Community Corner
Community Corner

Stay current with the latest private-independent school news.

What are the latest trends impacting private-independent school enrollment? How can you be the most effective in your role as an administrator? How can you help your school meet its mission and best serve your students?

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We cover such topics as how to communicate with your constituencies, work with your fellow school leaders, leverage new technology trends, utilize recommended reading and resources, implement new strategies—all to better serve your school's mission. 

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See articles for School Heads, Business & Operations, Advancement, Academic Leadership, and Trustees, in addition to Private School News.

Your Financial Aid Formula: Does It Match Your School's Mission?

Advancement // November 19, 2013

We’re about to enter that crazy season again. No, we’re not talking about the holidays—we’re talking about the financial aid season. It seems like schools have reported an increase in financial aid applications every year for the past few decades, and there’s no sign this trend is slowing down.

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Tuition Reimbursement Case Appealed

Business and Operations // November 15, 2013

Your school’s budget is dependent on your enrollment—even with a solid strategic financial plan. The loss of even one student can be enough to shake the foundation of your school’s plans. That’s why you have parents sign a contract when enrolling that includes your policy on full-tuition deadlines and penalties for late withdrawals. But, what happens when a family argues that your policies aren’t fair—and the courts side with them?

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Ask ISM's Health Care Reform Specialist

Business and Operations // November 15, 2013

Q: This new legislation has me baffled! We have 12 participants out of 45 full-time employees. Our insurance company is jacking our rates up on our effective date of November 1, 2013—with the promise of increasing 35% to 65% next year. I don’t think it’s worth continuing to offer coverage for 12 participants when facing that sort of increase, but I think when looking at our measurement period data that we must. Can you explain what full-time equivalent means?

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Promoting Your Teachers', Classrooms', and School's Excellence

Business and Operations // November 15, 2013

If your school is on the smaller side, you might find yourself extended far beyond the traditional roles and responsibilities of Business Offer. You probably take on some of the duties of the HR person, and possibly even the Facilities Manager.

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When Faculty/Staff Members Are Hospitalized

Academic Leadership // November 8, 2013

If a member of your faculty or staff is hospitalized, it may be appropriate for you, as Division Head, to visit the person. Your visit can offer support at a time when the employee feels most vulnerable, while showing him/her that you sincerely care.

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How Development Directors Should Utilize Social Media

Advancement // November 4, 2013

In the private school world, social media objectives are commonly the responsibility of the Admission Office. However, social media is just as powerful for the Development Director as it is for the Admission Officer. If you’re not taking advantage of social media with your school’s constituuents and fans for fund raising and volunteering, then you’re ignoring one of your strongest sources for support.

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Caveats Concerning Pledge Drives

Advancement // November 4, 2013

When making personal solicitations during a capital/major gifts campaign, volunteers often end their visits by giving pledge cards to prospective donors. This can let a prospect “off the hook” because it eliminates the subtle pressure to act during the visit. Once the volunteer leaves, the pledge card may end up in a “to-do” pile on the person’s kitchen counter—or, worse, be misplaced or unintentionally tossed into the trash.

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Students Get A Lesson In Safety

Private School News // October 30, 2013

Last year’s Sandy Hook tragedy shook the nation. Since then, schools and districts have been trying to build risk management plans and drills to protect their students, faculty, and staff.

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Five More Top Educator Blogs

Private School News // October 30, 2013

Every now and again, we like to put out a list of popular blogs relating to the world of education. As you know, blogs are a great way to stay current with trends as well as share your thoughts and ideas with the world. Here are a few we think are worth a look or two.

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