Pathways: Trustees & Vestry Members

As a member of your school’s board of trustees, or your church’s vestry, you are charged with some of the most important responsibilities in school life. Good governance, effective oversight, and positive church-school relations all topics that intersect with your role in the stewardship of your school community.

Here are some resources to support your work.

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Recent Webinars for Trustees & Vestry Members

Respect the Human: Preventing Burnout & Strengthening Staff Retention (Webinar)

Spring is contract season, which makes burnout, intent to stay/leave, and faculty morale especially urgent. This session translates current work-psychology into practical strategies leaders can use immediately: spotting early warning signals of disengagement, introducing restoration practices, and modeling communication that honors dignity while holding boundaries. We’ll connect each practice to Episcopal identity—care of persons, community, and justice—so that retention efforts reinforce mission as well as organizational health.

Reimagining Episcopal School Boards for Equity and Inclusion (Webinar)

Board governance is a powerful opportunity to align institutional leadership with the Gospel’s call to equity and justice. Yet for many trustees of color, board service can feel like tokenism or come with a silent burden. This webinar introduces Culturally Affirming Independent School Board Governance (CAISBG), a framework developed through a national study of trustees of color. Participants will explore insights from trustees, reflect on the theological dimensions of leadership, and apply the CAISBG framework to board recruitment and culture. This webinar is for school leaders who want their boards to reflect Episcopal values of inclusion, justice, and belonging.

Hot Legal Topics for Episcopal Schools (Webinar)

Episcopal schools are navigating an increasingly complex legal landscape with rapidly evolving issues impacting admissions, employment, governance, and daily operations. Join independent school attorney Kristin Smith of Fisher Phillips for an essential update on current legal topics affecting Episcopal schools. This session will demystify key legal developments, provide practical guidance for compliance, and equip heads of school, CFOs, and other school leaders and trustees with the knowledge needed to make informed decisions and mitigate risk.

Shared Calling: Cultivating Connection Between Episcopal Schools and Parishes (Webinar)

Episcopal churches and schools have a unique opportunity to strengthen one another through intentional partnership. This webinar explores how a strong, collaborative relationship between churches and schools can deepen Episcopal identity, enrich the formation of children and families, and align the school and church around a shared calling.

Making Strategic Thinking Actionable—and Lasting (Webinar)

Leaders want their school to be rooted in mission-driven, data-informed decision making, yet many schools struggle to create strategic plans that are not only aspirational but actionable. Join Mission & Data’s Jason Kern and Mike Cobb along with NAES Heads of School as they walk through research-based processes to develop an actionable strategic plan and effective methods for communicating progress to your community. Participants will receive strategies on how to develop a strategic plan that incorporates feedback from multiple constituencies across the school community and builds buy-in for implementation by considering the school’s organizational, programmatic and adaptive capacities. Learn how to align success metrics to strategic goals and how to build dashboards to keep school leaders and the board apprised of progress toward success.

Shifting Sands: Recent Trends in Independent Schools (Webinar)

Being an independent school leader has never been easy, but things are moving particularly quickly right now. Watch this lively discussion about what is happening in Washington, how it might impact the independent school landscape, and how we might tackle the challenges and harness the opportunities ahead.

Deep Dive: State of the Chaplaincy (Webinar)

The chaplaincy plays a vital role in Episcopal schools, and a clear understanding of this role is essential for chaplains to thrive. Drawing on insights from the 2024 NAES Chaplaincy Survey Report, this webinar will explore key aspects of chaplaincy and the impactful work of chaplains. Designed for heads of school, administrators, rectors, bishops, and chaplains, this session will provide valuable perspectives to support and strengthen chaplaincy in Episcopal schools.

Worst Practices in the Head of School and Board Chair Partnership (Webinar)

Sometimes, important lessons can be learned in what not to do! The partnership between head and board chair is critical for the success of the school. Effective partnerships depend on good communication, trust, and collaboration. In this interactive webinar, participants will explore common pitfalls that can prevent a thriving partnership between these two key school leaders.

Chaplains and Heads of School—Navigating Tensions in the Chaplaincy (Webinar)

Living into your school’s Episcopal identity is a critical strategic topic for heads of school. It’s hard work! Success in implementing the board’s vision for a school’s Episcopal identity depends on a highly effective partnership between the head of school and the chaplain. Join us to hear from three pairs of heads of school and chaplains about how they navigate tensions in the chaplaincy and cultivate collaboration in this important work.

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Latest Articles for Trustees & Vestry Members

Respect the Human: Preventing Burnout & Strengthening Retention in Episcopal Schools

Spring in schools often carries a particular kind of tension. Contracts are issued. Conversations begin. Quiet discernment happens in hallways and at kitchen tables. Leaders wonder who will stay. Teachers wonder whether they can. In Episcopal schools, where the mission calls us to honor the dignity of every human being, burnout is not simply an HR problem; it is a community concern. If we believe in the inherent worth of each person, then we must ask: Are we structuring our schools in ways that truly respect the human?

NAES Guidance on Accepting Public Funding for Private School Tuition

As Episcopal schools, we are committed to creating communities that welcome, affirm, and sustain students and families from diverse backgrounds. As schools discern their paths forward, this resource offers guidance to heads of school, trustees, and other leaders in making thoughtful, mission-driven decisions. The article also includes a sample board agenda and a simple breakdown of key opportunities and challenges.

