Net Assets

Leadership

What Do Students Know About the Independent School Business Office?

This student learned what the business office really does and then surveyed fellow students to see if they understood the extent of the work.

Accounting

Automating Accounts Payable to Prevent Fraud

Admission

Development and Daring Do

Culture
| Diversity and Inclusion
| Professional Development

Creating an Equitable Workplace

When remote work is an option for some employees but not others, how can school leaders foster inclusion and belonging among all faculty and staff members?

5 min read

CEO Notebook

Change Management
| Leadership

First Listen: The Net Assets Podcast

Our first episode delves into bold leadership decisions that led to successful enrollment growth at one boarding school.

4 min read

Voices from the Field

Leadership
| Membership

What Do Students Know About the Independent School Business Office?

This student learned what the business office really does and then surveyed fellow students to see if they understood the extent of the work.

4 min read

Other Duties As Assigned

Admission
| Enrollment
| Leadership

Development and Daring Do

After a career transition, a dedicated parent volunteer-turned-development officer took on the business office as well when the need arose at her small school.

4 min read

CEO Notebook

Leadership
| Technology

AI That Serves You

We’re learning from each other how our schools and community can make use of this exciting and ever-changing technology.

4 min read

Strategies

Change Management
| Crisis Management
| Risk Management

Preparing the School for a Tumultuous Election Cycle This item is protected.

Strong communication networks, insurance policies and strategic planning have helped this school prepare for potential disruptions.

5 min read

CEO Notebook

Change Management
| Leadership

Top Takeaways from the 2024 NBOA Annual Meeting

This year’s keynote speakers delivered lessons we won’t soon forget.

5 min read

2024 NBOA Annual Meeting band opening reception

Culture
| Leadership
| Membership

2024 NBOA Annual Meeting Delivers on Community

Energy was high and connections were strong, as evidenced in our photo essay of the event.

2 min read

Projections

Leadership
| Marketing
| Membership

Making the NBOA Difference

NBOA’s rebranding positions our incredible community as one that is more accessible and approachable to a wider range of school roles and school types.

5 min read

Legal
| Regulatory Updates

Advocating for Continued Nonprofit Status: February Update This item is protected.

In January, independent school associations participated in an oral argument advocating on behalf of the independent school community to the district court and the 4th Circuit.

3 min read

CEO Notebook

Change Management
| Leadership

Great Minds Work in Pairs

Finding your go-to workplace partner(s) is key to bringing meaningful change to your school or organization.

4 min read

CEO Notebook

Diversity and Inclusion
| Leadership

Morale Boosters on a Budget

Regularly recognizing small wins can have a significant impact on staff wellbeing and retention.

5 min read

Other Duties As Assigned

Food Service
| Leadership

Food Truck from the Ground Up

This business officer dreamed up and developed a school-branded food truck.

4 min read

CEO Notebook

Leadership
| Membership

Congratulations to the 2024 NBOA Award Recipients!

This year’s recipients have demonstrated exceptional integrity, expertise and effective collaboration.

5 min read

Legal
| Regulatory Updates

Independent School Associations Advocate for Continued Nonprofit Status This item is protected.

27 independent school associations signed a letter to support a new bill that will codify the long-held, common understanding that 501(c)(3) nonprofit status is not federal financial assistance.

2 min read

Feature

Culture
| Human Resources
| Leadership

A Civil Action Plan This item is protected.

An uptick in workplace conflict warrants new attention to civility training.

10 min read

CEO Notebook

Culture
| Leadership

Homage to “The Holdovers”

A fictional boarding school in the 70s gets big screen treatment, and school business impacts every piece of the action.

5 min read

Voices from the Field

Change Management
| Leadership

2024 NBOA Annual Meeting: Brett Jacobsen: Chasing Signals of Change

NBOA Breakfast speaker Brett Jacobsen shares tips for cultivating a culture of innovation and adaptability within independent schools, laying the foundation for transformative growth.

6 min read

CEO Notebook

Leadership
| Membership

Cheers to Camaraderie in 2023

Amidst the holiday cheer, the NBOA staff reflect on a year of accomplishments, celebrating milestones and setting a course for the future.

3 min read

Leadership
| Membership

The Best of Net Assets Magazine 2023

In NBOA's 25th-year, Net Assets magazine focused on critical issues in independent schools, from navigating the challenges of inflation to fostering inclusive environments.

4 min read

Accounting
| Risk Management
| Technology

Automating Accounts Payable to Prevent Fraud

Facing the threat of financial fraud, schools can enhance their financial security by automating accounts payable.

3 min read

Feature

Debt
| Facilities
| Financing

If You Finance It, We Will Build It This item is protected.

