|
Expert Answers | Patrick Bassett
How can schools become more efficient?
School leaders should evaluate their board composition and structure. What skill sets will you need in the next five years? Are your committees and task forces the right ones for the needs of the school? A good way to assess objectively one’s board efficiencies is to compare board data (composition, meeting patterns, size, diversity) to industry standards.
Also, communicating the overall goals of the school and sharing how each department works toward those goals can improve efficiency.
What types of fundraising work most effectively for independent schools?
One annual fund campaign plus one major event tends to be far more effective than many smaller fundraisers. Many schools report donor fatigue when families are asked to participate in dozens of smaller events like bake sales. For annual giving, we recommend giving donors many choices to support, unrestricted giving being one choice, but also financial aid, faculty professional development and technology investment. The “pyramid of giving” approach is typical as well: for donors at the $500-and-above or $1000-and-above levels, have a kindred constituent (trustee for trustees, parent for parents, alum for alumni) do the personalized solicitation.
What demands will future parents and students have on schools?
Schools often struggle with a desire to be all things to all people. Parent satisfaction surveys can help you determine what you do well and where you need to improve, and they can gauge interest in additional services. Surveys can also help you determine what programs or services are not well subscribed. We recommend using the NAIS Parent Satisfaction Survey (www.nais.org/go/SurveyBuilder) because it is research based, scientifically designed, and “value added” oriented. Telling people what you really ARE about and also what you decidedly ARE NOT about will also help manage parental expectations.
Where are the most important places to invest money in independent schools?
In terms of schools’ investing, this too depends on the mission of the school and its specific strengths and challenges. It’s prudent for schools to invest in the programs, services or facilities that support the school’s mission. Think and plan for the long haul. Don’t make decisions based on what other schools felt the need to invest in.
What is the best example you have seen of schools connecting with their alumni?
Social networking media have greatly expanded the abilities of schools to connect with alumni and to involve alums in the life of the school. It’s smart to begin the connections early: for elementary or middle schools, sending logo caps with an invitation to a social event in the fall; for secondary school grads, sending care packages during the grads’ exam periods in college. It’s wise to make an advancement office staffer in charge of daily communication updates and exchanges on social networks.
|
forward this page to a friend
comments
Share!
