STRATEGIC PLANNING: NECESSARY, OFTEN EXCITING AND SOMETIMES RISKY
Details
Date: Saturday, December 9, 2023
Time: 9:00 - 10:30 AM HKT
Format: Zoom Meeting (Zoom link will be sent 2 days before the event.)
Fee: Free for EARCOS Members
$100 for Non-Members. Please contact Maica Cruz at mcruz@earcos.org to be placed on the Guest Waitlist.
Description
Schools undertake strategic planning for many reasons: the requirements of accreditation; to look over the horizon at next generation learning; preparing for capital campaigns and a more secure financial future; ensuring schools can compete for teachers in an increasingly challenging environment; managing enrollment in ways that meet the mission and guarantees full enrollment; and providing for risk assessment, diversity/equity/inclusion and belonging.
Strategic planning falls within the purview of both the head of school and the board. It is always an exciting and intensive process. However, it can be risky and undermine a healthy school culture if the board and head do not manage and take control of the process carefully because it is their ultimate responsibility to be the gatekeepers of the mission. Stakeholders should be heard, but the head and the board need to ensure that the mission and governance components of the planning process are understood, accepted and safe.
Strategic planning does not have to be complicated, risky, expensive, or time-consuming. There is a successful methodology for listening to stakeholders while the Board and Leadership team provide guidance, direction and are the final arbiters of a comprehensive plan.
Abstract:
Strategic planning falls within the purview of both the head of school and the board. It can be risky and undermine a healthy school culture if the board and head do not manage and take control of the process carefully because it is their ultimate responsibility to be the gatekeepers of the mission.
Strategic planning does not have to be complicated, risky, expensive, or time-consuming. Stakeholders should be heard, and there is a successful methodology for listening to stakeholders while the Board and Leadership team provide guidance, direction and are the final arbiters of a comprehensive plan.
About John Littleford
John Littleford served as teacher, trustee and head of school for over 25 years. For the past 28 years he has been a consultant to over 5000 independent and international schools. His clients also include corporations, foundations, universities and a range of other non-profit organizations. Mr. Littleford's areas of expertise include: board governance, strategic planning, executive and faculty compensation and evaluation; executive searches; marketing strategies including admissions; fund raising, managing change; school climate; institutional and financial audits; and team building.
His widely read landmark book, "Faculty Salary Systems in Independent Schools" was published by the National Association of Independent Schools for 20 years. John Littleford speaks and leads workshops at Conferences all over the world. Littleford & Associates' Newsletter is published four times a year and is widely read by 25,000 trustees and school and not for profit leaders.
Reserve your slot now.
Zoom Meeting (Zoom link will be sent 2 days before the event.)