From the President
The 2018-2019 year was a year of strength for member schools and growth for NAIS as an organization. We worked to enhance our services and products to ensure that they met members’ most pressing needs while also advancing the independent school industry as a whole.
Much of our focus in 2018-19 was on providing members actionable research and data insights, as well as resources to encourage innovation. We released a pivotal report based on the Jobs-to-Be-Done methodology; we will continue to use this methodology to produce information that can help schools better understand the motivations of parents and other constituents. In addition, using member feedback, we enhanced our data insight tools, such as Data and Analysis for School Leadership (DASL) and Market View. We also built out NAIS Strategy Lab programs to help schools implement project level innovation design and develop an overall innovative mindset to help them face challenges and embrace opportunities.
One key staffing and organizational development was the establishment of an office of governance and leadership, helping us focus our work in the critically important area of board/head relations.
Through our communication channels, we fostered discussion and community exchange. Independent School magazine covered the critical issues of diversity and inclusion, advancement, reimagining schools, and health and well-being. Blog posts written by community members continued to explore these topics and many more. The NAIS Trendbook consolidated key trends, encouraging members to look ahead and fueling important industry discussion. The monthly Looking Ahead communication (email and presentation) allowed us to dive deeply into individual topics ranging from the international student market to the future of fundraising. Finally, our social media channels and NAIS Connect online communities provided countless opportunities for engagement.
Throughout the year, we had several invaluable opportunities to meet in person with members. In late November of 2018, Nashville provided an energizing backdrop for the 31st People of Color Conference. In February 2019 we came together to “reimagine” independent schools at the NAIS Annual Conference in Long Beach, California.
In the pages of this annual report, you will find more details about these and other NAIS initiatives in 2018-2019, as well as information about our overall health. We are so grateful to the many organizations and individuals who have supported our efforts and initiatives this year.
Annual Meeting Minutes
Marriott Downtown
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Vision
Mission
We do this through thought leadership, research, creation and curation of resources, and direct collaboration with education leaders.
Vice Chair Randall C. Dunn then presented the Membership Report, reporting that NAIS had 1,611 full and candidate members and 265 subscribers. This included the 46 new members and 25 new subscribers added in the fiscal year (as of January 31, 2020).
Governance Chair Mark C. Davis continued with the Governance Report. He presented the Governance Committee’s nominations for election, as follows.
Election to a First, Three-Year Term as Trustee
- Madeleine Hewitt, executive director, Near East South Asia Council of Overseas Schools
- Adam Weinberg, president, Denison University
Noe then acknowledged the following two retiring trustees, asking them to stand. He expressed the board’s appreciation for their service.
Retiring Trustees
- Mark C. Davis, Head of School, St. Luke’s School (CT)
- Nishant Mehta, Head of School, The Children’s School (GA)
Donna Orem concluded the Annual Meeting with the President's Report, in which she reported on the state of the independent school industry and on work NAIS is undertaking within key priority areas.
A motion to adjourn the meeting was supported and passed, and the meeting was adjourned.
Treasurer's Report FY 2018-19
NAIS completed a successful year, and the 2018-2019 financial report reflects the board’s commitment to a strong and healthy organization. The Finance Committee, the full board, and the NAIS staff have worked together to ensure that NAIS continues to meet the needs of its members over the long-term. Solid planning, careful management, and the successful execution of initiatives resulted in an operating surplus at the end of the 2018-2019 fiscal year.
2018 People of Color Conference
Nashville, TN
Equitable Schools and Inclusive Communities: Harmony, Discord, & The Notes in Between
More than 6,400 adults and students joined the NAIS staff for the 2018 NAIS People of Color Conference (PoCC) and Student Diversity Leadership Conference (SDLC). Both events fed on the uplifting, musical energy of our host city, Nashville.
