Travel & Events

Perhaps it is an overstatement, but listening seems to have become something of a lost art in our culture.

I recently finished reading Theo of Golden by Allen Levi—a wonderful story about an individual with many admirable qualities, one of the most compelling being his ability to truly listen. I found myself thinking, I wish I were more like Theo.

Over the course of my career, with varying degrees of success, I have tried to listen, learn, and grow from every experience. That has become especially important in my work with heads of school and trustees. No two schools are exactly alike, and no two boards face exactly the same opportunities or challenges. Before I can help, I need to listen.

That philosophy shaped my recent board retreat with Columbia Academy. By listening first and seeking to understand the school’s particular circumstances, we were able to develop an agenda tailored specifically to where Columbia Academy is today—and where its leaders hope to go.

Our time together moved beyond routine board business to focus on what matters most: best-practice governance, clarity of roles, healthy board culture, strategic priorities, and a strong partnership among the president, board chair, and trustees.

It was a special pleasure to reconnect with my friend Dr. James Thomas, President of Columbia Academy, and Board Chair Mack Garvin, along with the entire board. I left encouraged by their commitment to becoming the very best board they can be in service to the school.

Listen first. Understand the circumstances. Then build the retreat around what the school truly needs.

That is time well spent—and an important step toward a healthy board and a thriving school.

Some schools are blessed with a gifted Head of School and a board committed to becoming a best-practices board. That combination matters.

There is a strong and compelling connection between healthy governance, effective leadership, and thriving schools, and Trinity Christian Academy is a wonderful example.

I recently had the privilege of facilitating a two-day board retreat for TCA, with thoughtful and engaging conversations around governance, leadership, board effectiveness, and the vital partnership between the board and Head of School. The goal was simple but important: to continue building the healthiest and most effective board possible in service to the school’s mission.

My sincere thanks to Head of School Dr. Jeff Williams, Board Chair Wendy Hermes, and the entire board for their commitment to TCA’s mission, to best-practice governance, and to supporting their Head of School. Following the retreat, Dr. Williams shared his thoughts about the experience:

TCA is most grateful to Dr. Bill Mott for his outstanding guidance/counsel with the Board of Trustees recent retreat. Dr. Mott helped us with best practices from his most recent book Healthy Boards Successful Schools. If you are looking for some great guidance for you and your Board look no further. Dr. Bill Mott is an excellent resource.

Healthy boards strengthen leadership. Strong leadership strengthens schools. And thriving schools create extraordinary opportunities for students.

The future is bright for TCA.

Conferences like FACTS Elevate remind me just how valuable it is to connect with colleagues who are passionate about strengthening independent and faith-based schools.

I was grateful for the opportunity to present three sessions at this year’s conference in Orlando and to spend time with outstanding friends and partners, including Dr. Rick Newberry (Enrollment Catalyst), Andy Lynch and the team at Tassel Marketing, and the amazing Courtney Haindel at FACTS, whose energy and leadership help make this event exceptional.

A special thank you to The Budd Group for providing every attendee with a copy of my updated book, Healthy Boards, Successful Schools. Their ongoing support of school leaders is greatly appreciated. Learn more at buddgroup.com.

Looking forward to continuing these conversations throughout the year.

Classical Christian school leaders from across the country gathered in Atlanta for their Repairing the Ruins conference. It was an honor to present on Leadership Day. A special thank you to David Goodwin, Association of Classical Christian Schools President and Tom Spencer, Director of Accreditation for the invitation to discuss best practices in governance and leadership.

In addition to the presentations, I participated in a panel discussion with colleagues Dr. Timothy Dernlan, Ryan Evans, and Matt McIntosh, PhD – exceptional school leaders. Also present was Jamie Rowe, representing The Budd Group who faithfully supports my work by providing my new book to every attendee.

As always, one of the greatest joys of gatherings like this is the opportunity to meet new faces and connect with former colleagues. The relationships built in these moments are at the heart of what makes this work so meaningful.

It was a privilege to spend time with Dr. Chadwick and the Calvary board, facilitating a retreat focused on unity, shared vision, and mission-driven governance.

In my experience, boards that invest in this kind of intentional alignment are best positioned to lead with clarity and purpose, thus impacting every aspect of the school, especially the student experience.