Despite high interest rates, independent schools are taking on debt to maintain campus and attract students.

10 min read

Feature

Budget
| Extended Day
| Summer Camp

Nonprofit Profit Centers This item is protected.

For some schools, auxiliary programs can significantly help close the gap between tuition revenue and expenses.

13 min read

Endowment
| Investments

Independent Schools Averaged a 9.2% Return on Endowment Assets for FY2023 This item is protected.

Day schools averaged a 9.5% return, schools with boarding averaged an 8.4% return.

4 min read

Accounting
| Membership

Announcing the 2023 NBOA Professional Achievement Award Recipients, Part 1

From revolutionizing financial oversight to driving operational excellence, these profiles showcase the dedication and expertise of individuals shaping the future of independent school administration.

5 min read

Business Intelligence

Budget
| Facilities
| Maintenance

Trends in the Capital Spending Ratio This item is protected.

Even before the pandemic and recent economic challenges, many schools were not meeting the capital spending ratio to maintain their campuses.

3 min read

Budget
| Financial Aid

Betting on Change in Financial Aid

Leaders in independent school financial aid offer their take on the current terrain — plus NBOA’s Financial Aid Fast Facts sheet.

4 min read

Endowment
| Governance

Endowments and Governance: 5 Key Insights This item is protected.

Results from a recent survey reveal best practices for enhancing financial governance and strategies for sustained intergenerational equity.

4 min read

Business Intelligence

Budget
| Extended Day
| Summer Camp

Financial Trends in Auxiliary Programs This item is protected.

Auxiliary programs brought in higher revenues late pandemic (2021–22) than they did pre-pandemic, and with lower expenses.

3 min read

Feature

Accounting
| Audit
| Legal
| Technology

DIY AI: Business Applications (Part 2)

AI has never been more accessible, and it will impact every corner of the independent school business office.

13 min read

Membership
| Planning

Unsung Hero: Paul Silva, Cushing Academy

Silva's skilled financial management resulted in substantial tuition revenue increases backed by a long-term financial model, ensuring his school’s long-term sustainability.

2 min read

Membership
| Planning

Unsung Hero: Robert A. Orenstein, Avon Old Farms School

Orenstein's dedicated approach to school finances extends to his work with the broader business officer community.

2 min read

Debt
| Membership

Unsung Hero: Joan McCabe, Pinecrest Academy

McCabe's financial skills resulted in successful debt refinancing, reduced interest rates and enhanced financial stability.

2 min read

Strategies

Boards and Trustees
| Budget

A Snapshot of School Finances This item is protected.

This one-pager provides trustees with the information they need to spend their time together on strategy.

5 min read

Budget
| Planning

Business Office Basics: The Importance of Using a Long-Range Financial Model

The answer to some trustee questions should always be “Yes” — including, “Does the school have long-term financial projections?”

4 min read

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

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

Audit
| Budget

Business Office Basics: Know Your Audit, Part 2

Tips on explaining to the board how the Statement of Activities relates to the operating statement, and on improving the audit note about the flow of Temporary Restricted Net Assets.

5 min read

Feature

Endowment
| Membership

Celebrate! 25 Years of NBOA: The Endowment Landscape

A deep dive into independent school endowments trends FY2005-FY2022, including analysis of asset allocation, performance, spending and contributions, plus a perspective on future developments.

13 min read

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

Culture
| Diversity and Inclusion
| Professional Development

Creating an Equitable Workplace

When remote work is an option for some employees but not others, how can school leaders foster inclusion and belonging among all faculty and staff members?

5 min read

Facilities
| Human Resources
| Membership

Announcing the 2023 NBOA Professional Achievement Award Recipients, Part 2

Congratulations to the 2023 recipients of the NBOA Professional Achievement Award.

4 min read

Photo courtesy of Phillips Exeter Academy.

Feature

Employee Benefits
| Human Resources

A Holistic Approach to Health Benefits

With anonymized data made available through a self-funded health insurance program, independent schools are tailoring their benefits to meet their employees’ specific needs.

6 min read

Feature

Culture
| Human Resources
| Leadership

A Civil Action Plan This item is protected.

An uptick in workplace conflict warrants new attention to civility training.

10 min read

Strategies

Employee Leave
| Hiring
| Salary

Hiring a Permanent Substitute This item is protected.

A position created late in the pandemic continues to ensure faculty and staff wellbeing.

3 min read

Compensation Strategies
| Employee Benefits
| Survey

Mission-Anchored Compensation Strategies: A Sampling

Following extensive research, NBOA has developed a suite of resources to help leaders at independent schools of every size, type and context recruit and retain mission-aligned professionals.

