Building Trust in a School Community: What New School Leaders Need to Get Right Early

Leadership transitions can bring a range of emotions, including excitement and anxiety, especially when a new head of school onboards. For individuals taking on a headship, building trust within the school community quickly allows the head to begin making a meaningful impact for the school. Elizabeth Miller, who stepped into the role as head of The Children’s School earlier this year, shares her thoughts on what new school leaders may want to consider during periods of transition.

Teaching Without Limits: Supporting Faculty in Delivering on School Mission

Teachers are drawn to schools where they have autonomy and can be led by their intrinsic motivation. They understand the responsibility they carry in shaping a child’s trajectory and are committed to doing that work better each day. Atlanta Speech School seeks educators who are driven by the work and who reflect upon, refine, and continuously deepen their practice in service of children. The school not only honors teachers' motivation to learn, but facilitates learning and provides structure and support for faculty, along with the opportunity to grow.

Safe by Design: A Framework for Campus Safety

Independent schools operate with considerable autonomy, serve communities built on trust and relationships, and often function as tight-knit environments where everyone knows everyone. These strengths can also create blind spots. The strongest security program is one that integrates physical infrastructure, technology, trained personnel, practiced protocols, and a community-wide culture of awareness. Whether you are beginning a comprehensive safety review or seeking guidance on a specific area of concern, these materials offer practical tools and expert perspectives to support your work.

Building the Financial Foundation That Sustains Mission

An endowment is far more than a financial asset; it signals a commitment to the school’s mission, a safeguard against tuition dependence, and a bridge between the generosity of past donors and the needs of future students. Even a small but well-managed endowment has the ability to create a buffer against economic instability, reduce pressure on tuition, fund faculty professional development, and support strategic innovation. For many schools, building an endowment can feel daunting. These resources are designed to explain the process and offer practical tools for every stage of the journey.

Announcing a New Trustee Onboarding Course

SAIS has developed a New Trustee Onboarding course built specifically for independent school boards. It introduces trustees to the core governance concepts of the SAIS Governance Health Index framework: collaborative leadership, community engagement, talent cultivation, shared accountability, strategic direction, and adaptive innovation.

Through short modules, reflections, and scenario-based exercises, the course helps new trustees understand the distinction between governance and management; develop a shared governance vocabulary with fellow trustees and school leadership; explore the board's role in strategy, community engagement, and innovation; and strengthen the partnership between the board and the head of school.

Independent School Leadership Forum

June 22-24 | Charlotte, NC

Join the Independent School Leadership Forum and learn directly from heads of school and senior leaders in a dynamic, strategy-focused environment designed for mid-level leaders—division leaders, deans, associate heads, department chairs, admissions and advancement professionals, inclusion & belonging practitioners, and other key administrators.

With four keynotes centered on leading self, leading team & others, leading community, and leading forward, plus learning journeys focused on People, Change, and Systems, you'll gain practical insights, expand your network, and build the skills needed to lead with confidence and influence. Register by April 10 to secure current pricing before rates increase.

Upcoming Events

Blueprint Sprint, April 20-21, Charleston, SC

Middle Matters: Essential Leadership Skills for Mid-Level Leaders, April 23, 4:15 PM EDT

Beyond the Counselor's Office: Evaluating and Enhancing Mental Health Initiatives, May 5, 10:00 AM EDT

Surviving & Thriving in School Administration, June 15-17, Charlotte, NC

Institute for Administrative Assistants, June 17-19, Charlotte, NC

Small Schools Summit, June 24-26, Charlotte, NC

Institute for Heads, June 28-July 1, Chattanooga, TN