Travel & Events

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.

Independent schools thrive with exceptional leadership! It was a privilege to facilitate a retreat for the board of trustees and leadership team at University School of Jackson in Jackson, TN. Third year head of school, Don Roe, is doing an excellent job leading this 1,100-student school. The board of trustees understands the value of board education and is supporting Don by being a best practices board. Truly a successful school with a healthy board. Congratulations to Don and the board. Thank you for letting me be a part of your opening retreat.

I was honored to be a featured speaker at the annual Association of Classical Christian Schools Conference in Dallas, TX. I spoke on governance and leadership issues as well as strategic planning. A large audience, but great participation. Later served on a video panel with these talented school leaders, David Seibel and Travis Koch. Thank you to ACCS’s Tom Spencer and David Goodwin for the opportunity to participate!

Recently I had the opportunity to conduct a retreat for the board of the amazing Carol Morgan School (CMS) in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic. Although located in the Dominican Republic, CMS is very much an international school. A very special thank you to Lily Ros, the board administrative assistant, and Anabella de Castro, board president. The board of this wonderful school is seeking Governance Solutions to be a best-practices board. It was an honor to work with this special group of leaders.