Strong governance does not happen by chance. In small international schools, boards are often composed of dedicated volunteers who care deeply about the school but may not always have clear guidance on their roles, responsibilities, and impact. Without clarity and structure, governance can easily become reactive, inconsistent, or overly involved in day-to-day operations.
This chapter focuses on practical approaches to strengthening governance in small school contexts. It brings together key concepts, frameworks, and real-world examples to help boards and school leaders clarify roles, strengthen decision-making, and focus on long-term strategy and sustainability.
Whether your school is building stronger governance practices, supporting a more effective board–head partnership, or refining its strategic direction, this chapter provides a clear, grounded approach to governance in small international schools.
This chapter is part of the AISA Small Schools Resource Hub and is designed to support leadership teams and boards in building strong, aligned, and future-focused governance practices.
E. Brooke Carroll - Author of Full Chapter: Governance. Brooke is the founder of Acies Strategies, and has over 30 years of experience in education, including roles in public, private, and charter schools. She holds a doctorate in Educational Psychology and has served as the head of a small school for nine years. Her extensive background equips her to understand the unique dynamics of small educational institutions and to offer relevant strategies for their success.
What You’ll Find in This Chapter:
What You’ll Find in This Chapter:
This chapter includes guidance and practical tools related to:
Governance roles, responsibilities, and fiduciary duties
Clarifying the distinction between governance and management
Strategic planning and mission alignment
Financial oversight and long-term sustainability
Board–head relationships, support, and evaluation
Board culture, structure, and effective meeting practices
Board composition, recruitment, and development
Succession planning and crisis readiness
Board self-assessment and continuous improvement
Examples, reflection tools, and practical frameworks for boards
Read the Full Chapter
Read the Full Chapter
The full chapter is available as a downloadable PDF. You can read it online or download it to use with your leadership team, curriculum coordinators, or accreditation committees.
How to Use This Chapter:
How to Use This Chapter:
You do not need to read this chapter from beginning to end.
You may wish to:
Start with the 10 Key Questions to reflect on your current program
Go directly to the Tools & Templates section for practical resources
Use this chapter to guide leadership discussions or strategic planning
Return to specific sections as your school grows and develops
10 Key Questions
10 Key Questions
Use these questions to assess your current practices and identify areas for improvement.
Tools & Templates
Tools & Templates
Practical tools, templates, and real school examples that you can adapt for your own school.
Full Chapter
Full Chapter
Detailed guidance and background information for a deeper understanding of this topic.
Use of Materials
These resources are provided for AISA member schools for internal school use and adaptation. If you adapt or share these materials, please acknowledge the AISA Small Schools Resource Hub. Materials may not be sold or publicly redistributed without permission.
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