6 min read

beach with out of office written in sand

Compensation Strategies
| Employee Benefits
| Research

Benchmarking 2022-23 Paid Time Off Benefits This item is protected.

A recent flash survey shows different approaches to paid leave, including vacation and personal days, and paid parental leave.

5 min read

CEO Notebook

Employment
| Leadership

Our Sometimes Forgotten Hiring Advantage

In a hot labor market, independent schools’ mission offers a distinct advantage over non-educational employers.

4 min read

Legal
| Regulatory Updates
| Salary

NBOA and NAIS Advocate for Reasonable Overtime Rules This item is protected.

NAIS and NBOA are advocating to ensure proposed changes to FLSA overtime rules do not threaten the viability of our schools.

3 min read

Employee Benefits
| Research
| Salary

Now Available: NBOA’s Mission-Anchored Compensation Strategies Resources

NBOA spent more than a year researching compensation trends in independent schools. Resources that leaders can use to consider their own school’s compensation practices are now here.

3 min read

Stock image of multiple generations in workforce

Culture
| Performance Management

Bridging the Gap in Multi-Generational Workplaces

Challenging preconceived notions around age is key to understanding generational differences and fostering a collaborative workforce.

4 min read

CEO Notebook

Compliance
| Employment

Sound Off On Overtime Rules, Again

NBOA and NAIS are advocating to ensure proposed changes to FLSA overtime rules do not threaten the viability of our schools.

4 min read

CEO Notebook

Human Resources
| Leadership

Winning Buy-In for a Better Year

With a focus on impact now, we’ll conclude this new school year with a real sense of accomplishment.

3 min read

Risk & Compliance

Employment
| Human Resources
| Labor Law

Recent Regulatory Rulings Expand Employee Rights This item is protected.

The NLRB and DOJ have granted further protections for labor organization practices, cracked down on employer wage collusion and widened the scope of compensable damages.

5 min read

Business Intelligence

Employment
| Research

A Portrait of the Business Office 2021–22 This item is protected.

Analysis of business office staffing, human resources staffing, years of experience and salary for chief business officers and more.

5 min read

Feature

Human Resources
| Leadership

Riding the Waves: Managing Risk in the Mental Health Crisis: Staff This item is protected.

With mental health risks at all-time highs, school leaders can help both staff and students “ride the waves” of emotion while protecting the school.

12 min read

CEO Notebook

Culture
| Human Resources
| Leadership

Retiring with Impact: 3 Keys to a Smooth Transition

The former chief operations officer at Sandy Spring Friends School and new director of operations share how they’ve managed the handoff.

4 min read

Feature

Leadership
| Professional Development

25 Silver Rules for New Independent School HR Professionals

As the role of HR managers in independent schools becomes increasingly vital, industry experts share 25 valuable tips to help newcomers excel and drive positive change.

9 min read

Feature

Human Resources
| Leadership

Indispensable HR Leadership This item is protected.

Now more than ever, insights from HR professionals can help guide school strategy, but their voices must be heard to drive positive impact.

9 min read

CEO Notebook

Culture
| Human Resources
| Risk Management

The Pursuit of Happiness — in Independent Schools

Nobles Greenough School is actively helping their students be happier. What can we learn from their efforts?

4 min read

Accounting
| Risk Management
| Technology

Automating Accounts Payable to Prevent Fraud

Facing the threat of financial fraud, schools can enhance their financial security by automating accounts payable.

3 min read

Strategies

Change Management
| Crisis Management
| Risk Management

Preparing the School for a Tumultuous Election Cycle This item is protected.

Strong communication networks, insurance policies and strategic planning have helped this school prepare for potential disruptions.

5 min read

Feature

Cybersecurity
| Risk Management
| Technology

For Our Eyes Only: Data Privacy This item is protected.

Domestic and international privacy laws may be complex, but independent schools can adopt a practical strategy for compliance.

14 min read

Risk & Compliance

Misconduct
| Risk Management

What the Past Year Taught Us About Abuse Prevention This item is protected.

In-depth analysis of recent claims as well as trends in legislation and litigation reveal how schools can refresh their abuse prevention policies.

6 min read

Crisis Management
| Enrollment
| Risk Management

Educational Resilience in Maui's Wildfire Aftermath

In the wake of the Maui wildfires, La Pietra – Hawai‘i School for Girls took swift and decisive action to alleviate the impact on the affected community.

4 min read

Compliance
| Legal

Post-Affirmative Action, Is Financial Aid Next? This item is protected.

Following the Supreme Court’s decision on affirmative action in college admissions, financial aid practices may receive more scrutiny.