Each year PoCC brings together educators from the independent school community who are dedicated to equity and justice in their schools. The mission of the conference is to provide a safe space for leadership and professional development and networking for people of color and allies of all backgrounds in independent schools. The concurrent NAIS Student Diversity Leadership Conference is focused on self-reflecting, forming allies, and building community for student leaders from across the country.
The conferences featured speakers Lisa Ling, Luz Santana, Marian Wright Edelman, Julie Lythcott-Haims, Marc Lamont Hill, and Christian Picciolini. These speakers, together with affinity groups, workshops, and other special events made this an inspiring event.
Sponsors
Strategenius
Educator’s Ally
CalWest Educators Placement
TIAA
The Education Group
Point Made Learning
Pollyanna
Schools by Region
2019 Annual Conference
Long Beach, CA
Reimagining Schools: Tearing Down Walls, Building Capacity, & Designing Our Future
At the 2019 NAIS Annual Conference, attendees gathered in Long Beach, California, to reimagine independent schools—from the physical buildings and academic practices to the community and culture and governance practices—in thinking about how they prepare the next generation of learners for the world that awaits them.
Speakers Viola Davis, Frans Johansson, Shiza Shahid, and Simon Sinek took the main stage to inspire new ideas. A wide array of workshops, special events, and networking opportunities enriched the conference experience for the nearly 4,200 attendees.
Sponsors
ISM (Independent School Management)
EduHup
Crowell & Moring LLP
SOS Threesixty
Professional Development
Between June and October 2018, NAIS offered several institutes and workshops that provided educators in-depth opportunities for training and professional development. Nearly 650 people attended the Diversity Leadership Institute, Institute for New Heads, School Leadership Institute, School Leadership Team Experience, Equity Design Lab, Inclusive Schools Network Institute, and Leadership Through Partnership. Six Strategy Lab workshops, in addition to other Strategy Lab events, served 140 people from 40 schools. In addition to these immersive in-person events, NAIS hosted nearly 20 webinars.
NAIS is proud to be a partner with other organizations serving independent schools. In October 2018 we held a joint event with The Association of Boarding Schools called the 2018 NAIS-TABS Legal Symposium in Philadelphia. Each year, NAIS and CASE co-host the CASE-NAIS Independent Schools Conference, which is geared toward advancement professionals in independent schools. In January 2019, the conference was held in Philadelphia.
Research, Publications, Data Insights, & Innovation
Research
In the Parent Jobs-to-Be-Done Study, NAIS researched what parents are trying to accomplish by sending their children to independent schools. In partnership with Authentic Connections, NAIS conducted a series of surveys on the mental well-being of Youth in High Achieving Schools to provide school leaders data-driven suggestions to improve student health and well-being. NAIS also conducted the 2018 Governance Study (with nearly 2,000 heads and board chairs) to examine the perceived relationship between heads of school and their boards, as well as the composition and practices of the board.
