One of the amazing benefits of my work is constant exposure to incredibly visionary and passionate entrepreneurs with competencies that far exceed my own.  One such person is Grant Wooten, the founder and CEO of Edusfere.

The value of a governance structure for owned schools cannot be overstated.  A well-designed structure, following best practices but adapted to each school’s uniqueness, can complement and contribute to the ownership’s business plan; ensure the owners’ purposes, values, and interests are respected and furthered; and establish a vibrant and rigorous system of supervision and accountability of the school head, either as an owner-operator or employee.

A request and suggestion from a client school prompted reflection, collaboration, and planning that has resulted in the soon-to-launch EmpowerED Leaders* initiative.

At least three leadership-related elements provoke and sustain ongoing school improvement.

A member of an accreditation team I led this week prompted some reflection – “How many schools have you visited on accreditation teams during your career,” he asked. I couldn’t calculate the exact number and would choose not to reveal it even if I could.  I did identify six accrediting agencies I’ve worked with multiple times over the years.  The question caused me to consider why I accept invitations every year to lead accreditation teams.