The Commons: the NAES Blog
Timely, sometimes tough, questions and insights from NAES and Episcopal school leaders on leadership, governance, Episcopal identity, community life, and other issues. Read More »
Articles
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The Professional Development and Growth of the Chaplain
This article offers a practical framework and best practices for the professional development and evaluation of school chaplains.
Principles of Good Practice for Governance in Episcopal Parish Day Schools
Approved by the NAES Governing Board in September 2008, this document offers best governance practices for parish school leaders: heads, rectors, vestry and board members. Read More »
Shared-Expenses Allocation
This documents provides a rationale and process that schools and churches should adopt when determining and allocating shared expenses. It explores: revenue and expense sources in church and school budgets; the benefits of allocation as opposed to undifferentiated lump sum payments; optimal church and school governance structures necessary for the process; implementation suggestions and instructions; and lists of key budget areas for consideration.
Calling a New Rector: Sustaining Church-School Relations during the Transition
The calling and welcoming of a new rector is a time of deep reflection that ushers in a period of change for both the church and school. These eight key considerations can help church and school leaders navigate a smooth transition.
Standing Head-Rector Meeting: Sample Agenda
Here is a sample agenda for a weekly standing meeting between a Head of School and a Rector.
Parish Day School Governance: Sample Board Orientation Agenda
The goal of any board orientation is to provide new board members with baseline information about the school. Here is a sample agenda for the content of such an orientation.
Parish Day School Governance: Sample Annual Board Calendar
An annual board calendar showing tasks and critical decisions is one way to realize best practices in parish day school governance and support a smooth working relationship between church and school. This article offers the rationale behind such a calendar and a sample calendar you can adapt for your school
Orienting New Vestry Members
Schools sponsored by a parish or cathedral live in relationship to their sponsoring organization and to the vestry, the parish's governing body. Incorporating the school into new vestry orientation can get church-school relations off to a good start. Here are some suggestions.
Welcoming a New Head of School
Completing the search for a new head of school is only the beginning of a successful leadership transition. Once the appointment is announced an equally important phase begins: welcoming and supporting the school’s new leader. The head of school is the school board’s sole employee and, as such, it is the board’s responsibility to integrate the new head into the community. Here are some key considerations for a smooth and graceful transition.