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What are the latest trends impacting private-independent school enrollment? How can you be the most effective in your role as an administrator? How can you help your school meet its mission and best serve your students?
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We cover such topics as how to communicate with your constituencies, work with your fellow school leaders, leverage new technology trends, utilize recommended reading and resources, implement new strategies—all to better serve your school's mission.
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See articles for School Heads, Business & Operations, Advancement, Academic Leadership, and Trustees, in addition to Private School News.
Fund-Raising Ideas for the Young at Heart
Advancement // December 9, 2013
How you raise money for your school is your full-time focus. It’s serious, driven work that can quickly consume your thoughts as well as your personal time. But not all your efforts have to be serious. Sure, your major campaigns and annual fund need to be as focused as possible, but there are some lighthearted, fun, even funny, ways you can set goals for your smaller fund drives. Here are a few ideas.
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Forty Full-Time Employees + Twenty Part-Time Employees = Fifty-Three Full-Time Employees
Business and Operations // November 25, 2013
You’ve most likely begun your health care measurement period, if not already completed it, to determine how many full-time equivalent (FTE) employees your school employs. However, there still seems to be lingering confusion on blogs and forums across the Web.
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Developing Your International Students' Networking Skills
Advancement // November 19, 2013
If international students make up a large percentage—or any percentage for that matter—of your school’s enrollment, you might want to consider some of the trending stories making waves across the Internet. Reports are coming out that although international student enrollments are on the rise in the U.S., their ability to network and intermingle with domestic students is challenged.
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Your Financial Aid Formula: Does It Match Your School's Mission?
Advancement // November 19, 2013
We’re about to enter that crazy season again. No, we’re not talking about the holidays—we’re talking about the financial aid season. It seems like schools have reported an increase in financial aid applications every year for the past few decades, and there’s no sign this trend is slowing down.
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Tuition Reimbursement Case Appealed
Business and Operations // November 15, 2013
Your school’s budget is dependent on your enrollment—even with a solid strategic financial plan. The loss of even one student can be enough to shake the foundation of your school’s plans. That’s why you have parents sign a contract when enrolling that includes your policy on full-tuition deadlines and penalties for late withdrawals. But, what happens when a family argues that your policies aren’t fair—and the courts side with them?
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Ask ISM's Health Care Reform Specialist
Business and Operations // November 15, 2013
Q: This new legislation has me baffled! We have 12 participants out of 45 full-time employees. Our insurance company is jacking our rates up on our effective date of November 1, 2013—with the promise of increasing 35% to 65% next year. I don’t think it’s worth continuing to offer coverage for 12 participants when facing that sort of increase, but I think when looking at our measurement period data that we must. Can you explain what full-time equivalent means?
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Q&A With ISM's Risk Manager
Business and Operations // November 15, 2013
Q: What are our rights, and duties, for monitoring student (and staff) behavior “after-hours”?
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Promoting Your Teachers', Classrooms', and School's Excellence
Business and Operations // November 15, 2013
If your school is on the smaller side, you might find yourself extended far beyond the traditional roles and responsibilities of Business Offer. You probably take on some of the duties of the HR person, and possibly even the Facilities Manager.
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When Faculty/Staff Members Are Hospitalized
Academic Leadership // November 8, 2013
If a member of your faculty or staff is hospitalized, it may be appropriate for you, as Division Head, to visit the person. Your visit can offer support at a time when the employee feels most vulnerable, while showing him/her that you sincerely care.
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How Development Directors Should Utilize Social Media
Advancement // November 4, 2013
In the private school world, social media objectives are commonly the responsibility of the Admission Office. However, social media is just as powerful for the Development Director as it is for the Admission Officer. If you’re not taking advantage of social media with your school’s constituuents and fans for fund raising and volunteering, then you’re ignoring one of your strongest sources for support.
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