4 min read

CEO Notebook

Compliance
| Employment

Sound Off On Overtime Rules, Again

NBOA and NAIS are advocating to ensure proposed changes to FLSA overtime rules do not threaten the viability of our schools.

4 min read

Crisis Management
| Membership

Unsung Hero: Aimée Weil, Edmund Burke School

Weil demonstrated exceptional resilience in the face of adversity, guiding her school through a traumatic incident while ensuring safety, recovery and positive outcomes.

2 min read

Risk Management
| Safety and Security
| Technology

Don’t Look Back This item is protected.

Smart security cameras can help schools shift from reactive to proactive responses, but are independent schools tapping their high-tech capabilities?

11 min read

Feature

Leadership
| Risk Management

Riding the Waves: Managing Risk in the Mental Health Crisis: Students This item is protected.

With mental health risks at all-time highs, school leaders can help both staff and students “ride the waves” of emotion while protecting the school.

15 min read

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

Feature

Legal
| Pandemic

Celebrate! 25 Years of NBOA: The Legal Landscape

Over the past 25 years, human resources issues at independent schools have grown increasingly complex. NBOA Legal Counsel Grace H. Lee charts several areas of change.

4 min read

Feature

Membership
| Risk Management

Celebrate! 25 Years of NBOA: Boarding Schools and the Business Office

A conversation with two boarding school CFOs on the challenges and opportunities for boarding schools over the past 25 years.

4 min read

Feature

Membership
| Pandemic

Celebrate! 25 Years of NBOA: A Pandemic Without Panic

Business officers and business office staff played a key role in managing the onslaught of operational and financial changes brought on by the pandemic.

6 min read

CEO Notebook

Culture
| Human Resources
| Risk Management

The Pursuit of Happiness — in Independent Schools

Nobles Greenough School is actively helping their students be happier. What can we learn from their efforts?

4 min read

Membership
| Risk Management

Celebrate! 25 Years of NBOA: The Risk Management Landscape

The risk landscape has changed a lot for independent schools in the past 25 years. Schools' commitment to strategic risk management has stayed constant.

3 min read

Legal
| Misconduct
| Risk Management

Revising Student Conduct Policies for a Shifting Environment This item is protected.

With increased prevalence of mental health and sexual misconduct issues, when and how should a school intervene — and what liability may result?

4 min read

403b
| Risk Management

SECURE 2.0 & Retirement Plans: What Independent Schools Need To Know Now

The new law, aimed to help Americans prepare for retirement, impacts schools’ 403(b)/401(k) retirement plans, and leaders need to prepare.

6 min read

Risk & Compliance

Legal
| Risk Management

Why Is Insurance More Expensive?

Social inflation is changing the liability landscape. Understanding it can help your school manage the costs.

7 min read

Accounting
| Risk Management
| Technology

Automating Accounts Payable to Prevent Fraud

Facing the threat of financial fraud, schools can enhance their financial security by automating accounts payable.

3 min read

CEO Notebook

Leadership
| Technology

AI That Serves You

We’re learning from each other how our schools and community can make use of this exciting and ever-changing technology.

4 min read

Feature

Debt
| Facilities
| Financing

If You Finance It, We Will Build It This item is protected.

Despite high interest rates, independent schools are taking on debt to maintain campus and attract students.

10 min read

Feature

Cybersecurity
| Risk Management
| Technology

For Our Eyes Only: Data Privacy This item is protected.

Domestic and international privacy laws may be complex, but independent schools can adopt a practical strategy for compliance.

14 min read

Feature

Budget
| Extended Day
| Summer Camp

Nonprofit Profit Centers This item is protected.

For some schools, auxiliary programs can significantly help close the gap between tuition revenue and expenses.

13 min read

Facilities
| Human Resources
| Membership

Announcing the 2023 NBOA Professional Achievement Award Recipients, Part 2

Congratulations to the 2023 recipients of the NBOA Professional Achievement Award.

4 min read

Other Duties As Assigned

Food Service
| Leadership

Food Truck from the Ground Up

This business officer dreamed up and developed a school-branded food truck.

4 min read

Business Intelligence

Budget
| Facilities
| Maintenance

Trends in the Capital Spending Ratio This item is protected.

Even before the pandemic and recent economic challenges, many schools were not meeting the capital spending ratio to maintain their campuses.

3 min read

CEO Notebook

Leadership
| Technology

Prompted To Lead

Honing our use of generative AI was just one of many takeaways from this year’s NBOA Leadership Academy gathering in Nashville.

