Genre:
Governing the Small School: Strategies for Boards
by E. Brooke Carroll
As the role of heads of schools becomes more complex, and the issues facing small independent schools become more challenging, the need for effective board governance has never been so critical. Yet there is little in the general guidance that distinguishes the unique characteristics of small schools and how to best govern them. Often small school boards are left to navigate their challenges on their own. Until now. Governing the Small School: Strategies for Boards describes current thinking, effective strategies, and best practices in board governance for small independent schools. It highlights the unique strengths and challenges small school boards and leaders face. It provides strategies for fulfilling governance roles and responsibilities and offers skill-building activities for board members. This book is an important resource for any small school as it provides concrete and immediately applicable resources to help board members implement governance practices that will lead their school to sustainability and success.
Book Details
-
Governance and leadership
Organizational strategy
Education systems
Accountability and responsibility
Institutional sustainability -
"Do you serve a small school? For trustees, board chairs, and heads of schools, reading Governing the Small School: Strategies for Boards is almost like sitting down to coffee with small schools' best friend Brooke Carroll. In clear and conversational language, you'll be led through strategies and practical tools from respected governance sources as well as Brooke's own extensive experience. She nudges us kindly and persistently toward governance excellence. As a former head of small schools, I would have cherished this gift of a book that can now be in your hands." -Mary Menacho, executive director, Independent Schools Association of the Central States (ISACS)
'This is the kind of resource small schools are always in search of, and it is equally valuable to the newest board member and the most tenured." -George Zeleznik, Head of School, The Crefeld School
"...this book is a much needed resource for any school leader, board chair, or board member
of a school of any size." -Angela Garcia, Head of School, Friends Community
"Brooke's wisdom about small schools and governance has played a critical role in her consulting work with my school. Her experience and deep knowledge are thoughtfully captured in the pages of this book. With clear explanations and constructive questions, Governing the Small School will serve as a vital resource for my work and the work of my board." -Christopher Kimberly, Head of School, Friends Meeting School
"A small school almost inevitably grapples with serious constraints and its very survival may be at risk. At the same time, the school can also achieve remarkable educational results if the board leads the way. But what does this mean in practice? Brooke Carroll presents the answer in Governing the Small School. This compelling and eminently practical guide is essential reading for trustees and administrators who are committed to building the school they dream of leading." -Norman Colb, former head of school and current trustee, Athena Academy
"Governing the Small School, Strategies for Boards is essential reading for independent school trustees and leaders alike. Dr. Carroll takes her years of experience leading and consulting for independent schools and distills it into a thorough, accessible, and thoughtfully organized book. Part informational, part roadmap, part inspirational, Governing the Small School will serve as a constant reference as today's school leaders navigate governance issues in the independent school environment." -Sean Shannon, board chair, Concord Hill School