AISNE 2025 Governance Conference

Monday, September 29 & Tuesday, September 30
Sessions presented virtually via Zoom

Bring your Board Chair and Trustees to AISNE’s annual Governance Conference. Board members, Heads of School, and senior leadership can learn alongside one another and focus on leadership and operational topics—from risk management to strategic planning. Sessions are held virtually and recorded, giving your school more than 15 hours of board development at a single, low price. 

We will cover the hot topics in education today, create a community of support, and make intentional time for balcony-level thinking. You will come away with a solid foundation to make progress on improving your school, no matter your goals.

Bring your full board, Head of School, and senior leadership team. 

Pricing & Registration

AISNE Members save $100/person compared to non-members. Not a member? Join today.

We strive to create an inclusive learning environment for all. If you have any questions or accessibility needs, please contact us at info@aisne.org.

Board Members Can’t Make It?
We understand scheduling your board can be difficult. Registrants who are not able to attend live sessions will have access to recordings of all topic sessions, the keynote, and the general session—more than 10 hours of learning content! Register each of your board members and unlock access to the recordings.

REGISTER HERE

Agenda at a Glance

Monday, September 29

• 9:00 – 10:15 AM | Welcome and Opening Keynote Session 
• 10:30 AM – 11:15 AM | Case Study Discussion
• 11:30 AM – 12:30 PM | Topic Sessions

Tuesday, September 30 

• 9:00 – 10:00 AM | Topic Sessions
• 10:15 AM – 11:00 AM | Case Study Discussion
• 11:15 AM – 12:30 PM | Closing Keynote Session & Group Learning Reflections

Keynote Sessions

Monday, September 29 | 9:00 – 10:15 AM
Antonio Viva | Leading Through Change: Innovation Leadership, Futurist Thinking, and Strategic Visioning
Join Antonio Viva for a dynamic and thought-provoking conversation designed to kick off AISNE’s 2025 Governance Conference with purpose and energy. As schools navigate shifting cultural, political, and financial realities, independent school leaders and trustees are called to lead with clarity, creativity, and a long-range view. This session will explore what it takes to lead effectively through times of change and uncertainty—focusing on innovation, strategic thinking, and inclusive governance practices. With insight drawn from real-world leadership experience and deep engagement with schools and mission-driven organizations, Antonio will offer inspiration and practical tools that you in navigating complexity with integrity and intention. This opening session invites you to reflect on your role as stewards of transformation and long-term sustainability.

Antonio Viva (he/him) is partner at Leadership + Design. He is a seasoned educator, experience designer, strategic advisor and non-profit leader. Previously, he served as the Executive Director of Artisans Asylum, one of the oldest and largest makerspaces in the United States. Prior to his role at Artisans, Antonio spent 12 years as the Head of School at Walnut Hill School for the Arts in Natick, MA. During his tenure, he designed and led transformative programs such as The Boston Ballet School Professional Division at Walnut Hill. He also served as Senior Research and Design Associate for Education Development Center, Inc. where he worked on a national school design project for the US Department of Education. He holds undergraduate and graduate degrees from Union College in English and Teaching respectively.

Tuesday, September 30 | 11:15 AM – 12:30 PM
Homa Tavangar | 12 Big Questions Schools Must Answer to Imagine Irresistible Futures
As we conclude the AISNE 2025 Governance Conference, we turn our focus to the collective responsibility and opportunity that lie ahead. In an era marked by ambiguity, polarization, and rapid technological and cultural change, how can you stay grounded in purpose and work in partnership to advance your institution? Drawing upon her extensive experience supporting school leaders and Boards in navigating complexity and change, while building strategies that unite and support innovation in schools around the world, Homa Tavangar will guide you through a reflective session that synthesizes key insights from the conference. She will draw from her popular ebook, 12 Big Questions Schools Must Answer, to explore entry points and strategies for leading adaptively, sustaining trust, and fostering meaningful board-head collaboration that centers mission, clarity, and courage.

Homa Tavangar is the co-founder of the Big Questions Institute and the Oneness Lab. She brings 30+ years’ experience helping diverse organizations and individuals to build cultural, racial and global competence, strategic governance, and visionary, generative leadership in diverse schools and organizations. She coaches leaders on accountability for equity, leading through crisis, and advises on strategic design and planning across five continents. She has co-authored seven books for educators, and is the author of best-selling Growing Up Global: Raising Children to Be At Home in the World (published by Random House) and Global Kids (Barefoot Books). Her most recent publication is 12 Big Questions Schools Must Answer to Create Irresistible Futures with Will Richardson (forthcoming, 2025).

