Starting or managing your school store can be a large undertaking. What items should you sell? How do you price them? Should you run a physical location or offer items exclusively online? How do you market your inventory? Will people actually buy? Which office should manage the store? You’re not alone. Many private-independent school administrators have questions when it comes to running a successful school store.

Many students are not empowered to be independent thinkers—and this impacts both their personal lives and their educational careers. Although schools’ mission statements include that they generate generations of independent thinkers, students often don’t learn or apply these skills away from campus. New research shows that overprotecting children can impact confidence, decision-making skills, and overall mental health.

We previously covered that cultivating healthy habits can improve how you function in your role as a school administrator. And a recent study highlights that students who maintain healthy habits can exhibit more motivation to attend college.

It's often unclear to Trustees, particularly those members new to the Board, what their fundraising duties comprise.

Your Board must avoid getting bogged down in day-to-day decisions and obligations. It cannot lose sight of its primary responsibility—to maintain the essential character and integrity of the school and ensure that it remains viable to serve the children of today’s students. An annual Board retreat provides the opportunity to devote a day specifically to planning for the future.

Everyone experiences stress related to their jobs. But a recent study highlighted how stressed-out teachers can negatively impact student outcomes—and your school as a whole.

Whether you’re new to private-independent schools or are taking on a position in the Development Office for the first time, it can be difficult to know where to start. Your job is to "sell" your school to people who have the means to support it. To do this effectively, you must know your school inside and out, including its mission, its people, and how it transforms the lives of its graduates. You must be able to speak with conviction about your school. Your deep knowledge and passion speaks volumes to potential donors.

Open houses show your school in action. Prospective families can see your campus, ask questions, and assess why your school might be a good fit for their children. Open houses are also a great way to give families information about your school that makes the most sense for them. Examples include if a child is particularly interested in a specific sports team or if they require assistance or support in a specific area.

It’s inevitable that you’ll be called into meetings with unhappy parents or guardians from time to time. Since parents pay tuition for their child to attend your school, some can feel that they can make demands on teachers, administrators, and the curriculum itself. If they don’t feel they’re getting their way, they may call for a meeting with you.

You can’t imagine how your staff would complete various tasks without the support of your trusted volunteers. However, some of them are performing potentially dangerous work. As a Trustee, you and your fellow Board members should make sure the school has a policy concerning volunteers and their work on your campus.