5 min read

Cybersecurity
| Enrollment
| Tuition

Sophisticated New Tuition Phishing Scams: What Schools Need to Know

Tuition phishing scams pose a growing threat to independent schools and parents.

3 min read

Other Duties As Assigned

Leadership
| Summer Camp

Build That Bridge

It's up to the business officer to earn trust with faculty. Teaching is one way to do it.

5 min read

Strategies

Change Management
| Technology

Transitioning to a Cloud-Based Student Information System This item is protected.

Data utilization and information management improved significantly thanks to marketing and technology leaders’ collaboration.

4 min read

Business Intelligence

Budget
| Extended Day
| Summer Camp

Financial Trends in Auxiliary Programs This item is protected.

Auxiliary programs brought in higher revenues late pandemic (2021–22) than they did pre-pandemic, and with lower expenses.

3 min read

Risk Management
| Safety and Security
| Technology

Don’t Look Back This item is protected.

Smart security cameras can help schools shift from reactive to proactive responses, but are independent schools tapping their high-tech capabilities?

11 min read

Feature

Accounting
| Audit
| Legal
| Technology

DIY AI: Business Applications (Part 2)

AI has never been more accessible, and it will impact every corner of the independent school business office.

13 min read

Culture
| Technology

Data Tracking That Advances School Culture

Faculty and staff who are empowered to leverage data can tailor interventions and foster a more supportive and inclusive learning environment.

6 min read

Feature

Change Management
| Leadership
| Technology

DIY AI: Key Considerations (Part 1)

AI has never been more accessible, and it will impact every corner of the independent school business office.

13 min read

Projections

Enrollment
| Technology

Leaning Into Online Learning

Digital education can support the independent school business model in two primary ways.

6 min read

Environmental Sustainability
| Facilities
| Membership

Unsung Hero: Laura Miyoshi, Sandy Spring Friends School

With an eye for detail and functionality, Miyoshi has helped ensure a greener future at Sandy Spring Friends School.

2 min read

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

Other Duties As Assigned

Admission
| Enrollment
| Leadership

Development and Daring Do

After a career transition, a dedicated parent volunteer-turned-development officer took on the business office as well when the need arose at her small school.

4 min read

Projections

Leadership
| Marketing
| Membership

Making the NBOA Difference

NBOA’s rebranding positions our incredible community as one that is more accessible and approachable to a wider range of school roles and school types.

5 min read

Feature

Enrollment

Comeback Kids This item is protected.

Two schools, one on the West Coast and the other on the East, have significantly increased their enrollment following sweeping changes.

13 min read

Crisis Management
| Enrollment
| Risk Management

Educational Resilience in Maui's Wildfire Aftermath

In the wake of the Maui wildfires, La Pietra – Hawai‘i School for Girls took swift and decisive action to alleviate the impact on the affected community.

4 min read

Other Duties As Assigned

Communication
| Leadership

Balancing the Books and the Brand

This business officer has overseen marketing and communications when needed — including during the Covid pandemic.

4 min read

Strategies

Enrollment
| Survey

A Match Made in Data This item is protected.

Kimball Union Academy’s enrollment and finance teams share an attention to data that builds the partnership.

3 min read

Business Intelligence

Research
| Tuition

A Tuition Discounting Pulse Check This item is protected.

Trends in the tuition discount rate, discount types, administering discounts, funding discounts and more.

6 min read

Budget
| Financial Aid

Betting on Change in Financial Aid

Leaders in independent school financial aid offer their take on the current terrain — plus NBOA’s Financial Aid Fast Facts sheet.

4 min read

Enrollment
| Tuition

Micro Schools Test Flexible Tuition This item is protected.

Wildflower Schools, based across the U.S., have adapted their tuitions to meet community needs and fulfill their missions.

12 min read

Diversity and Inclusion
| Financial Aid
| Research

Telling Our Financial Aid Story

The financial aid plot is shifting as dollars increase and diversity numbers fall.

6 min read

Change Management
| Enrollment
| Tuition

Returns on a Reset This item is protected.

To boost harvest yield, gardeners must prune early growth. Likewise, an independent school may at some point need to cut its tuition or “reset” the sticker price in order to grow net tuition revenue.

12 min read

Enrollment
| Financial Aid
| Tuition Remission

Navigating Tuition and Financial Strategies

NBOA and EMA partner to examine the unique relationship between tuition pricing, financial aid and independent school dynamics.

8 min read

Cybersecurity
| Enrollment
| Tuition

Sophisticated New Tuition Phishing Scams: What Schools Need to Know

Tuition phishing scams pose a growing threat to independent schools and parents.

3 min read

Feature

Communication
| Leadership

Optimized, Optimistic Operations & Outcomes This item is protected.

