A Brave New (Digital) World

With a variety of media channels for sharing news or engaging with content, schools today are responding with a variety of student-run broadcasting and media programs that prepare students for a digital future. Athens Academy, Jackson Academy, Franklin Road Academy, and The Mount Vernon School have created dynamic, student-led media programs that not only enhance their school communities, but also help students develop the durable skills that come from hands-on learning experience.

A Look at School Mergers & Acquisitions

As schools consider institutional sustainability, the idea of a merger or acquisition may come into play. An acquisition might be a good option for schools looking to expand or may provide a sound option for schools facing challenges, such as struggling to meet enrollment numbers or losing students in transitional grade years. Within the membership of SAIS, school M&A happens infrequently. Yet, for the few schools who have lived out a merger or acquisition, the results were worth the effort.

Interviewing: From Suggested Questions to Legal Compliance

Discover essential strategies for hiring success: from structured interview teams and bias elimination to legal compliance and safety-focused vetting. These resources provide targeted questions for teachers and staff, behavioral-based options, downloadable evaluation rubrics for consistent assessment, and modern approaches for engaging Gen Z candidates. These tools are designed to help schools avoid common interview challenges while building stronger school communities through smarter hiring decisions.

Developing Onboarding and Mentorship Programs

Effective employee onboarding extends beyond orientation, encompassing relationship-building, professional development, and an introduction to the school’s mission and culture over a new hire's first year. Research shows strong onboarding processes increase retention by 82%. Successful mentoring relationships require strategic pairing, scheduled meetings, trust-building, resource sharing, and reflection opportunities. We’ve provided guiding questions, a feedback template, and checklists that cover the essential components of effective onboarding and mentorship programs. 

Women's Leadership Institute | April 9-10 | Birmingham, AL

Join your peers for a transformative two-day leadership intensive designed to help you maximize your impact while staying true to your authentic leadership style.

Through interactive workshops, expert-led sessions, and meaningful connections with peers, you'll develop practical strategies to advance your career and strengthen your leadership presence.

Dynamic sessions will help you leverage your natural strengths, master the delicate balance of authority and empathy, and develop confident negotiation skills. With guided self-reflection, you'll discover how to integrate your learnings into daily practice.

Upcoming Events

Mark your calendar now and register today for these upcoming learning opportunities.

Capital Campaign Planning Essentials: The Feasibility Study, March 12, 12:00-1:00 PM EDT, Webinar

Advancing Community & Belonging Initiatives in a Mission-Driven Environment, March 18, 12:00-1:00 PM EDT, Webinar

New & Aspiring Leaders Institute, April 6-8, Birmingham, AL

Trustee Education Series: Philanthropic Landscape, April 8, 5:00-6:00 PM EDT, Virtual

Summer Conference, June 16-18, Sarasota, FL