Over the past year, we’ve written on a range of topics, from navigating compliance issues to handling awkward conversations—and we’ll be sure to cover more hot topics in the year to come. Before we move on, though, let’s look back at articles from our top-read editions of the Business Manager e-Letter in 2014.
1. The Yik Yak Debacle: Private Schools Respond to Cyberbullying
Vol. 13 No. 1
Why we've included it: Policies, protection, and liability all fall in the Business Manager's perview, and the recent explosion of cyberbullying via communication apps deals with all three. We tackled the Yik Yak bullying incidents at private schools and showed how your peers are confronting the situation.
2. “Your Fly Is Down”—and Other Awkward Conversations
Vol. 13 No. 2
Why we've included it: At some point during your career, you will face an embarrassing work situation that simply must be addressed. For those steeling themselves for the inevitably awkward conversation—or those wishing they'd handled such cases better—we've collected advice from a number of managerial gurus for your perusal.
3. Are You Compliant? Affordable Care Act Requirements for 2015
Vol. 13 No. 4
Why we've included it: The Affordable Care Act requirements and regulations change every year as the legislation becomes fully active. To ensure your own insurance is compliant, we've provided a quick overview of some of the major pitfalls we anticipate providers to stumble over in 2015.
4. Double-Check the Books and Avoid Embezzlement
Vol. 13 No. 3
Why we've included it: It's a nasty subject and one that no one wants to talk about, especially with trusted administrators who've been at your school for years, but the fact remains that embezzlement can and does happen. Quite a few private-independent schools have suffered embarrassing and crippling financial situations due to missing funds over the past few years. We don't want your school to become another victim.
5. Snow Days Are Ancient History
Vol. 12 No. 6
Why we've included it: A trend in both public and private educational sectors indicates that snow days will no longer be considered "lost time" in the classroom, considering the myriad of technological options available to reach both teachers and resources. While you may not be in the "front lines" of this development, it pays for you to prepare for this movement's logistical challenges in terms of hardware, software, and scheduling.
6. Breathe Easy With(out) Mold: How Other Schools Handled Mold Infestations
Vol. 12 No. 10
Why we've included it: Business Managers can often be de facto facility managers, and mold poses a serious health risk to your school community. Schools before yours have failed to take their mold infestation seriously, with crippling results in terms of closures and thousands of dollars of repairs and system overhauls. Don't let your school succumb!
7. Ask ISM's Health Care Reform Specialist: Assistants, Aides, and Health Insurance
Vol. 12 No. 9
Why we've included it: A frequent feature of the Business Manager e-Letter is our "Ask ISM's Health Care Reform Specialist" column, in which we address the questions you have on the changing, challenging health care laws enacted in the last few years. This particular article addresses the confusion surrounding required health care for hourly employees who have summers off.
Curious about your school's health care policies and the reform's changes? Ask ISM’s Health Care Reform Expert a question. We respect your privacy. You can also view ISM’s health care solutions.
8. Medical Bill Bankruptcy
Vol. 12 No. 7
Why we've included it: Keeping your faculty and staff focused while on the job includes—to the best of your ability—helping them to avoid worries. Financial debt is a mental distraction as well as an increased health risk when you consider that 60%–80% of on-the-job accidents are stress related, 75%–90% of all doctor visits are stress-related, and 40% of employee turnover is due to stress.
Considering that over 60% of families who report having medical debt issues have insurance and 75% of those who filed for bankruptcy because of medical debts also had insurance, overwhelming medical costs can quickly become your school's headache.
9. Updates Concerning the Employer Shared Responsibility Penalties
Vol. 12 No. 8
Why we've included it: If you're looking for more analysis on the changing health care regulations and what you can do to stay compliant, then this article is for you.
10. How Personal Statements Can (Still) Work for You and Your Colleagues
Vol. 12 No. 5
Why we've included it: Finally, we end our list with some internal reflection and the crafting of personal statements as a self-evaluation. The same questions senior students must ask themselves while applying to colleges can have deep impacts on how we view ourselves and our accomplishments, failures, and goals. Such realizations drive future performance.
As we anticipate the new year, we must look back to realize what we've done so we can better succeed in the future.
Additional ISM resources for Gold Consortium members:
I&P Vol. 35 No. 7 Health Care Reform: What Schools Need to Know Now
I&P Vol. 35 No. 9 How to Scrutinize an Insurance Policy
I&P Vol. 37 No. 2 Comparing and Contrasting Evaluation Approaches
