The COVID-19 pandemic has presented many hardships. But, like every situation, there are silver linings that leaders would be remiss to ignore.

Between COVID-19, economic recession, and political and social unrest, it is clear that schools must reevaluate priorities to deal with the realities of the current conditions. Every school’s future will rely on these considerations.

The pandemic has altered fundraising approaches for many schools. Some traditional tactics are no longer viable. Schools must strategize new approaches to connect with prospects in a socially distanced world.

A growth-oriented faculty culture is imperative for school success. Teachers who constantly strive to better serve their students are the backbone of their schools—they are the frontline, delivering missions with excellence.

A risk is a threat that could adversely affect your school’s ability to deliver its mission. If 2020 taught us anything, it is to expect the unexpected. Therefore, creating a risk management plan is imperative.

Today’s school spotlight features Flintridge Preparatory School, located near Los Angeles in La Canada, California. Flintridge Prep is a private-independent, coed day school for grades 7–12.

The new $900 billion relief bill, signed into law on December 27, 2020, is called the Consolidated Appropriations Act. The bill includes direct payments to individuals, expands unemployment benefits, and reopens the popular Paycheck Protection Program. It provides funding for schools, childcare, and vaccine distribution and administration. It also includes rental assistance, nutrition assistance, and grants for theaters and other live event venues.

For classroom teachers and those who work with students, the events in Washington D.C. on January 6, 2021, represent many things. They are not just an important teachable moment about our nation’s civic culture, but also necessitate a discussion focused on student well-being.

When you consider risks to your school, you may think of intruders, active shooters, and natural disasters—now pandemics. If the pandemic (largely unforeseen and unplanned for) has proven anything, it’s that risk management must be more than a checklist that you scan once a year. Instead, risk management must be integrated into an administrator’s daily tasks—starting with due diligence and awareness.

In a typical year, balancing strategic goals with daily concerns is challenging. With COVID-19, it's more complicated than ever before. Due to the challenges of this non-typical year, school priorities must change. As School Head, you must re-examine your school-year goals.