Leadership Academy

NBOA Leadership Academy

Nominations for the 2023-24 Cohort are closed.
Sign up to be notified when applications for the 2024-25 Cohort open. If you have any questions, please contact programs@nboa.org.

Executive Reports

Twenty-five independent school business leaders comprising the 2022-23 NBOA Leadership Academy cohort explored the biggest challenges facing independent schools and identified innovations in leadership, program, culture, finance, HR and/or operations to address them. Groups of five identified one significant opportunity and/or challenge facing independent schools and used evidence-based research and case studies to envision a more sustainable future for independent schools. Each group’s big idea is captured in an executive report that includes the rationale for the issue selected for exploration, research methodology, and implications, recommendations and actionable next steps for their proposed solution.

NBOA Library

  • Enrollment
  •   |   Facilities
  •   |   Leadership

Report: Navigating Space Limitations

Feb 26, 2024, 7:31 AM
This report presents innovative strategies for maximizing enrollment capacity in educational institutions, with a focus on floating classrooms, outdoor education, flex spacing and virtual learning.
  • Budget
  •   |   Leadership
  •   |   Marketing

Report: Strategic Partners for Prosperity and Growth

Feb 26, 2024, 7:21 AM
By harnessing collective strengths and addressing vulnerabilities through collaboration and strategic alignment, schools can ensure prosperity and growth.
  • Accounting
  •   |   Leadership
  •   |   Technology

Report: AI and the Independent School Business Office

Feb 26, 2024, 6:58 AM
The report addresses the transformative impact of AI, specifically examining its role in streamlining processes, enhancing system thinking and optimizing organizational growth.
  • Hiring
  •   |   Human Resources
  •   |   Professional Development

Report: Innovative Strategies for Securing the Future Independent School Workforce

Feb 25, 2024, 5:45 PM
The report presents four main strategies: developing robust pipelines into teaching, offering housing incentives to teachers, enhancing or establishing teacher training, and leveraging marketing.
  • Culture
  •   |   Employee Benefits
  •   |   Human Resources
  •   |   Leadership

Report: Extending the Life of Your Most Important Asset — Teachers

Apr 13, 2023, 1:17 PM
This report recommends school leaders focus on: improving school culture and work/life balance, demonstrating strong support from leadership, and offering alternative benefits and flexibility.
  • Change Management
  •   |   Culture
  •   |   Leadership
  •   |   Planning

Report: Examination of the Academic Year Calendar

Apr 13, 2023, 1:11 PM
As schools look to enhance their revenue and economic sustainability, this report examined the traditional academic calendar.
  • Culture
  •   |   Employee Benefits
  •   |   Human Resources
  •   |   Leadership

Report: Reinforcing Culture & Community as a Low-Cost Employee Retention Tool

Apr 13, 2023, 1:08 PM
This report shows when a school focuses on 1) employee recognition and empowerment, 2) improving mental health and physical well-being, 3) opportunities for deeper connections, and 4) communication and transparency, employees’ fulfillment improve.
  • Culture
  •   |   Hiring
  •   |   Leadership
  •   |   Performance Management

Report: National Business Officers Remote Work Job Board

Apr 13, 2023, 1:04 PM
A remote work job board would help individual schools attract and retain staff, has the potential to reduce budgetary pressures, and optimize human capital to better achieve the mission of the school.
  • Budget
  •   |   Cash Management
  •   |   Human Resources
  •   |   Leadership

Report: Shared Services Solution for Independent School Business

Apr 13, 2023, 9:53 AM
This report explores creating a model of shared services, or a Shared Solutions Service Center, whereby schools outsource core, transactional functions.