All Resources

BOARD BULLETIN: Recalibrating Strategic Direction: Keeping Vision and Action Aligned

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 […]

BOARD BULLETIN: Leading Through Relationships: The Power of Community Engagement

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, […]

BOARD BULLETIN: Strengthening the Board-Head Partnership

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, […]

BOARD BULLETIN: Introducing the Governance Health Index

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, […]

December 2025 Signals

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 […]

Heads of School Virtual Roundtable Recording – November 12

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Understanding and Implementing Effective Compensation Models

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 […]

Webinar Recording – Cultivating Growth Through Clear & Courageous Conversations

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November 2025 Signals

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, […]

Navigating an Evolving Risk Landscape

Risk Management as Mission-Critical Work Independent schools today operate in an increasingly complex environment where financial pressures, operational challenges, and emerging threats converge to create unprecedented risks that demand careful attention and proactive planning. Effectively identifying and managing these risks […]