Business Operations

well certified
  • Environmental Sustainability
  • | Facilities
  • | Maintenance

Transforming a Campus with WELL Certification: A Case Study

By meeting rigorous standards for air quality, water purity, lighting and acoustics, Sandy Spring Friends School created a building that fosters both physical and mental well-being.
4 min read
cyber threats

Projections  

  • Cybersecurity
  • | Risk Management

A Clear and Ever-Present Danger

Cybersecurity is no longer new to independent schools, but as the threats continue to rise, it’s never been more important that your school’s practices are up to date.
6 min read

Feature  

  • Crisis Management
  • | Facilities
  • | Safety and Security

Safe Bets This item is protected.

When it comes to school safety technology, what actually works? And what is worth the investment?
15 min read
Duties MJ23

Other Duties As Assigned  

  • Environmental Sustainability
  • | Leadership

Planting the Seeds

Land stewardship for this business officer includes learning from campus beavers, who have improved water quality and retention.
5 min read
Jeff Shields, Chad Stacy, Spencer Taintor, Rose Neubert

Voices from the Field  

  • Facilities
  • | Leadership
  • | Research

Change Makers

What change is worth the effort? And how to make it happen? Leaders at schools that received this year’s Jeffrey Shields Innovation in School Business Operations engage each other in their answers.
12 min read
clean energy

Strategies  

  • Budget
  • | Environmental Sustainability
  • | Facilities

Creating a Clean Energy Consortium This item is protected.

Seven independent schools and an arts education center came together to create a hydroelectric power consortium. Annual savings per school are in the tens of thousands.
7 min read
firm foundations

Projections  

  • Budget
  • | Facilities

Firm Foundations Against Inflation

School leaders are finding constructive ways to pursue capital projects despite higher materials costs, supply chain disruptions and rising interest rates.
7 min read
diversity inclusion stock image
  • Diversity and Inclusion
  • | Technology

Tech-Enabled DEI Solutions

Independent schools can operationalize their DEI goals using technology.
3 min read
School campus with students

Feature  

  • Diversity and Inclusion
  • | Facilities

The Business Case for DEI: Accessible, Affordable Facilities This item is protected.

Investing in accessible facilities goes beyond compliance for most schools — and can have unexpected dividends.
13 min read

CEO Notebook  

  • Leadership
  • | Technology

A(I) Smarter Future?

How can we use ChatGPT and related AI in the independent school business office?
4 min read
money image

Feature  

  • Facilities
  • | Financing

Where the Money Goes This item is protected.

When everything costs more, considered and strategic facilities spending is a must.
12 min read
school solar panels
  • Budget
  • | Environmental Sustainability
  • | Facilities

Inflation Reduction Act Opens Solar Opportunities for Schools

The IRA opens the door for nonprofits to take advantage of tax credits associated with solar power.
8 min read
nboa members

Feature  

  • Membership
  • | Technology

Celebrate! 25 Years of NBOA: Technology and the Business Office

The rise of the internet has given way to rapid technological advances in the business office.
3 min read
facilities landscape

Feature  

  • Facilities
  • | Membership

Celebrate! 25 Years of NBOA: The Facilities Landscape

For most educational institutions, mission and vision are inextricably linked to buildings.
3 min read
  • Budget
  • | Facilities

Business Office Basics: The Annual Capital Budget & The Multi-Year Plant Renewals Schedule

These two schedules go hand in hand – each supports the other.
4 min read
Saint Mark’s Episcopal School students

Strategies  

  • Facilities
  • | Maintenance

Never Let a Deferred Maintenance Project Go to Waste This item is protected.

When this South Florida school needed to replace an aging sea wall, it became an opportunity for enhanced student learning and community impact.
5 min read
tempered glass
  • Crisis Management
  • | Safety and Security

Three Common Myths in School Security Planning This item is protected.

With school shootings at record high, it’s important to identify common safety and security myths and the truths that make a difference in school decision-making.
5 min read

CEO Notebook  

  • Cybersecurity
  • | Risk Management

Your School’s Cyber Risk Management Requires Teamwork

As cyber threats to K12 schools escalate, NBOA and ATLIS have issued updated guidance on cyber insurance to reflect the critical collaboration behind effective management.
3 min read
  • Facilities
  • | Planning

Wellness by Design: Ideas and Actions for a Healthier Campus

To help combat adolescent stress and to give both students and staff a breather, schools are investing in school wellness centers that emphasize connectedness.
7 min read

Projections  

  • Cybersecurity
  • | Technology

Inescapable Changes in Cybersecurity

Cyber insurance was once a simple and inexpensive add-on to basic coverage. Now it’s a complicated and essential piece of any comprehensive plan.
6 min read