There are many nuances of fundraising and accepting donations that require careful care and attention to rules and procedures. Recently, a Director of Advancement posed a question about in-kind gifts to his peers on the ISM e-list for Development.

Your employee handbook is the guiding document for your teachers and staff to understand what is and isn’t a part of working at your school. Your handbook should be carefully written and reviewed often to ensure it’s best suited to protect your employees and your school as a whole.

Many school officials have questions when it comes to sexual harassment training. But before you de-prioritize this training in favor of the many other items on your to-do list, consider two important reasons to include harassment training in your professional development initiatives.

For an effective major gifts fundraising program, the Leadership Team—you as School Head, the Board President, the Chair of the Board’s Development Committee, and the Development Director—must shift your focus. You’re not raising dollars—you’re building relationships.

When it comes to setting your tuition, many schools make assumptions about what their families are willing to pay.Some schools think they must keep their prices low to match their local competitors. Others feel parents will simply refuse to pay tuition over a certain amount. Our research has found that these assumptions are not the case.

As more schools offer international programs, new questions have risen about the best ways to support foreign students. They’re separated from their families for months at a time and schools want to do what’s in their best interests. One method that schools take is homestay programs.

School sports are a huge part of school culture. For many schools, the pulse of student spirit runs through its athletic teams. Running right alongside that spirit, however, is also the risk of student injury.

The Finance Committee must bring to its relationship with the Business Manager a perspective that is simultaneously supportive and critical. Ask hard questions. Supply relevant evidence.

ISM often finds that private-independent schools still underfund professional development (PD), perhaps unaware of its importance and thus downplaying it in the budget. As a Trustee, ensure that enough funding is allocated to professional development for all school employees. The difference could be a vibrant school culture, rather than one that’s simply “going through the motions.”

Many schools form disciplinary and honor committees to help resolve behavior-based student issues. If mission-appropriate, some schools choose to include students on these committees to ensure students feel heard and are involved in the process.