All Resources

Five Indicators Every Independent School Should Track and Leverage

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 […]

January 2026 Signals

Hello there, I hope your well-deserved break allowed for moments of rest and meaningful time with family and friends. Before enrollment agreements, staff contracts, and budget planning come fully into view, I invite you and your team to pause and […]

The First Years Matter: Research Insights on Early Career Educators

To better understand the experiences of early-career professionals in independent schools, SAIS partnered with Dr. Carrie Grimes from the Peabody College at Vanderbilt University in the fall of 2025 on an extensive research project. The research included a survey to […]

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 […]