Independent school leaders today simply do not have the time to wholly commit to strategic work - the critically important work that will move their school forward. We at Cameron Education Strategies understand that independent schools are unique in that their personnel often wear many hats.  The upper school director also teaches science.  The admission director is the girls varsity soccer coach.  The head of school serves as academic dean.  CES can help, and will work with your school to tailor its services to your needs. From single-day board development work to four-year strategic plan implementation processes,  CES focuses on work with boards of trustees, heads of school, admission offices, advancement personnel and divisional leadership on strategic initiatives. 

 

Strategic Planning and Implementation 

Cameron Educational Strategies is unique in that we know that the truly exciting and transformative work lies in the actualization of a strategic plan. Whether we work with you to develop and craft a strategic plan, or you have already completed that process, we will engage with your school to implement that plan.  CES leads schools through a highly collaborative process that engages all constituencies of the school in humane, sustainable change that takes into account your school’s unique mission and culture, and positions your head of school as an innovative and visionary leader.​

 

BOARD GOVERNANCE

What does a generative board look like?  What committee structure will best support your school’s current direction?  What is the role of the board versus the role of the Head?  What are board of trustees best practices?  How can your board create meeting agendas that are inclusive, engaging, and generative? Does your board need to create a trustee handbook?  CES will tailor-make a board development program -- from a 2-hour interactive presentation to a two-day retreat --  around your needs.  ​

Leadership Transitions

Bringing in a new head of school can be exciting time for a school.  It can also cause anxiety, especially if the outgoing head has enjoyed a successful tenure.  The head of school transition period begins as soon the outgoing head announces his or her departure and it typically ends at the conclusion of the new head’s first full year.  CES will work with the board of trustees, the search committee, your search consultant, and other school stakeholders to ensure that the transition appropriately honors the outgoing leader, leverages the search as a strategic opportunity, and supports a seamless entry for the incoming head

 

ACCREDITATION PREPARATION AND IMPLEMETATION 

Completing a self-study in preparation for accreditation is tedious and requires considerable project management, editing skills and organization.  CES has the expertise to manage this process for you, allowing school personnel do the thoughtful and introspective writing required of the process.  CES is also available to guide your school through the implementation of accreditation recommendations, including the preparation of reports and for interim accreditation visits.