How to create efficiency and effectiveness using the Entrepreneurial Operating System.

11 min read

Projections

Enrollment
| Technology

Leaning Into Online Learning

Digital education can support the independent school business model in two primary ways.

6 min read

Business Intelligence

Enrollment
| Research
| Tuition

A Regional View of the Financial State of the Industry This item is protected.

A school’s location can play a role in their financial operations.

5 min read

Feature

Enrollment
| Membership

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

A strong partnership between the chief business officer and chief advancement officer leads to better outcomes in all areas of school business, from tuition revenue to planned giving.

3 min read

International
| Membership

Celebrate! 25 Years of NBOA: Global Growth

Though NBOA has had schools outside the U.S. in its membership from very early days, the mid-2010s marked a period of growth for the organization’s international member base.

8 min read

Business Intelligence

Financial Aid
| Tuition

Tuition Discounting in Context This item is protected.

Data on discounting in terms of need, remission and other related data points by tuition levels.

4 min read

Feature

Diversity and Inclusion
| Financial Aid

Economic Affinity Groups and Inclusion Efforts: A Case Study This item is protected.

Two schools share strategies for improving socioeconomic inclusion through voluntary, community-led programs and innovative fundraising efforts.

7 min read

Culture
| Diversity and Inclusion
| Professional Development

Creating an Equitable Workplace

When remote work is an option for some employees but not others, how can school leaders foster inclusion and belonging among all faculty and staff members?

5 min read

CEO Notebook

Diversity and Inclusion
| Leadership

Morale Boosters on a Budget

Regularly recognizing small wins can have a significant impact on staff wellbeing and retention.

5 min read

Feature

Culture
| Diversity and Inclusion
| Leadership

2024 NBOA Annual Meeting: Bertice Berry: Smarter Together

Drawing on her perspectives as both a sociologist and a comedian, NBOA Luncheon Award speaker Bertice Berry discusses the importance of learning from each other.

12 min read

Diversity and Inclusion
| Financial Aid
| Research

Telling Our Financial Aid Story

The financial aid plot is shifting as dollars increase and diversity numbers fall.

6 min read

CEO Notebook

Culture
| Diversity and Inclusion
| Leadership

Healing and Humor in Atlanta

A message of humor and inspiration from 2024 NBOA Annual Meeting Speaker Bertice Berry.

4 min read

Feature

Boards and Trustees
| Diversity and Inclusion
| Leadership

The Business Case for DEI: Supporting the Board’s DEI Goals This item is protected.

Tracking data, assessing vendors and working with the investment committee are just a few ways business officers can play a role in board level DEI work.

12 min read

Risk & Compliance

Diversity and Inclusion
| Legal

Transgender Student Participation in Athletics: Legal Implications for Independent Schools This item is protected.

What to know about federal and state laws and athletic governing bodies, and tips on crafting a policy.

9 min read

Diversity and Inclusion
| Technology

Tech-Enabled DEI Solutions

Independent schools can operationalize their DEI goals using technology.

3 min read

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

Diversity and Inclusion
| Membership

Celebrate! 25 Years of NBOA: Who Was at the Table?

NBOA explores how efforts centered around inclusion and belonging within a diverse workforce have impacted the association and its members over the past 25 years.

8 min read

stock image of two women supporting each other

Voices from the Field

Diversity and Inclusion
| Human Resources

Critical Compassion

Those whose work touches human resources have a special role to play in creating accessible, equitable school communities.

6 min read

Stock illustration of woman in wheelchair with a tablet

Feature

Diversity and Inclusion
| Human Resources

The Business Case for DEI: Making Space for Differing Abilities This item is protected.

Reviewing practices in four key areas of operations can help staff and students with disabilities feel more at home in your school and increase the richness of the school community.

8 min read

Feature

Diversity and Inclusion
| Financial Aid

Economic Affinity Groups and Inclusion Efforts: A Case Study This item is protected.

Two schools share strategies for improving socioeconomic inclusion through voluntary, community-led programs and innovative fundraising efforts.

7 min read

Feature

Diversity and Inclusion
| Enrollment

The Business Case for DEI: The Business of Economic Diversity This item is protected.

Those in the business office have a distinct role to play in supporting economic diversity and inclusion efforts.

12 min read

Culture
| Diversity and Inclusion
| Technology

The Business Case for DEI: Digital Accessibility: Operational and Cultural Considerations This item is protected.

When those overseeing physical and digital accommodations work together, the impact on school culture is stronger and more inclusive.

7 min read

Feature

Diversity and Inclusion
| Legal
| Technology

The Business Case for DEI: Digital Accessibility: Legal Considerations This item is protected.

