Article Archive

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  • Membership

Unsung Hero: Christie Holman, The Walker School

Holman's leadership skills and in-depth business experience have made The Walker School a top independent school in the region.
2 min read
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  • Audit
  • | Technology

The Future of Auditing in Schools

With careful planning, a mostly remote audit can improve teamwork and more meaningful communication between auditors and school staff.
7 min read
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  • Environmental Sustainability
  • | Facilities

Finding Financial Gains with a Lower Carbon Footprint

Schools looking to reduce energy consumption can begin conservation measures now with low-hanging fruit, and extend their savings with a well-conceived plan.
5 min read
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  • Membership

Unsung Hero: Alex Heiberger, The Madeira School

A generative and strategic thinker, Heiberger's shorter- and longer-term decisions at The Madeira School have secured the school’s financial health. 
2 min read

CEO Notebook  

  • Leadership

Burnout Is a Problem. Collaboration May Be the Answer.

We are facing another tenuous school year with the spread of the Delta variant, but we can lean on each other for support — and new ideas — to help our schools thrive. 
4 min read
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  • Risk Management
  • | Trips

Planning a Return to Off-Campus Programs

A self-evaluation process can help inform decisions and navigate new restrictions. 
5 min read
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  • Membership

Unsung Hero: Lisa Dwelle, The Steward School

Dwelle’s strategic financial planning and thoughtful board work have helped The Steward School emerge stronger through the pandemic.
2 min read
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After School  

  • Leadership

After School: A Passion for the Pitch

Coaching youth soccer has helped this chief financial officer forge deeper connections with his colleagues and students.
3 min read
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Business Intelligence  

  • Research
  • | Tuition

Business Intelligence: Closing the Gap

To mitigate financial risk, focus on closing, rather than filling, the gap.
5 min read
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  • Membership

Unsung Hero: Jill Duncan, New Hampton School

Duncan’s generative thinking and collaborative leadership style have helped launch a successful health insurance consortium.
2 min read
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Safety & Security  

  • Pandemic
  • | Safety and Security

Safety & Security: Coming Out of the Storm

Strong emergency communications and visual alerts helped one school manage a safer return to campus.
4 min read

CEO Notebook  

  • Diversity and Inclusion
  • | Hiring
  • | Performance Management

3 “Reset” Opportunities for Business Officers

Recruitment and retention efforts are vital in a hot labor market.
4 min read
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Risk & Compliance  

  • Employee Benefits
  • | Risk Management

Risk & Compliance: 10 Tips for Building a Socially Responsible Retirement Plan

Sustainable investing based on environmental, social justice and ethical corporate governance principles can mean higher returns and a better fiduciary future.
7 min read
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  • Membership

Unsung Hero: James Cooper, Sequoyah School

Through concerted efforts at the board level, Cooper is helping to significantly advance diversity, equity and inclusion at Sequoyah School.
2 min read
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Strategies  

  • Diversity and Inclusion
  • | Facilities

Strategies: Holding Ourselves Accountable

As the pandemic drives more students to independent schools, business officers need to focus on big-picture strategies for tuition policies and other factors.
4 min read
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  • Membership

Announcing the 2021 NBOA Will J. Hancock Unsung Heroes

The Will J. Hancock Unsung Hero Award is given to independent school business officers who have made an extraordinary contribution to their schools, as nominated by their colleagues. Congratulations to the 2021 recipient
1 min read

CEO Notebook  

  • Change Management
  • | Culture

New (Fiscal) Year, New Mindset

If we want to power forward with change and innovation, as we learned we could last year, we might try thinking more like a scientist.
5 min read
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5 Minutes with  

  • Crisis Management
  • | Diversity and Inclusion
  • | Leadership

5 Minutes with Chris Lukach: Pivotal Moments

When communicating about difficult issues, do not aim to avoid conflict but rather strive to convey the school's work and the spirit in which it is done.
8 min read
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  • Human Resources
  • | Leadership

Developing Future Leaders from Within

Succession planning and opportunities for internal advancement can make for smooth transitions and sustained leadership.
5 min read
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  • Misconduct
  • | Risk Management

Courage To Act: Building Community After Sexual Abuse

Victims of sexual abuse, past and present, need clear ways to report misconduct and are most likely looking for caring communication and support, not retaliation.
12 min read