Introduction While independent schools vary in mission and model, the fundamentals of financial health are remarkably consistent. This article will present five essential indicators that every independent school head, trustee, and senior leader should have “at the ready,” – figures […]
Attracting and retaining qualified faculty and staff, as well as balancing daily demands with strategy, are among the issues keeping heads of school up at night (SAIS March 2025 Pulse Survey). To be able to delegate and allow others to […]
By Dr. Brett Jacobsen, SAIS President In today’s dynamic educational landscape, independent schools cannot afford to let strategy gather dust on a shelf. A board’s ability to set, monitor, and adapt strategic direction determines whether the school’s mission evolves with […]
By Dr. Brett Jacobsen, SAIS President In every independent school I visit, one truth consistently stands out: schools thrive not just because of great programs or facilities, but because of the strength of their community. Trustees, as stewards and ambassadors, […]
By Dr. Brett Jacobsen, SAIS President One of the most important factors in a school’s long-term success is the strength of the partnership between the board of trustees and the head of school. When this relationship is grounded in trust, […]
By Dr. Brett Jacobsen, SAIS President Across the independent school landscape, governance challenges are growing more complex. From rising stakeholder expectations to increased financial and strategic pressures, boards and heads are being called to lead with sharper alignment, deeper trust, […]
Hello there! As you know all too well, December can be a vibrant but exhausting season in school life. Auditoriums are full with performances, winter sports are in full swing, student projects are being celebrated, and parent volunteers are constantly […]
Understanding compensation philosophy and structure is essential for attracting and retaining talented educators while maintaining financial sustainability. Whether you’re evaluating your current compensation structure or building a new model from the ground up, these resources will assist schools in developing […]
In October 2025, SAIS pulse surveyed member school business officers, with 69% reporting that the financial health of their school is strong/very strong, down slightly from 72.7% in 2024. Despite a healthy financial position, deferred maintenance projects are considered a […]
Hello there! As we enter a season of gratitude, I want to thank you for the ways you have shown up this fall. Whether through webinars, virtual roundtables, leadership cohorts, or the energy you brought to the SAIS Annual Conference, […]
