Building Better Boards

Evaluation That Stimulates Growth

A Recorded, Virtual Workshop

March 9, 2023

Target Audience

This workshop has been developed to support any independent school trustee interested in exploring governance best practices. Previously this workshop was recommended for those new to the role, but feedback was that it was universally valuable. All independent school board members are encouraged to attend.

Building Better Boards Overview

In this four-workshop series, attendees will explore the role of trustee and learn from experienced board chairs, heads of school and association leadership. Each workshop will have a specific focus and unique content around board improvement taught through virtual presentations, guest speakers and case studies. Trustees register for each event individually and are encouraged to attend all four.

March Workshop Description - Evaluation That Stimulates Growth

The board and the head should be the leading learners in a school, and an energizing evaluation program—of the board and of the head—should be a central facet of that. This workshop will offer some different models and examples of effective evaluation processes while also highlighting some potential traps. It also will emphasize evaluation as a key part of the board-head partnership.

Additional Building Better Boards Workshop - Save the Dates

• September 15, 2022: You Are A New Trustee…Now What?
  
• October 18, 2022: Effective Governance Practice for Finance & Risk
• December 8, 2022: Becoming a More Strategic Board
  

Presenters

Mark Crotty, Executive Director of NWAIS

Former head of School at St. John’s Episcopal School in Dallas, Texas During his time at St. John’s, Mark helped the board and parent church greatly improve their governance practices. Mark has also served as a Trustee on the Boards of both the Independent Schools of the Southwest (ISAS) and the Southwest Association of Episcopal Schools (SAES).

Mark will be joined by experienced heads of schools and trustees from across the association.

Thoughts from 2021-22 Attendees:

"Worth the time. The variety of topics and subject matter allows you to reflect more as a Board member and explore the responsible action"

"I would tell other trustees to attend the workshop no matter how long they have been on a board. As a sixth-year board member, I learned several new pieces of information and had an opportunity to network with others within NWAIS. It was incredibly worthwhile."

"This is a great "101" introduction. Bring a pen and questions!"

"I think it is a must for first-time trustees. And a good optional refresher for the rest of us."

"It's a great way to see your job and what isn't your job, and it was done in an engaging and interesting way. I really enjoyed the workshop."

Some of the “Ah-ha” Moments From Previous Attendees:

• Getting a better insight into the relationship between The board and Head of school. And how important that is for the long term viability of the school.
• Good to get a sense of what other board structures, effectiveness and success has looked like.
• Problems are not unique but I was pleased to see that our school is handling things correctly. Having never been on a board before it was great for me.
• I think for me as a new board member was the clarification of my role as a board member that I take off my parent hat and think in terms of where our school will be 5,10,20 years down the line.
• Role of board relative to school head, parents, teachers and school.
• It was nice to get the perspectives of the group and how small or large independent schools have very similar problems.
• I think it was great to have our board all hear the same thing from an independent source. Lots of ah-ha's

Additional 2022-2023 NWAIS Governance ProgrammingTo Explore

Board Chairs and Heads Partnering to Propel Schools (May 12, 2023): This single-day workshop is specifically built around supporting the special relationship of the Head and the Board Chair as they lead the board and the strategic direction of the school. Attendees have a chance to deepen their partnership as well as developing connections with others who share their unique role in other NWAIS schools.

Registration

NWAIS Attendees: $45

Non-NWAIS Attendees (anytime): $75

Registration is Now Open.

Sign Up Today!

Recording Available Through June 30, 2023

Cancellation Policy Substitutions may be made any time prior to the conference. Written cancellations received by March 6, 2023 are eligible for a refund after a $25 cancellation fee. Cancellations received after March 6, 2023 are ineligible for any refund.