By Dr. Brett Jacobsen, SAIS President As we continue our journey through the Governance Health Index, this month’s focus is Shared Accountability—the competency that sits at the heart of effective governance and healthy partnership between the board and head of […]
School leaders and personnel often desire meaningful feedback, as is the case with the educators surveyed in a recent SAIS motivation and engagement survey. As evidenced by the data, teachers crave feedback, as good feedback can provide role clarity, affect […]
By Dr. Brett Jacobsen, SAIS President This month’s Governance Health Index focus, Talent Cultivation, focuses on one of the most consequential responsibilities of a high-functioning board. It centers on ensuring the people who lead and govern the school are equipped […]
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 […]