Recent ADA guidance puts new emphasis on making websites and digital assets accessible to all.

10 min read

Feature

Culture
| Diversity and Inclusion

The Business Case for DEI: Structural Solutions

Business officers are helping schools move beyond aspirational goals toward real change.

17 min read

CEO Notebook

Diversity and Inclusion
| Leadership

Bring Your Whole Self to Work, and Others Will Too

As school leaders face another summer of employee “churn,” it is essential to ensure everyone feels comfortable in the school community to improve their chances of retention.

4 min read

Voices from the Field

Culture
| Diversity and Inclusion
| Membership

LGBTQ+ Leaders in the Business Office

Initial insights into different experiences in the independent school business office.

8 min read

Diversity and Inclusion
| Endowment

Room to Grow: Becoming an Anti-Racist Institution

Miss Porter’s School has leveraged its large endowment and operating budget to challenge systemic racism. Miss Porter's is one of three schools to receive this year's Innovation Excellence Award.

4 min read

Voices from the Field

Leadership
| Membership

What Do Students Know About the Independent School Business Office?

This student learned what the business office really does and then surveyed fellow students to see if they understood the extent of the work.

4 min read

Business Intelligence

Membership
| Research

Time Flies When You Have Better Data

In the three years that NBOA and NAIS have jointly collected financial operations data, outcomes for schools have only improved.

6 min read

Culture
| Leadership
| Membership

2024 NBOA Annual Meeting Delivers on Community

Energy was high and connections were strong, as evidenced in our photo essay of the event.

2 min read

Projections

Leadership
| Marketing
| Membership

Making the NBOA Difference

NBOA’s rebranding positions our incredible community as one that is more accessible and approachable to a wider range of school roles and school types.

5 min read

Facilities
| Human Resources
| Membership

Announcing the 2023 NBOA Professional Achievement Award Recipients, Part 2

Congratulations to the 2023 recipients of the NBOA Professional Achievement Award.

4 min read

Accounting
| Membership

Announcing the 2023 NBOA Professional Achievement Award Recipients, Part 1

From revolutionizing financial oversight to driving operational excellence, these profiles showcase the dedication and expertise of individuals shaping the future of independent school administration.

5 min read

Membership

2024 NBOA Annual Meeting Nearing Record Attendance

School leaders rooted in excellence and growing together will gather in Atlanta in late February.

2 min read

CEO Notebook

Leadership
| Membership

Congratulations to the 2024 NBOA Award Recipients!

This year’s recipients have demonstrated exceptional integrity, expertise and effective collaboration.

5 min read

CEO Notebook

Leadership
| Membership

Cheers to Camaraderie in 2023

Amidst the holiday cheer, the NBOA staff reflect on a year of accomplishments, celebrating milestones and setting a course for the future.

3 min read

Leadership
| Membership

The Best of Net Assets Magazine 2023

In NBOA's 25th-year, Net Assets magazine focused on critical issues in independent schools, from navigating the challenges of inflation to fostering inclusive environments.

4 min read

Feature

Leadership
| Membership

2024 NBOA Annual Meeting: Leading through Disruption: Shawn Kanungo

Opening keynote speaker Shawn Kanungo has helped hundreds of business leaders innovate their organizations’ approaches to finance, technology and workplace culture.

9 min read

Crisis Management
| Membership

Unsung Hero: Aimée Weil, Edmund Burke School

Weil demonstrated exceptional resilience in the face of adversity, guiding her school through a traumatic incident while ensuring safety, recovery and positive outcomes.

2 min read

Membership
| Planning

Unsung Hero: Paul Silva, Cushing Academy

Silva's skilled financial management resulted in substantial tuition revenue increases backed by a long-term financial model, ensuring his school’s long-term sustainability.

2 min read

Leadership
| Membership

Unsung Hero: Howard Richmond, Krieger Schechter Day School

With a commitment to process management, Howard's financial stewardship paved the way for lasting improvements at Krieger Schechter Day School.

2 min read

Membership
| Planning

Unsung Hero: Robert A. Orenstein, Avon Old Farms School

Orenstein's dedicated approach to school finances extends to his work with the broader business officer community.

2 min read

Other Duties As Assigned

Culture
| Membership

No Child Left Inside

This business officer has helped lead more than 100 outdoor trips for students, from cross-country skiing to mountain biking to backpacking.

4 min read

Voices from the Field

Leadership
| Membership

End Games

Long-time business officers share how they chose to wrap up their careers.

