Travel & Events

A fundamental component of my work is traveling to schools and conference events (associations and other independent school organizations) to share with them ways in which they can improve. I am pleased to share with you some of the schools and school associations I have had the honor to work with. Every school and school association that I engage is an opportunity to help school boards and heads of schools realize their potential by adopting a best practices approach to independent and faith-based school governance. Recognizing the value and importance of working together for what is best for the school is at the core of what I teach and how I conduct every board retreat and governance workshop.

The Webb School

October 2022
Bell Buckle, TN

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.

Carole Morgan School

September 2022
Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic

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.

Presbyterian Christian School

August 2022
Hattiesburg, MS

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

August 2022
Montgomery, AL

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.

University School Jackson

August 2022
Jackson, TN

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.

Vanderbilt University – Peabody College

July 2022
Nashville, TN

Had a great time teaching these exceptional students in Vanderbilt’s masters program for independent school leaders this week. Thanks to Program Director Dr. Carrie Grimes for the opportunity to give back to Peabody College which has meant so much to Courtney and me! And congrats to these students who will complete the program soon.

Association of Classical Christian Schools Conference

June 2022
Dallas, TX

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!

Carol Morgan School

December 2021
Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic

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.

Caldwell Academy

September 2021
Greensboro, North Carolina

It was a pleasure to be the presenter/facilitator at a recent governance workshop for Caldwell Academy in Greensboro, NC. Special thanks to the Board of Directors, chair, Michael Lapeirre, head of school, Tim Holland, M. Ed., and each of the board members. It was a great day for learning about best practices and understanding roles and responsibilities. Caldwell is blessed to have this group of people leading the school.

Georgia Independent School Association

July 2021
St. Simons Island, GA

It was an honor to participate in the Georgia Independent School Association’s (GISA) Annual Head’s Retreat Conference. My presentations focused primarily on material from my book, Healthy Boards, Successful Schools. Always a special privilege to work with Dr. Jeff Jackson, GISA president, and Dr. Stan Whitlock, Vice President. A great organization doing amazing work on behalf of independent schools across the state.

Sign Up for My Newsletter