Leadership

door open concept

Projections  

  • Enrollment
  • | Governance
  • | Planning

To Close or Not to Close: Is That the Question?

It’s not if leaders face their school’s financial reality with open eyes and engage in frank conversation.
7 min read
Bob Nicholson
  • Endowment
  • | Leadership
  • | Membership

Unsung Hero: Bob Nicholson, Holy Trinity School

Nicholson created a first-of-its-kind online school and led the transition to a paperless business office.
3 min read
Two silhouetted figures climb a mountain together at sunset
  • Governance
  • | Leadership

The Key Ingredient to the Head-CFOO Relationship Is Trust This item is protected.

A survey and interviews revealed how heads and business leaders most effectively align and where perspectives diverge.
7 min read
McInnis feature image
  • Leadership
  • | Membership
  • | Planning

Unsung Hero: Juliane McInnis, The Rashi School

McInnis reimagined auxiliary revenue while advancing the school's long-term financial planning.
2 min read
Collage of businessman and businesswoman shaking hands on colorful overlapping speech bubbles
  • Budget
  • | Change Management
  • | Planning

Mergers and Acquisitions: For Schools Considering Expansion This item is protected.

Combining with another school can strengthen finances and sustain mission. But where do school leaders even start their considerations?
7 min read
Jeff Martin
  • Leadership
  • | Membership

Unsung Hero: Jeff Martin, Norfolk Academy

Martin balances operational precision with strategic vision, advises school leadership and mentors a collaborative team.
2 min read
merger concept
  • Accounting
  • | Leadership
  • | Planning

Mergers and Acquisitions: For Schools Facing Closure This item is protected.

Combining with another school can strengthen finances and sustain mission. But where do school leaders even start their considerations?
7 min read
Ludwinski
  • Enrollment
  • | Leadership
  • | Membership

Unsung Hero: Cyndi Ludwinski, Miriam School and Learning Center

While the school grew exponentially, Ludwinski transformed systems and steadied the course in every operational area.
2 min read
  • Culture
  • | Leadership
  • | Technology

A Midsummer Reflection on AI and Generational Difference

A recent staff retreat at the turn of the fiscal year provided insights into two common challenges.
6 min read
Susie Fiorello
  • Facilities
  • | Leadership
  • | Membership

Unsung Hero: Susie Fiorello, Paideia School

Fiorello led major capital projects, sustained annual surpluses and helped Paideia School expand without incurring debt.
2 min read
Jennifer Cookston
  • Compensation Strategies
  • | Leadership
  • | Membership

Unsung Hero: Jennifer Cookston, Webb School of Knoxville

Cookston advanced strategic talent initiatives through compensation analysis, performance-based rewards and investment in professional development across the business office.
3 min read
2026 Unsung Hero: Cindy Stadulis, St. Stephen's Episcopal School
  • Leadership
  • | Membership

Unsung Hero: Cindy Stadulis, St. Stephen's Episcopal School

Stadulis strengthened budgeting practices, facilities strategy and financial aid programs while building alignment across school leadership.
3 min read

CEO Notebook  

  • Culture
  • | Leadership

Humor Me, Really: Using Laughter To Lead Better

As the school year comes to a close, it’s good to know that laughter can be great medicine for leaders.
4 min read
Japanese kintsugi bowl
  • Communication
  • | Culture
  • | Leadership

Practical Steps for Rebuilding School Trust This item is protected.

Sudden leadership changes, faculty departures, and a unionization effort left one school community unsettled. This is how they recovered their equilibrium.
8 min read
puzzle pieces
  • Leadership
  • | Technology

Securing the Future of Independent Schools: Tools and Frameworks This item is protected.

The NBOA Leadership Academy conducted research and developed practical tools to support stronger decision-making in school business
5 min read

CEO Notebook  

  • Culture
  • | Leadership
  • | Planning

What a School Merger Looks Like 15 Years Later

Longtime independent school leader Frank Aloise reflects on the pressures, decisions and outcomes that defined a landmark school merger.
5 min read
Hand interacting with virtual system warning icon surrounded by AI and data graphics

Risk & Compliance  

  • Legal
  • | Risk Management
  • | Technology

What Lawyers Want You To Know About AI Use Across the School This item is protected.

Be aware of the risks when school employees use AI in the academic program, admissions, enrollment, finance, operations, HR and governance.
8 min read
Illustration of a scale balancing AI and documents, surrounded by icons of tech, law, and governance, symbolizing AI ethics and regulation.
  • Governance
  • | Technology

Governing AI Integration: An Inventory Tool for Leaders This item is protected.

A structured inventory and heat map can help school leaders see where AI is creating value, raising risks and needs clearer guidance.
6 min read
Stock illustration of a businessman standing behind several glass columns
  • Leadership
  • | Planning

6 Steps to Future-Proofing Independent Schools This item is protected.

This six-pillar framework, developed by a cohort of the NBOA Leadership Academy, helps independent schools shift from reactive decision-making to intentional, long-term sustainability.
3 min read

CEO Notebook  

  • Change Management
  • | Technology

Seizing the AI Opportunity

Distinguished business officer and long-time innovator Nancy Greene explains how to turn curiosity about AI into real operational gains.
6 min read