A graduate of UCLA and Princeton, Homa was born in Iran, has lived on four continents, speaks four languages, and has heritage in four world religions. She serves on several Boards, including ISS (International Schools Services) and is a judge for the Templeton Prize, considered the “world’s most interesting prize” with a purse calibrated to exceed the Nobel Prize. She is married and the mother of three adult daughters, and resides in Villanova, Pennsylvania.

Agenda Details

Monday, September 29

9:00 – 10:15 AM | Opening Keynote Session (See Above)

10:30 – 11:15 AM | Case Discussion by Role

Mission in the Crossfire: Responding to Community Polarization

Presented by: Jason Craige Harris, Speaker | Pollyanna
Join Jason Craige Harris for an engaging and interactive case study discussion designed for those navigating today’s most pressing and multifaceted challenges. This session will introduce a practical, structured framework for approaching complex problems with clarity, courage, and strategic insight. We will work through real-world scenarios to practice risk assessment, sharpen decision-making under uncertainty, and strengthen your ability to communicate and lead through complexity.

11:30 AM – 12:30 PM | Topic Sessions
Choose one session to participate in live. All sessions are recorded for your post-event viewing.

It’s about Asking the Right Questions: Cultivating Inquiry in the Boardroom

Presented by: Anne-Marie Balzano, Senior Governance Strategist | Mission & Data
In the fast-paced and high-stakes environment of school governance, you often feel pressure as a board member to offer solutions and make quick decisions. But sustainable, mission-aligned leadership doesn’t begin with the right answers—it begins with the right questions. Reframe your approach to governance by focusing on the power of inquiry. Explore what it means to lead with curiosity, how to create space for thoughtful dialogue, and why avoiding a rush to solutions can lead to deeper insights and better long-term decisions. This session will highlight the kinds of questions that promote strategic thinking, shared understanding, and productive partnership between the Board and Head. You will leave with a practical toolkit for becoming more reflective, responsive, and intentional leaders.

What 100+ Heads of School Reveal about the Independent School Business Model

Presented by: Peter Baron, Founder | MoonshotOS
After more than one hundred conversations with heads about the independent school business model, the results are in. Uncover the critical challenges facing today’s independent schools and discover how leaders are beginning to effectively iterate the model. This session is designed for those who want to gain a sharper understanding of independent schools’ business model challenges and explore innovative, strategic solutions to strengthen long-term sustainability. Explore case studies of schools rethinking the model through breakthrough revenue strategies, mergers and acquisitions, expense optimization, and innovative uses of auxiliary services. These real-world examples illuminate the path forward for schools seeking long-term sustainability. The session also introduces the School Operating System (SOS)—a structured framework that turns a strategic plan into action. SOS helps schools align financial priorities with institutional goals, clarify decision-making, and build the internal rhythm needed to execute with confidence and consistency. If you’re ready to uncover new opportunities, rethink assumptions, and build a more intentional future, this workshop will provide the insights, systems, and inspiration to take the next step. 

Designing a Better Head of School Evaluation Process

Presented by: Mark Crotty, Consultant | Educators Collaborative
An effective head of school evaluation process does more than measure performance—it nurtures growth, builds trust, and strengthens the essential partnership between the Head and the Board. Yet too often, evaluations are either overly generic, inconsistently applied, or disconnected from school priorities and the Head’s professional goals. Acquire strategies to make the evaluation process more purposeful, reflective, and aligned with the unique leadership context of independent schools. Learn how schools can redesign their evaluation systems to be more personalized, strategic, and equity-aware. Examine sample tools and models, and consider how a thoughtfully executed evaluation process can support board accountability, head retention, and the long-term health of the school.

Good Governance in Tumultuous Times

Presented by: Margarita Curtis, Partner and Rick Melvoin, Managing Partner | Strategic School Leadership
In recent years, independent school boards have found themselves at the epicenter of cultural and political upheaval—facing challenges ranging from pandemic management and calls for racial justice, to polarized debates over DEIB, national politics, and global conflicts. In the midst of these pressures, many boards have strayed beyond their core responsibilities, creating friction with school leadership and straining governance systems. In this session, Margarita Curtis and Rick Melvoin will offer practical guidance for recalibrating board roles and strengthening governance partnerships. Through recent case studies and field-based insights, we will explore how boards can return to a clear, mission-aligned governance model—one that supports strong leadership while avoiding overreach in turbulent times.

From Risk to Readiness: Building a Board Mindset for Legal Risk

Presented by: John Graff, Partner and Alicia Ward, Attorney | Hirsch Roberts Weinstein LLP
This session will equip you with the tools and strategies needed to take a proactive approach to risk management. We will explore key areas of vulnerability—governance, employment, student safety, financial oversight, and reputation—through real-world case studies, sample policies, and practical dilemmas. The session will help you identify and evaluate critical legal and operational risks, ask the right questions, and implement strong safeguards. You will also learn best practices for board structure, policy development, and oversight, and explore how a strong Head-Board partnership can support effective risk management. You will leave with a practical checklist to guide ongoing risk mitigation efforts.

