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Leading Through Relationships: The Power of Community Engagement
By Dr. Brett Jacobsen, SAIS President
In every independent school I visit, one truth consistently stands out: schools thrive not just because of great programs or facilities, but because of the strength of their community. Trustees, as stewards and ambassadors, help shape how that community experiences the school’s leadership, values, and direction.
At SAIS, we call this Community Engagement—the intentional work of building meaningful relationships with both internal stakeholders and external partners that strengthen the school’s mission and advance its strategic priorities.
When boards and heads engage with their communities in authentic and consistent ways, they foster belonging, reinforce credibility, and build the trust that sustains schools through both opportunity and challenge. But when communication feels one-sided or transactional, even the best intentions can create distance and quietly erode confidence.
Why It Matters
Consider this scenario: a board approves a tuition increase to address rising costs. The decision is financially sound and aligned with long-term sustainability goals, but it catches many families off guard. Parents express frustration about the timing and transparency, and questions ripple through the community. Some trustees pull back to avoid uncomfortable conversations, while others attempt to explain the decision informally, leading to mixed messages and growing tension.
What began as a prudent financial step now risks undermining trust between families, the head, and the board.
This moment highlights a deeper truth: Trustees serve the school best when they are informed, aligned, and unified in how they communicate. When boards and heads share context and clarity with the community, they don’t just defend decisions—they strengthen relationships and model transparency.
Reflection for Your Board
At your next board meeting, consider the following:
- How does the board support the head’s community-facing work?
- In what ways are trustees visible and engaged in school life?
- How do we gather and respond to input from parents, alumni, faculty, and students?
- Are we effectively telling the school’s story and amplifying its mission in the broader community?
- What partnerships (civic, philanthropic, or corporate) could advance our strategic priorities?
Grounded in your mission, the most effective boards understand that governance does not end when a decision is made, but it in how that decision is shared, understood, and lived out within the community.
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