Seeking new long-term revenue sources without losing sight of their missions, independent schools get entrepreneurial in digging into their real estate. “Land is an asset you can’t get back.”
11 min read
Establishing or reallocating capital funds for PPRRSM is one of the greatest intergenerational gifts an institution can make.
6 min read
For most independent schools, there is no better marketing expenditure than investing in facilities.
3 min read
As schools consider adding innovative new learning spaces, business officers must evaluate possibilities through the lens of their budgets and strategic goals.
13 min read
As technology advances, so does the proliferation of more complex fraud schemes—sometimes involving staff.
11 min read
I saw the transformation firsthand in higher education. As technology played a larger role within academic programs, and colleges and universities migrated more operations online, technology directors—who typically repor
2 min read
Financial dashboards brighten as tools for helping schools recognize trends and engage constituencies. The key is knowing which data and metric points to measure.
8 min read
With the spring thaw comes the inevitable rush of construction activity on independent school campuses. This year, the shadow of financial sustainability might make those mounting expenditures even more concerning than u
2 min read
Tips for ensuring the fringe benefits that help make your school such a nice place to work are also compliant with the law.
10 min read
STEM, STEAM, making, tinkering. Innovators, collaborators, self-directed learners. Idea labs, learning commons, makerspaces. The maker movement is a big deal for independent schools, an exciting reality playing out in ne
2 min read
It's widely accepted as best practice for independent schools to maintain three percent of the total cost of replacing the physical plant in a separate budget called PPRRSM (provision for plant replacement, renewal and s
2 min read
What’s in the FASB’s proposed changes to nonprofit financial statements? A look ahead.
6 min read
Without shame or apology I admit that I'm a change addict. I firmly believe that any organization, program or resource can be made better. "No status quo," in fact, is a mantra I developed with my friend and colleague Gr
3 min read
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Cash Management
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Culture
A California independent school teaches real-world business and investing skills through a hands-on business curriculum.
9 min read
CEO Notebook
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Cash Management
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Leadership
One of my favorite programs during the NBOA Annual Meeting is the NBOA Awards Lunch. The only national recognition program of its kind, this wonderful event doesn't just recognize individual achievement in independent sc
3 min read
CEO Notebook
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Boards and Trustees
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Planning
I was recently asked to share the biggest change I’ve observed in the business officer profession since 2010, when I became NBOA’s chief executive. My immediate thought was how your role has been elevated wel
2 min read
CEO Notebook
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Human Resources
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Planning
Last week, more than 30 business officers from across the country gathered to discuss the issues of greatest importance among their peers at NBOA's Conference on the Business Office (COBO). "This event symbolizes the nat
3 min read
It takes a village ... you can’t go it alone ... swim with a buddy ... the list goes on and on. If we know we are stronger as a group than individually, why do we so often insist on keeping key information in the hands o
2 min read
Each year, as part of our ongoing professional development, the NBOA staff selects a book to read and discuss “book club” style. The book can be about association management, education, business or some other
2 min read
As I discuss the future of independent schools with thought-leaders and colleagues across the country, we often look to higher education—particularly small, independent, liberal arts colleges—to see what less
2 min read