7 min read

Environmental Sustainability
| Facilities
| Membership

Unsung Hero: Laura Miyoshi, Sandy Spring Friends School

With an eye for detail and functionality, Miyoshi has helped ensure a greener future at Sandy Spring Friends School.

2 min read

Debt
| Membership

Unsung Hero: Joan McCabe, Pinecrest Academy

McCabe's financial skills resulted in successful debt refinancing, reduced interest rates and enhanced financial stability.

2 min read

Leadership
| Membership

Unsung Hero: Sherry Krebsbach, Saint John's Preparatory School

Krebsbach's unwavering commitment to her school serves as a bridge between eras of leadership, ensuring stability over the past 11 years.

2 min read

Culture
| Diversity and Inclusion
| Professional Development

Creating an Equitable Workplace

When remote work is an option for some employees but not others, how can school leaders foster inclusion and belonging among all faculty and staff members?

5 min read

CEO Notebook

Change Management
| Leadership

First Listen: The Net Assets Podcast

Our first episode delves into bold leadership decisions that led to successful enrollment growth at one boarding school.

4 min read

Accounting
| Risk Management
| Technology

Automating Accounts Payable to Prevent Fraud

Facing the threat of financial fraud, schools can enhance their financial security by automating accounts payable.

3 min read

Voices from the Field

Leadership
| Membership

What Do Students Know About the Independent School Business Office?

This student learned what the business office really does and then surveyed fellow students to see if they understood the extent of the work.

4 min read

Other Duties As Assigned

Admission
| Enrollment
| Leadership

Development and Daring Do

After a career transition, a dedicated parent volunteer-turned-development officer took on the business office as well when the need arose at her small school.

4 min read

CEO Notebook

Leadership
| Technology

AI That Serves You

We’re learning from each other how our schools and community can make use of this exciting and ever-changing technology.

4 min read

Feature

Debt
| Facilities
| Financing

If You Finance It, We Will Build It This item is protected.

Despite high interest rates, independent schools are taking on debt to maintain campus and attract students.

10 min read

Strategies

Change Management
| Crisis Management
| Risk Management

Preparing the School for a Tumultuous Election Cycle This item is protected.

Strong communication networks, insurance policies and strategic planning have helped this school prepare for potential disruptions.

5 min read

Feature

Cybersecurity
| Risk Management
| Technology

For Our Eyes Only: Data Privacy This item is protected.

Domestic and international privacy laws may be complex, but independent schools can adopt a practical strategy for compliance.

14 min read

Business Intelligence

Membership
| Research

Time Flies When You Have Better Data

In the three years that NBOA and NAIS have jointly collected financial operations data, outcomes for schools have only improved.

6 min read

CEO Notebook

Change Management
| Leadership

Top Takeaways from the 2024 NBOA Annual Meeting

This year’s keynote speakers delivered lessons we won’t soon forget.

5 min read

Culture
| Leadership
| Membership

2024 NBOA Annual Meeting Delivers on Community

Energy was high and connections were strong, as evidenced in our photo essay of the event.

2 min read

Feature

Budget
| Extended Day
| Summer Camp

Nonprofit Profit Centers This item is protected.

For some schools, auxiliary programs can significantly help close the gap between tuition revenue and expenses.

13 min read

Endowment
| Investments

Independent Schools Averaged a 9.2% Return on Endowment Assets for FY2023 This item is protected.

Day schools averaged a 9.5% return, schools with boarding averaged an 8.4% return.

4 min read

Projections

Leadership
| Marketing
| Membership

Making the NBOA Difference

NBOA’s rebranding positions our incredible community as one that is more accessible and approachable to a wider range of school roles and school types.

5 min read

Legal
| Regulatory Updates

Advocating for Continued Nonprofit Status: February Update This item is protected.

In January, independent school associations participated in an oral argument advocating on behalf of the independent school community to the district court and the 4th Circuit.

3 min read

CEO Notebook

Change Management
| Leadership

Great Minds Work in Pairs

Finding your go-to workplace partner(s) is key to bringing meaningful change to your school or organization.

4 min read

Feature

Enrollment

Comeback Kids This item is protected.

Two schools, one on the West Coast and the other on the East, have significantly increased their enrollment following sweeping changes.

13 min read

Facilities
| Human Resources
| Membership

Announcing the 2023 NBOA Professional Achievement Award Recipients, Part 2

Congratulations to the 2023 recipients of the NBOA Professional Achievement Award.

4 min read

Accounting
| Membership

Announcing the 2023 NBOA Professional Achievement Award Recipients, Part 1

From revolutionizing financial oversight to driving operational excellence, these profiles showcase the dedication and expertise of individuals shaping the future of independent school administration.

5 min read