For independent schools today, these relationships have changed, and any tension that remains should be replaced by a commitment to working together. This truth resonated with me when I read Sharon Goldman's recent article in CIO magazine. "[T]echnology shifts and expanding digital capabilities have fostered a growing collaboration between the CFO and CIO," she writes. "[B]oth executive roles have broadened and shape-shifted as technology has permeated every corner of the business."
The same can be said for independent schools, where business officers—and now technology directors—are on similar paths toward ever-greater importance. The good news for technology directors is that business officers have already paved that path to some extent. Consider: Many business officers have long felt isolated on a financial island, struggling to communicate with school leaders in terms they didn't grasp. Tech directors face similar challenges in trying to introduce fast-changing concepts to reticent school leaders concerned that technology will force them to modify familiar teaching methodologies—or, less realistically, replace them in their jobs.
In her article, Goldman cites a recent survey finding that for corporate CFOs, "keeping up with technology is the most important and stressful part of their jobs." Given that today's business officers manage portfolios that encompass day-to-day operations, strategic leadership and, occasionally, crisis management, they may find technology directors to be great partners. After all, they can provide deep technological know-how that supports the business office. At the same time, business officers must accept that the technology director's job has changed dramatically. Instead of focusing on maintaining the school's technology infrastructure and managing the help desk, he or she now plays a strategic leadership role that supports the school's overall program.
Silos have never helped schools succeed. In this intensely competitive environment for independent schools, technology may be the most significant disrupter you face. I can't think of a more compelling reason for business officers and technology directors to team together as a dynamic duo. These two school leaders have much in common, and independent schools have much to gain from their partnership.
