As we are emerging from the pandemic, we want to be imagining and creating a brighter future for our schools. You may be starting those conversations that include more strategic and long term priorities. While we still need to pay attention to how our Head, faculty and staff are really 'recovering' from the stress of the pandemic (see below), boards need to be planning for the future.

As Board Chair, you are the primary facilitator of those conversations. One of the most helpful guides I have seen on how to facilitate a good brainstorming session was recently featured in SmartBrief on Leadership, "How to Help Your Team Refocus Growth After the Hassles of COVID." This blog walks you through the steps of how to get your board engaged, energized and focused on some growth initiatives. Once you have identified a theme or topic for discussion, these steps will help you structure your brainstorming session so it is truly productive. These steps, provided with explanations and instructions, include:

Generate Ideas

Group Ideas

Add What's Missing

Note the Risks

Set Priorities and Assign Implementation Teams

If you missed last week's Chair Chat on supporting your Head of School through the stress of COVID, please view the slides made available by our facilitator, Suzi Nance, that provides guidance on how to best support your Head during this time. They can be found on our members page under 'webinars.'

New Chair Chat April 8: For first year board chairs

Chair Chat April 15: Improving the Performance of Committee and Committee Chairs