As schools have made a quick flip to distance learning, will this have a lasting impact on the education system as a whole? The reality is that it is too early to tell. However, School Heads should be proactive right now.
The Head’s Role in Clarifying Your Business Manager’s Responsibilities for the Trustees
The School Head and Business Manager relationship is critical for the school’s effective operation. The connection with the Board can complicate this relationship because the Business Manager’s role is vital for an effective Board. The Business Manager’s job is complex. It includes: strategic planning, budgeting, cash management, accounting, collections, human resources, technology oversight, facilities management, food service, transportation, risk management, and vendor management.
Managing the Impact of a Reduction in Force on Remaining Employees
One of the most difficult responsibilities for a School Head is making staffing decisions, particularly when nonrenewals or reductions in force are necessary. As many schools look to the long-term impact of COVID-19, this unfortunate task might be something your team is considering.
Plans to Make If Your School Projects a Fiscal Loss
The full impact of COVID-19 is yet to be determined, but many schools are prepared for the worst. Some are anticipating a fiscal loss. Such projections can trigger a knee-jerk reaction to cut the budget, so preparation is key.
COVID-19: Tuition Refunds and Discounts
COVID-19 has disrupted the traditional school year and creates numerous questions concerning tuition payments. ISM makes the following recommendations concerning tuition for the 2019–2020 year.
How to Manage Re-Enrollment in the Midst of COVID-19
For most private-independent schools, the COVID-19 crisis hit in the middle of re-enrollment season. And while many schools have reported to ISM that their retention rate is strong despite the pandemic, still others tell us that the rate of return on their re-enrollment contracts is alarmingly low. Whether you feel cautiously optimistic or deeply concerned about your school’s current retention picture, ISM offers these tips to improve your re-enrollment outlook for the 2020–21 school year.
Private Schools and the CARES Stimulus Package: What You Need to Know (Part 1)
On March 27, 2020, President Trump signed the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES) into law. This bill is a $2 trillion economic stimulus law intended to provide immediate relief for individuals, nonprofits, businesses, and state and local governments. Below is our current understanding of what this law means for independent schools.
School Spotlight: How Sanford School Is Fostering Community During COVID-19
Almost every school is facing the reality of a new normal—managing student education while faculty, staff, and students work and study at home. It’s difficult for any school. However, we noticed that Sanford School, located just a few miles away from our home office, is receiving kudos from parents on the way it is managing the transition. We think you may find some inspiration for your strategies and tactics.
Graduation and Other Year-End Events: How to Plan During the COVID-19 Pandemic
As the end of the school-year draws ever closer and campus buildings remain shuttered, there is an increasing urgency for school administrators to decide how best to handle traditional activities like commencement and honors ceremonies. School leaders need to create a delicate balance between appropriately honoring their students, while still managing the challenges and realities of the situation. ISM offers the following advice as you consider your year-end events and traditions.
Hiring Outside Contractors for Your Summer Program
As School Head, you know the key to a successful summer program is first to determine the desired benefits to the school. (These may include, for example, increasing nontuition revenue, attracting outside students to the campus, providing employment for teachers, and expanding your mission beyond the school year’s confines.) Then design programs that meet these goals. The initial decision is one of management. Should you offer school programs only, offer programs run by outside contractors (and, in essence, lease your facilities to them), or combine these two elements? What are the pros and cons of working with contractors?