NAIS Heads' Forum Webinar Series: Standing Together: How Heads Use Structure and Communication to Strengthen the Board Partnership

In a landscape marked by rapid change, political polarization, and increasing pressure on independent schools, the strength of the partnership between the head of school and board has never mattered more. For heads, navigating moments of uncertainty—both anticipated and unexpected—requires not only sound judgment but also intentional and strategic communication with the board.

Hear from Buckley's head of school and chair of its Committee on Trustees as they share how purposeful structures, clear processes, and just-in-time communication have helped their school navigate complex, high-stakes challenges—from public scrutiny and political pressure to market shifts shaped by wildfires, labor strikes, AI, and declining birthrates.

Gain practical insight into how heads can:

• Build trust through clarity, consistency, and transparency;
• Reduce surprises while increasing alignment and shared understanding;
• Engage boards appropriately during moments of risk, ambiguity, and rapid change; and
• Strengthen a partnership that supports both institutional health and leadership sustainability.

Webinars in this series will only be open to NAIS member heads of school. 

Presenters: 

• Debra P. Wilson, president, NAIS
• Alona Scott, head of school, The Buckley School (CA)
• Anne-Marie Balzano, senior governance strategist, Mission & Data