Frequently Asked Questions

Click on the links below to find answers to commonly asked questions about leadership and governance issues.  If you require additional assistance, please contact customer support.

Does NAIS have any sample bylaws for schools?

Does NAIS have any sample global or electronic permission slips for schools? Our school wants parents to sign only one permission slip at the beginning of the school year.

Does NAIS offer any examples of head of school or board evaluation instruments?

Does NAIS set guidelines for board practices at independent schools?

How and what do school leaders (head and board chair) communicate when there is a staff member who is terminated or whose contract is not renewed under circumstances that can be disruptive?

How are independent school boards formed/elected? Should faculty, staff, students, or the Parents Association president be represented on the board?

How can I locate a consultant who can work with our board on governance issues?

How can schools break out of their departmental silos and restraints?

How can trustees encourage risk-taking and innovation in their schools?

How do boards deal with "conflict" in the school?

How does an independent school deal with a "renegade" trustee?

How long should a trustee serve on an independent school board?

How long should the contract be for the head of school?

In addition to NAIS, what other organizations offer useful resources for boards of trustees?

Is it a breach of confidentiality to send board commications to both board members and their assistants?

Should an independent school board have an education or curriculum committee?

Should independent school trustees sign a conflict of interest statement before serving on a board?

Should non-trustees serving on board committees or task forces have a vote?

Should the Committee on Trustees hold open or closed meetings? Who should be included in the committee?

Should the head of school be a voting member of the board of trustees?

Should the head of school serve on the Committee on Trustees and thereby influence board member selection?

What are the roles and responsibilities of the board and trustees of an independent school?

What committees should an independent school have on its board?

What does it mean for a board to be "mission-driven"?

What does the board do when a parent or group wants to attend a board meeting to advance an agenda? Should board meetings be closed meetings or open meetings?

What is the typical board composition? What is the ideal size of a board of trustees?

What process should a board use to revise its bylaws and how long should the process take?

What sort of information should board minutes contain?

What’s the appropriate process for vetting trustee candidates?

When should a board go into executive session?

Where do I get my governance questions answered?

Where is the line between the full board’s right to participate in the head evaluation and the head’s need to have a smaller group to have more open and intimate conversation?

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