Travel & Events

There is little more important to an independent school’s board of trustees than the education of new trustees. Shedding light on roles and responsibilities under the banner of best practices is a proven winner for these schools. This special opportunity was provided me in the form of facilitating a board retreat for Charlotte Preparatory School in Charlotte, NC. This exceptional Pre-K – 8 school is blessed with leadership dedicated to being the best by doing their best. Throughout the day it was clear the chair, the head of school, and everyone on the board acknowledged the importance of fostering a shared vision built on a foundation unity, trust, and support. My thanks for the warm hospitality from board chair, Dr. Robert Frost and Head of School Chris Marblo. The future is bright for this school! It was a privilege to have this opportunity.

It is exciting and rewarding to work with volunteer board members, called to faithful service, dedicated to learning and growing to be the best possible version of themselves. The Board of Trustees at The Master’s School, West Simsbury, CT is such a group. My thanks to Dr. Deborah DeBisschop, EdD, head of school, and the small in number but dedicated board members who give their time to make a difference. This is a board all about learning, growing, and discerning regarding the next strategic steps that will help ensure the brightest possible future for this school.

It’s always exciting to work with a school’s board when they recognize challenges and desire to take the steps necessary to be a best-practices board. The Kirk Day School in St. Louis, MO is facing the future with optimism and conviction. A great
day-long retreat was a special time to genuinely address the “one board, one voice” charge I discuss in my book, Healthy Boards, Successful Schools. This retreat is the continuation of some significant communication that will yield good things to come. Congratulations to the Kirk board for working hard to secure a bright future.

I recently had the privilege to lead a pre-conference workshop at the annual conference of the Society for Classical Learning. It was a great opportunity to discuss with board leaders and school heads how understanding roles and responsibilities, the value and strength that comes from unity, and having a shared vision truly represents the best of best practices. My thanks to everyone who attended – and the brave few who stayed for a parting photo! And a special thank you to The Budd Group for providing a copy of my latest book to every attendee.

Boards in the midst of transition as one head steps down and another head steps into the role face exciting but uncertain times. It is imperative that these boards recommit themselves to their roles and responsibilities. I recently had the opportunity to conduct a retreat with Nansemond-Suffolk Academy board in Suffolk, Virginia. This group of dedicated trustees, along with outgoing (and outstanding) head of school, Debbie Russell and incoming head Mike Barclay spent time discussing how to best serve the school and their new head. Congratulations to Debbie for all that she has achieved and to Mike for accepting this new, exciting challenge!

Another great TAIS Conference in the books. A special opportunity to celebrate the career of two of the best independent school heads I have ever had the honor to know – Scott Wilson of Baylor School and O.J. Morgan from the Bright School. They were recipients of the Sawney Webb Award. Also had the opportunity to connect with former colleagues at PCA and presented a workshop for about 25 heads and trustees. Congratulations to TAIS leaders Sarah Wilson and Kristina Kalb for putting on an amazing conference.

Recently I had the opportunity to work with the Board of Trustees of The Webb School in Bell Buckle, TN. This historic school has been preparing students for college and life since 1870. It was a special pleasure to reconnect with my friend Ken Cheeseman, head of school, who is truly a gifted school leader. My thanks to Ken, board chair James I. Vance Berry, and the board members who are new or have recently joined the board for a great conversation regarding roles and responsibilities.

Recently I had the opportunity to conduct a second board retreat for the Carol Morgan School (CMS) in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic. CMS is the premier international school in the country and a leader among international schools. This three-day retreat involved the board and all committees. CMS is blessed to have Jack Delman back as their interim head of school. Jack was head of CMS for 16 years and came back to lead the school until their new head arrives. The retreat was a special time of discussion and reflection, ensuring their strategic plan is fully realized during and after his time as interim. Many thanks to Jack, his leadership team, and the board for a fun and collaborative time.

The board of directors at Presbyterian Christian School in Hattiesburg, Mississippi is addressing priorities and doing an excellent job in taking steps to appoint their next head of school. It was an honor to facilitate a retreat with interim head Dr. Allen Smithers and the board at PCS in a great discussion of best practices and the steps needed for a successful search.

St. James School in Montgomery, Alabama believes in taking action at being a best practices board of trustees. I spent a wonderful day with the board and head of school Dr. Larry McLemore, to review and discuss a range of issues that I describe in my book, Healthy Boards, Successful Schools. The school fully embraces board education as I have had the pleasure of working with the board on several retreats. It was an honor to facilitate our time together again.