It can be a worst-case scenario for a School Head. You work with your team to solidify your budget months in advance, and plan for the coming school year accordingly. But, in August, you realize that fewer students enrolled than you had planned, or perhaps an unexpected increase in expenses surfaces.

Your school is always looking to attract and retain the best mission-appropriate faculty and staff to help your students succeed. Your school’s benefits package serves as a powerful ally in quest. Ensuring that your current and prospective employees are adequately protected illustrates for them that they are a valued part of your organization.

It’s getting warmer, the days are getting longer and, yes, we are quickly approaching the end of the school year. No doubt spring brings excitement to your hallways, but there’s still much to do before the school year concludes. As School Head, you must navigate the changes that will take place at the end of the year.

Of all the responsibilities you shoulder as a key administrator, the one you might most readily relinquish is that of fielding a serious complaint from a parent, student, or employee.

Jobs in STEM occupations—science, technology, engineering, and math—are on the rise. According to the Pew Research Center, the number of STEM occupations have grown from 9.7 million to 17.3 million since 1990.

For the first time in over a decade, colleges and universities saw a 3.3% decline in international freshman students. Media sources were quick to pick up the story, pointing blame at President Trump’s administration. However, the latest government study shows the decline began before the new president took office, leaving some to wonder if the well of opportunity has started to dry up.

Our schools are filled with strong women who have dedicated their lives to creating safe educational environments where students can learn and grow. But research shows that many women aren’t obtaining leadership positions in K–12 schools across the U.S.

The Buildings and Grounds Committee, charged with protecting the school’s campus and equipment, faces a complex situation if the school’s site is leased or rented. Any recommendations involving renovations, refurbishment, or expense must be approved by the property owner, lease committee, or other entity for which the bottom line may well outweigh the school’s best interests.

The leader of the Board and the leader of your school are partners. One cannot function without the understanding, guidance, and respect of the other. It is, in fact, a marriage of sorts. And, like other marriages, it is subject to ups and downs, honeymoons and divorces. Obviously, the welfare of the school is critically dependent on this successful marriage.

You want to attract mission-appropriate families to your school who become ingrained in your community. The challenge for Admission Officers is that parents and students often want different things from your school—and have different values when it comes to what is important to them.