Magazine
Books
5918 copies sold
Data Insights
Innovation
Who We Are
Board of Trustees 2018-19
Lakeside School (WA)
Randall C. Dunn, Vice Chair
Latin School of Chicago (IL)
Fran Bisselle, Treasurer
Hathaway Brown School (OH)
Joan Buchanan Hill, Secretary
Lamplighter School (TX)
The New School
Robin Susan Appleby
The American School in London
Veronica Codrington-Cazeau
The Evergreen School (WA)
Mark C. Davis
St. Luke’s School (CT)
John DeGioia
Georgetown University
Monique L. DeVane
The College Preparatory School (CA)
Harvard Graduate School of Education
Siri Akal Singh Khalsa
Northwest Association of Independent Schools
James McManus
California Association of Independent Schools
Nishant N. Mehta
The Children’s School (Georgia)
Michael Nachbar
Global Online Academy
Sea Crest School (CA)
Marguerite Roza
Georgetown University
Michael Saxenian
McLean School of Maryland (MD)
James K. Scott
Punahou School (HI)
Eric Temple
Lick-Wilmerding High School (CA)
NAIS Leadership
President
Caroline G. Blackwell
Vice President, Equity and Justice
Jefferson Burnett
Senior Vice President, Advocacy and Education Innovation
Tim Fish
Chief Innovation Officer
Vice President, Membership and Marketing
Hilary LaMonte
Senior Vice President, DASL
Megan Mann
Legal Counsel and Vice President, Government Relations
Vice President of Media
Corey McIntyre
Chief Financial Officer
Mark Mitchell
Vice President
Vice President, Professional Development
Zoé Sherlick
Chief Operating Officer
Amada Torres
Vice President, Studies, Insights, and Research
Volunteers
2018 PoCC Co-Chairs and Local Committee
Beth RN Eberl
University School of Nashville (TN)
Bobby Mirzaie
Ensworth School (TN)
Quinton P. Walker
University School of Nashville (TN)
Wellesley L. Wilson
Harpeth Hall School (TN)
Committee
Harpeth Hall School (TN)
Heather Angola
Battle Ground Academy (TN)
Jennifer Averbeck
Baylor School (TN)
Brigida Derrick
Harding Academy (AR)
Eric Dozier
Episcopal School of Nashville (TN)
Patrice Elder
Oak Hill School (TN)
OJ Fleming
Battle Ground Academy (TN)
Teresa Jenkins
St. Mary’s School (TN)
Nicole Jules
University School of Nashville (TN)
Leigh Lambert
Battle Ground Academy (TN)
Suzanne Nave
Harding Academy (AR)
David Padilla
Baylor School (TN)
Victoria Roca
University School of Nashville (TN)
Roderick White
University School of Nashville (TN)
Grace Wilkinson
Harding Academy (AR)
2019 Annual Conference Think Tank
Polytechnic School (CA)
Josh Brody
Sequoyah High School (CA)
Mark Brooks
Center for Early Education (CA)
Jack Creeden consultant
Landis Green Wildwood School (CA)
Lisa Gumina
Vistamar School (CA)
Drew Ishii
Sage Hill School (CA)
Pamela Jordan
Idyllwild Arts Academy (CA)
Christina Kim
The Willows Community School (CA)
Ed Kim
St. Matthew’s Parish School (CA)
Tim Kusserow
Carlthorp School (CA)
Mark McKee
Viewpoint School (CA)
Jim McManus
California Association of Independent Schools
Priscilla Sands
Marlborough School (CA)
Jenn Foley
Tolbert Saint Mark’s School (CA)
2018-2019 NAIS Financial Aid Advisory Task Force
The Northwest School (WA)
Carinne Barker
St. Matthew’s Parish School (CA)
Lynne Breen
Waynflete School (ME)
John Hutchins
Phillips Exeter Academy (NH)
Lisa J. Moreira
Horace Mann School (NY)
Bill Murdock
Baylor School (TN)
Brenda Robbins
Minnehaha Academy (MN)
Lawrence Sampleton
St. Stephen’s Episcopal School (TX)
Jennifer Wing
Berwick Academy (ME)
2018-2019 Global Ambassadors
St. Johnsbury Academy (VT)
Melissa Brown
Holton Arms School (MD)
Michael House
Maumee Valley Country Day School (OH)
Lynda Ann Loring
Rabun Gap-Nacoochee School (GA)
Kila McCann
Fountain Valley School of Colorado (CO)
Matt Nink
Lake Forest Academy (IL)
Gifts At Work
CalWest Educators Placement
Carney Sandoe & Associates
Community Brands
Crowell & Moring LLP
The Education Group
Educator’s Ally
EduHup
Fisher Phillips
Hush Blackwell
ISM (Independent School Management)
Manhattan Placements
McLane Middleton
Point Made Learning
Pollyanna
RG175 (Resource Group 175)
Saul Ewing Arnstein & Lehr LLP
Schwartz Hannum PC
Shipman & Goodwin, LLP
Strategenius
SOS Threesixty
TIAA
Venable LLP
