

5 min read

Strategies

Crisis Management
| Software
| Technology

Early Intervention Strategies for Student Incidents This item is protected.

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

5 min read

Projections

Planning
| Procedures
| Technology

The Inevitability of AI

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

6 min read

Feature

Compensation Strategies
| Employee Benefits

The Philosophy Behind Your Compensation Strategy This item is protected.

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

8 min read

Leadership
| Membership

Unsung Hero: Nadia Robinson, Mill Springs Academy

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

2 min read

Employee Benefits
| Leadership
| Membership

Unsung Hero: Matthew Piechota, Cheshire Academy

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

2 min read