In developing this guiding document, SAIS consulted with heads and other key school leaders who have recently experienced a leadership transition. They were asked to review existing items and contribute additional items from their transition experience. This will be an evolving checklist for schools planning or working through a head’s transition.
Checklist
Enrollment Management
- Identify for the incoming head current enrollment goals.
- Detail yield history, yield by division, and acceptance rate history.
- Develop an overview of enrollment funnel history by grade.
- Develop an overview of retention/re-recruitment rate by grade.
Financial Aid
- Outline financial aid policies and historical data.
- Detail the flow of financial aid by year and its impact on the financial sustainability of the school.
Marketing and Communication
- Describe current market demographics.
- Compile a list of competitor schools both public and private.
- Review current and previous marketing campaigns.
- Assess social media channels, usage, and reach.
Resources
- 3 Commitments Newly Appointed School Heads Should Make in Their First Year Mission-Minded
- 14 Year Financial Aid Model Palmer Ball
- Tips for Introducing New School Leaders FinalSite