Sampling of Workshop Topics

Our workshops address both best practices and common challenges in school board governance. A sampling includes:

Top Best Practices for Independent School Boards:

• Focus on mission-driven governance to align decisions with the school’s core values.

• Maintain clear roles and responsibilities between the board and school leadership.

• Foster a positive board-head relationship, ensuring trust and alignment.

Common Challenges in Governance:

• Balancing micromanagement with strategic oversight.

• Addressing board turnover and succession planning to ensure continuity.

• Navigating conflicts among board members with professionalism and purpose.

The Unique Role of Parent and Alumni Board Members

Parent and alumni trustees bring valuable perspectives and a deep connection to the school community. However, these roles require navigating unique challenges, including balancing personal ties with a fiduciary responsibility to represent the interests of all students. Our training emphasizes:

• Impartial Decision-Making: Encouraging decisions that reflect the needs of the entire school community, not individual interests.

• Strategic Focus: Helping trustees prioritize long-term goals over day-to-day operations, ensuring their contributions remain mission-aligned.

• Collaborative Leadership: Strengthening the board’s role as a bridge between school leadership, families, and the wider community.

Through specialized coaching, we equip parent and alumni trustees with tools to effectively navigate their dual roles, ensuring their passion enhances rather than complicates governance.

At Giant Steps, we see governance as more than an obligation—it is an opportunity to lead with vision, equity, and purpose. By empowering boards to embrace this responsibility, we help independent schools build a legacy of excellence that serves every student, teacher, and family.