The Three C’s Framework: A Leadership Model for Episcopal Schools Anchored in Faith and Community

In an increasingly complex and diverse world, leaders in Episcopal schools are called to guide their communities with a deep sense of purpose, compassion, and inclusivity. “The Three C’s Framework” offers a comprehensive leadership model that is deeply rooted in the life and teachings of Jesus and designed to foster a sense of belonging and communal well-being within Episcopal Schools. The framework is anchored by the Baptismal Covenant, a central tenet of the Episcopal School tradition that emphasizes the love of God revealed to us in Jesus Christ and the image of God inherent in every person. This framework positions Christ as the ultimate model of leadership—one that establishes a community marked by sacrificial love, service to others, and a commitment to justice and peace.

NAES Culture and Climate Survey for Administrators, Faculty, and Staff

The NAES Culture and Climate Survey for Administrators, Faculty, and Staff is one of the resources developed by NAES in response to member schools requesting tools to support their efforts to strengthen and sustain their Episcopal identity and commitment to inclusion. This survey is designed to be one element of your school’s ongoing reflective process by providing data from administrators, faculty, and staff about how Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Social Justice exist in the school’s programs and practices and the respondents’ experiences.

An Investigation of Support Resources for Heads of Color to Promote Well-Being, Persistence, and Retention

This research delves into the experiences of heads of color in independent schools, uncovering the factors that support and hinder their success. By examining the unique challenges and triumphs at NAES member institutions, the study reveals how shared values can positively impact their leadership journeys. Key findings emphasize the critical need for holistic board training, robust support networks for educators of color, and targeted strategies for recruitment, transition, and integration of new leaders. These insights offer valuable guidance for schools and organizations seeking to create more inclusive and supportive environments that empower heads to thrive and lead with impact.

NAES Statement on Inclusion and Episcopal Identity

As the past months have clearly shown us, Episcopal schools need support in their efforts to grow as communities committed to the work of diversity, equity, inclusion and justice, and to be able to…

School Exploration and Establishment: Basic Timeline

Three-to-five years is a typical timeline for school exploration and establishment. Here are some essential elements of such a process.

Roles and Responsibilities: Parish Day School Board

A sample list of typical duties and responsibilities of board members in a parish day school. This document reflects recommended best practices. It is intended as a draft document for discussion and for the creation of a list unique in each church and school.

Episcopal Identity and Leadership Transitions: The Head of School Search

In an Episcopal school, articulating the school’s particular Episcopal identity, ethos, and traditions, as well as its relationship to any Episcopal Church entity such as a parish or diocese, are critical to a successful search for a new head of school. Here are some key questions that boards, search committees, and candidates can ask and answer as they embark upon the search process.

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Upcoming Events for Trustees & Vestry Members

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Top Products for Trustees & Vestry Members

About Episcopal Schools, 2nd Ed.
This full color poster and pamphlet, newly updated and revised in 2022, examines the key characteristics common to all Episcopal schools, including aspects of Episcopal identity, faith-life, chapel, moral development, academic excellence, and social justice.
This publication is pamphlet-sized, but can be unfolded and used as a poster. Perfect for use in admission and development information kits, as a faculty/staff training resource or as a general information tool. Available only to members and affiliate members.

This product is exclusively for NAES members. Log in to place an order for this item.
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Reasons for Being: The Culture and Character of Episcopal Schools, 2nd Ed.
Reasons for Being: The Culture and Character of Episcopal Schools, first published in 1997, is a collection of essays on foundational, mission-related topics central to Episcopal school identity, governance, and leadership. Newly updated in 2010 and written by Episcopal school leaders and NAES staff members, the fifteen essays examine: the mission and Anglican ethos of Episcopal schools; the history of Episcopal schools and their relationship to the Episcopal Church; the head of school’s role; the school as a spiritual community; chapel and worship; religious studies; religious pluralism; early childhood education; community service; and Episcopal schools as just communities. Each essay includes suggested questions for discussion and reflection.
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Principles of Good Practice for Leadership Transitions in Episcopal Schools
Adopted by the NAES Governing Board in September 2009, this document is intended to affirm the importance of the Episcopal ethos of the school and its centrality in the search for the new spiritual and academic leader; support the professionals and volunteers of both the church and the school as they seek to create smooth, effective transitions in leadership; assist boards, vestries, dioceses, and search committees in understanding their roles and responsibilities as they embark upon the process to find the new leader who is being called to serve; and ensure an impartial, thorough search process that upholds the values and integrity of the institution.
It also includes a brief set of principles for rector/dean searches at parishes and cathedrals that sponsor a school.
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Principles of Good Practice for Governance in Episcopal Parish Day Schools
Adopted by the NAES Governing Board in 2008, this document is intended to support the professionals and volunteers of both the church and school as they seek to be responsible, caring leaders and partners in the governance of the parish day school; assist vestries, rectors, school board members, and heads in understanding their roles and responsibilities, and the boundaries that define each particular role in the governance process of a parish day school; and guide discussion and processes as leaders strive to create trusting, collegial, and mutually fulfilling relationships in the parish day school setting.
This title is perfect for use in staff, vestry, and board handbooks and training sessions; and as an aid at times of transition in a school’s life.
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Connect with NAES

We’re here for you! To learn more about how NAES supports your school, contact Claire Leheny, NAES Director of Engagement, by calling (212) 716-6135 or by emailing claire@episcopalschools.org.

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More Resources for Trustees & Vestry Members

Culture and Climate Dashboarding Tool

NAES Principles of Good Practice

Apply for an Outreach Grant for Your School