Trusteeship 101 Series: Best Practices of Independent School Boards
Whether you are new to trusteeship or a seasoned board member, it is a good idea to pause and reflect on the best practices and board habits that lead to effective governance.
Strong governance is essential to the success of any independent school. As school leadership has become increasingly complex, the board’s responsibility to both support and hold school administrators accountable is more important than ever. To fulfill this role effectively, trustees need a clear understanding of best practices and a shared commitment to thoughtful governance.
This three-part training series is designed to equip board members with the skills, mindsets, and tools necessary for strong, strategic governance. Led by facilitator Brooke Carroll, and enriched by peer learning, participants will engage in meaningful dialogue and practical exercises. By the end of the series, board members will feel more confident, informed, and aligned in their ability to guide their schools with clarity and purpose.
An introductory or refresher course on independent school governance for board chairs and other trustees
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Governance as Leadership
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NAIS PGP
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Right Focus, People, Practices
- Roles and Responsibilities
- Communication
- Goals, Support, and Evaluation
- Succession Planning
- Who, How, When of Decision-Making
- Engaging with the Community (How to be Seen and Known while Maintaining Confidentiality)
- Case Studies and Questions
Brooke Carroll, Ph.D. is the Principal Consultant and Coach at ACIES Strategies, supporting small schools in leadership development, board development, and strategic thinking and planning. Dr. Carroll holds a doctorate in educational psychology from the University of Minnesota and has nearly 30 years of experience leading schools and nonprofits. She has served on eight school and non-profit boards in various roles and is an ICF-certified leadership coach.
Prior to consulting and coaching, Dr. Carroll was Head of School for nine years at Seneca Academy, an International Baccalaureate World School.