All Resources

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 […]

Meridian: Benchmarking for Orientation & Direction

SAIS is excited to unveil Meridian, a new benchmarking tool designed to help school leaders make data-informed decisions that strengthen mission-driven plans. The first phase of Meridian focuses on teacher compensation, with future iterations expanding into broader areas of school […]

Financial Resilience for Independent Schools: What to Watch and How to Measure

Monitoring Financial Sustainability From shifting demographics and evolving parent expectations to increased competition from public schools and alternative options, independent schools must navigate an increasingly complex landscape while maintaining their commitment to educational quality and mission-driven values. Current challenges also […]