A new year signals that it’s time to list your resolutions for the coming months. However, approximately 80% of resolutions are abandoned by the second week of February, according to U.S. News. Don’t give up on yourself this year. Make resolutions for a healthier you that are obtainable and will make a positive impact on your life for 2018 and beyond.

Many Boards have ex officio members—that is, Trustees who hold a position on the Board based on their office within or outside a school. Thus the “term” served is dependent on the years spent in such offices.

Bullying, in its many forms, has been a persistent problem in many schools. And, in private schools in particular, this is an immense concern to parents and students. Parents choose to send their children to your school in part because they consider your community safer than the public alternatives. Still, bullying can occur anytime, anywhere—and occasionally, despite your best efforts to educate.

You work closely with your faculty and staff every day within your school. You trust their judgement in the classroom, their desire to further your mission, and their dedication to helping your students succeed. But sometimes a teacher in your school doesn’t quite fit the mold. Their actions aren’t always in line with the school's mission or the needs of the students. They negatively influence the faculty culture, spreading gossip in the teacher’s lounge or complaining during meetings.

If you eat dinner, you get dessert. If you do your chores, you get an allowance. If you have perfect attendance for a full school year or get a certain grade on a test, you get a gift card? Student incentives like the last example are becoming more commonplace in schools around the world. From small incentives (like stickers or school supplies) to behavioral incentives (such as pizza parties or free time) and even financial rewards, any incentive program within your school must make sense for your culture and your mission.

Your school’s appeal letter is a core element of your annual fund campaign. It presents your mission to your donors and prospects, inviting them to make a gift to your school to further your cause and benefit your students. Your letter tells them why their gift makes a difference and assures them that their gift will be used as intended. It’s critical that the letter captures the reader’s attention and leaves a lasting positive impression.

Your website is among the first places a prospective family visits when researching your school. The website—and especially the home page—are your first chance to make your first impression. It should immediately communicate your mission, your vision for your students, and your place in the community.

We find that many schools have questions when it comes to their financial aid policies. They aren’t sure if they award financial aid in the most effective way, and want to ensure their policies follow the correct guidelines, are fair and consistent for students and their families, and support their school’s mission.

Safety is a top concern for families who choose to send their children to private-independent schools. That is why it’s imperative for your school’s crisis plan to be up-to-date, thorough, and top-of-mind, especially for the Business Office. Protect the safety of your students and your community by practicing precise drills often. We recommend including the following four drills in every crisis plan, as well as any others that make sense for your school.

Your mission statement must describe the scope and guidance your school needs to define its purpose in a directive, clear, and distinguishing manner. Chances are that your school has already created a mission statement. But if it fails to distinguish your program from others in the marketplace, consider reevaluation.