The Engine of Effective Boards: Designing Committee Structures that Drive Strategic Governance

Presented by: Wanda M. Holland Greene, Head of School | The Hamlin School (CA)
The most effective boards don’t just run on good intentions—they run on well-designed committee structures that support strategic, mission-aligned governance. As independent schools face new challenges and opportunities—from ambitious strategic plans to evolving DEIB priorities to the shifting post-COVID landscape—rethinking how boards organize their work is more important than ever. We will examine the structures, scopes, and synergies of board committees that truly activate leadership potential. From standing committees to emerging DEIB task forces, we will explore how clearly defined roles, thoughtful compositions, and purposeful planning can transform board leadership from reactive to visionary. You will leave with real-life examples, governance frameworks, and actionable tools to help assess and strengthen your own committee structures—moving from tradition-bound practices to intentional, effective design.

Ensuring School Financial Sustainability in an Era of Risk, Ambiguity, and Uncertainty

Presented by: James Honan, Senior Lecturer on Education | Harvard Graduate School of Education
In an increasingly complex and uncertain landscape, school leaders must adopt resilient and forward-thinking strategies to ensure financial sustainability. This session explores critical leadership, management, and governance practices that support long-term institutional health. Drawing on decades of research and experience, Dr. James Honan will guide you through actionable frameworks to strengthen strategic decision-making and fiscal stewardship.

Beyond the Numbers: Strategic Enrollment Thinking for Independent School Governance

Presented by: Dana Nelson-Isaacs, Founder | DNI Consulting
Enrollment is not just an operational concern—it’s a strategic one, with significant implications for a school’s mission, financial health, and long-term viability. For board members and school leaders, understanding the broader enrollment landscape is essential to effective governance. In this session, Dana Nelson-Isaacs will share insights from her work conducting enrollment feasibility and attrition studies. She’ll explore the trends impacting enrollment today—from demographic shifts and competitive pressures to questions of affordability and value proposition—and how boards can meaningfully engage in these complex conversations. This session will help you ask the right questions, interpret the right data, and align enrollment strategy with institutional priorities and sustainability.

Tuesday, September 30

9:00 – 10:00 AM | Topic Sessions
Choose one topic session to participate in live. All sessions are recorded for your post-event viewing.

Board Education for Financial Statements and Accounting

Presented by: Grant Ballantyne, Senior Manager | BerryDunn
This session provides a high-level overview for board members on how to review independent school financial statements, understand endowments, net assets, contributions, and engage meaningfully in financial oversight conversations. We will cover how to review independent school financial statements effectively, understand accounting nuances, and gain tools for asking critical questions during financial statement reviews.

Mission-Driven and Data-Informed Governance: Trustee Dashboard for Strategic Planning

Presented by: Mike Cobb, Senior Innovation and Organizational Excellence Strategist | Mission & Data
This session will guide you in leveraging data dashboards to strengthen mission-driven and data-informed governance. You will learn how to align data with institutional goals, foster strategic thinking, ensure fiduciary oversight, and support the school’s long-term sustainability. Together, we will learn to use dashboards to align governance with mission and strategic goals, enhance board discussions by asking generative, data-driven questions, and monitor financial health and governance effectiveness through KPIs.

Beyond the Appointment: Leading and Governing for a Successful Headship Transition

Presented by: Allison Gaines Pell, Senior Consultant | Carney, Sandoe & Associates
A Head of School transition is a pivotal and delicate time—especially when following a founding or long-tenured Head. Whether navigating legacy or a more typical succession, the first three years of a Headship are critical to setting the tone, establishing trust, and aligning leadership with institutional values. In this panel-style session, you will hear insights from three current Heads of School who each stepped into leadership after transformative predecessors. Drawing on her experience as both a Head and a search consultant, Allison will guide the conversation to surface shared themes and governance strategies that promote healthy, equity-informed transitions. The session will offer a rich mix of personal experience, governance insight, and practical tools for trustees and school leaders who want to ensure that leadership transitions build on the past while positioning the school for a thriving future.
Panelists (from L to R):

Alixe Callen, Head of School | Milton Academy (MA)
Justin Hajj, Head of School | The Learning Project (MA)
John McVeigh, Head of School | Holderness School (NH)

Development: What to Do When No One Tells You What to Do

Presented by: Jill Goodman, Consultant | Jill Goodman Consulting
One of the expectations of independent school trustees is their participation in development efforts. Unfortunately, trustees are sometimes unclear about their role, and administrators are hesitant to have direct conversations with trustees about the philanthropic program and the trustee’s place in it. Complicating matters, the confusion is not only with trustees. The Head of School and the Development Director may also be unclear about their role as they interact with the board surrounding development initiatives. Who is supposed to do what? Consequently, everyone is frustrated. Jill will shed light on the situation, developed through her work with independent school leaders nationwide. She will provide a 4-Step Framework for understanding your role as a trustee at an independent school. Whether your school is preparing to launch a capital campaign, increase annual giving, or attract more leadership donors, this session will help you understand your role, the Head’s role, and the role of the development team. We will dispel myths, alleviate anxiety, and make this part of trusteeship one to embrace wholeheartedly.

