Governance in Action workshops
Principles of Independent School Governance: Mission, Money, Momentum
The work of a well-functioning board is critical to a school’s well-being and executing on governance is a complex business, particularly so in the independent school world. A school is complicated and multilayered. Trustees largely wear additional “hats” in the community, often as parents, and there are more demands than ever on school leadership. This workshop will look at the “job description” for an independent school board and supply an accessible and practical framework for the central areas of governance responsibility: assuring the school can and does deliver on its mission; acting as financial stewards and risk managers (money) and setting the future direction of the institution while taking responsibility for a plan to get there (momentum). And in all areas, a strong, collaborative partnership with the head of school, characterized by good communication, is essential.
Much governance training uses terminology that is vague and endorses practices that make complete sense when sitting in the board room but are more challenging to apply when out and about in a school community. A better, more integrated understanding of the expectations (and challenges!) of an independent school board’s function reinforces a culture of trust among board members and with the head, supporting healthy and transparent leadership practices.
Workshop length: 2 hours including break and Q&A
Fees begin at $2000 virtual workshop via Zoom - also available as the basis for an on-site full or half-day retreat and can be customized and expanded to speak to your board’s particular context.
Governance in Action I: Balancing Board and Community Membership
An overview of effective communication approaches in complicated times
Trustees play a unique and crucially important role as both cheerleaders and authority figures in a school. They need to be prepared to appropriately navigate conversations with community members on topics ranging from curriculum change to "culture war" issues to political polarization. This workshop will provide framing in how schools (and heads!) are challenged in ways they have never been before so trustees can better interpret the anxiety they may encounter in the community. We will also explore how to intentionally use their role as authority figures to support empathetic interactions with community members while still staying firmly in their lane as a board member.
Workshop length: 1hr 30 min, including Q&A
Governance in Action II: Communications Skills for Trustees
Skills to navigate community interactions
In this workshop, specific communication skills are introduced to enhance interpersonal connection and defuse controversy. We will explore a number of typical scenarios that can result in sticky situations for board members and provide space and time for discussion and practice. Trustees will walk away better equipped with simple tools they can immediately put into practice to help them connect with community members while also being a responsible and supportive member of the board.
Workshop length: 1hr 30 min, including Q&A
Part I can be done as a standalone workshop - Part II requires completion of Part I
For the full impact of the training, completing both workshops is recommended.
Fees begins at $1500 for each virtual workshop via Zoom
Both workshops together available as an on-site half day workshop.
Contact jfaulstich@stonycreekstrategy.com or find a time to chat to discuss options and receive a proposal.
Stony Creek Strategy - 305 Thimble Island Road - Branford, CT 06405