Thank you to Dr. Chadwick and the Calvary board for having me. It was a great day and a testament to your leadership and the strong relationship you have with the board. Exciting Days ahead for Calvary Day School!

One of the best practices I recommend to schools transitioning to a new head of school is a retreat with the board and the new head. It was an excellent opportunity to engage with the head, giving him an opportunity to get to know the board, and the board to get to know him. Such was the case with New Hope Academy Franklin, TN. They have brought in an exciting new leader and recently held a retreat. It was a fun and meaningful day that included a presentation on Unity and The First 100 Days.

This is what the board chair shared regarding the purpose and outcome of our time spent together.

“Thank you again for leading our board retreat this weekend. Your insight, clarity, and experience brought real value to our conversation, particularly as we think about governance and how to navigate this important leadership transition well. The discussion around the first 100 days was especially helpful and gave us a strong framework moving forward. We are grateful for the time and thought you invested in preparing for and facilitating our session.”

A very special thank you to Chiquita Young, board chair, Paige Pitts, Founder and Interim Head of School, Stephen Steiner, incoming Head, and Rebekah Freundt, incoming Chair.

Strong schools are built by strong leaders who take time to learn from one another.

Recently, I had the privilege of joining colleagues at the Georgia Independent School Association Heads Retreat at Callaway Gardens. It was an encouraging and meaningful time of fellowship, reflection, and conversation with leaders who share a deep commitment to the mission of independent schools.

My sincere thanks to GISA President Dr. Jeff Jackson, Vice President Dr. Stan Whitlock, and Paula Gillespie, Director of Accreditation, for the gracious invitation and for their outstanding leadership in bringing this gathering together.

I am also deeply grateful to my friends at The Budd Group, whose generosity ensured that every attendee received a copy of the updated edition of my book, Healthy Boards, Successful Schools.

It was a pleasure to have Jamie Rowe there representing The Budd Group and supporting this important work.

Weekends like this are a powerful reminder that while school leadership can be demanding, we are strengthened by the wisdom, encouragement, and shared purpose of remarkable colleagues across our schools.

Over the years, I’ve had the privilege of leading retreats and workshops for boards and school leadership teams across the country. One of those schools is Elijah House Academy in Richmond, VA. EHA’s mission—to provide a Christ-centered, accessible education that cultivates the hearts, minds, and bodies of Richmond’s children for God’s glory and the flourishing of the city—is truly inspiring.

In recent years, I’ve facilitated several virtual board retreats with Head of School Jesse Hill and his board. This format has worked exceptionally well for them and may be a valuable option for other schools to consider. With no travel required, virtual retreats also allow me to offer this service at a significantly reduced cost.

Whether conducted in person or virtually, meaningful board education remains a vital best practice. My thanks to Jesse and the EHA board for their commitment to excellence in governance and leadership.

Where do independent and faith-based schools turn when seeking someone to conduct their board retreat? What kind of facilitator will best meet their needs? Someone with a proven record of leadership as a head of school, board member, someone who has dedicated their career to schools and written extensively on the issues of governance and leadership. Someone who listens, who understands, who cares about their unique circumstances. Someone who offers proven solutions to the issues that matter most.

That’s why I am always honored to be contacted by leaders like Trent Williamson of Harding Academy of Memphis to work with him and the board to strengthen their resolve to be a best-practice board. This is what Trent shared with me following the retreat: Thank you so much for taking the time and extra effort to be with us last week. It was a VERY valuable experience for our board, and I am grateful for your willingness to come and share. I am confident that your book will continue to be a resource for us in the future – and I hope we can have you back. Again, thank you for your leadership and visit!

It is incredibly rewarding to work with a school over many years, with the same amazing head of school, and a consistent best-practices board that keeps getting better. Recently, I once again had the honor to conduct the board retreat with St. James School in Montgomery, AL. Head of School Dr. Larry McLemore represents the best of what continuity in leadership is all about. For ten years, he has led his alma mater with passion and dedication, and the board embraces the distinction between their leadership and his. A new board chair is stepping into that role and following in the footsteps of consistent, outstanding board chairs. A day of discussion of the strategic role of the board, the board’s role in building the endowment, and ways to support the admissions process. My thanks to Dr. McLemore and board chair, Michael Jenkins, for a special time of learning and sharing.