Strategic Risk in the Age of AI: Protecting Students from Deepfake Sexual Abuse

Presented by: Evan Harris, President | Pathos Consulting Group
Independent school leaders are charged with protecting the wellbeing of students—and today, that responsibility must extend into the digital realm. One of the most alarming emerging threats is deepfake sexual abuse: AI-generated explicit content that falsely depicts real individuals, often created and shared by peers or bad actors. For students, the psychological, social, and reputational harm is profound. For schools, the risks are legal, operational, and ethical. Designed specifically for trustees, board chairs, heads of school, and senior administrators—we will explore what deepfake technology means for student safety and institutional responsibility. This session will help you anticipate and respond to one of the most pressing—and least understood—safety issues of our time.

When the Board Missteps, Fire the Head: How High-Performing Boards Avoid This Trap

Presented by: Dr. James Hickey, Head of School | Austin Preparatory School (MA) and Dr. Larry Sykoff, President | LSS Consulting Group
In today’s volatile environment, sustaining long-term headship has become increasingly rare. The role of the Head of School is more complex than ever, with evolving demands and heightened scrutiny from school communities. Too often, a misstep—real or perceived—leads to premature departures, often with little reflection on the role the board may have played. In this session, two seasoned school leaders with decades of experience will explore the essential role that boards play in supporting enduring and effective headships. Drawing on real-life examples and lessons learned over a combined 40+ years of leadership, Dr. James Hickey and Dr. Larry Sykoff will share how high-functioning boards can avoid reactive governance and instead build a healthy, trust-based partnership with their Heads. You will leave with frameworks for fostering long-term leadership, increasing institutional stability, and advancing the school’s mission through effective governance.

Governance in the Gray Areas: Navigating Complaints and Investigations with Clarity and Care

Presented by: Grace Lee, Partner | Venable LLP
Complaints and investigations can emerge from any part of a school community and often arrive with urgency, ambiguity, and emotion. In this session, Grace Lee will guide you through the complexities of responding to high-stakes complaints while upholding strong governance practices. We will examine the critical distinctions between governance and management roles during investigations, the fiduciary and legal responsibilities of board members and heads of school, and how to preserve confidentiality while maintaining transparency and trust. The session will also address strategies for protecting institutional reputation, ensuring procedural fairness, and responding appropriately when complaints involve senior leadership or trustees. Using real-world case studies and current legal guidance, this session will help you respond proactively and collaboratively in alignment with your school’s mission, values, and legal obligations.

The Effective Board Chair: Strategies for Leading with Clarity, Confidence, and Purpose

Presented by: John Littleford, Senior Consultant | Littleford & Associates
Serving as a Board Chair is both an honor and a responsibility—one that requires a clear understanding of governance, partnership, and leadership dynamics. Explore what distinguishes highly effective Board Chairs and how they can grow into their best leadership selves. Examine the unique role of the Board Chair in shaping school culture, supporting the Head of School, and maintaining a productive and mission-aligned board. This session will offer guidance on how to lead with purpose, navigate challenging boardroom dynamics, foster strong governance practices, and cultivate a culture of trust and accountability. This session will provide you with valuable insights into how Board Chairs can elevate their leadership for the benefit of the entire school community.

10:15 – 11:00 AM | Case Study Discussion by Role

Sustainability or Sacrifice? Balancing Mission and Financial Realities

Presented by: Jason Craige Harris, Speaker | Pollyanna
Join an engaging and interactive case study discussion designed for school leaders navigating today’s most pressing and multifaceted challenges. This session will introduce a practical, structured framework for approaching complex problems with clarity, courage, and strategic insight. You will work through real-world scenarios to practice risk assessment, sharpen decision-making under uncertainty, and strengthen your ability to communicate and lead through complexity.

11:15 AM – 12:30 PM | Closing Keynote (see above)

Join Your Peers

Learn and build connections with your fellow independent school colleagues from the following schools:

Archbishop Williams High School (Braintree, MA)
Austin Preparatory School (Reading, MA)
Beacon Academy (Boston, MA)
Berkshire Country Day School (Stockbridge, MA)
Brimmer and May School (Chestnut Hill, MA)
Cambridge Montessori School (Cambridge, MA)
Charles River School (Dover, MA)
The Chestnut Hill School (Chestnut Hill, MA)
Commonwealth School (Boston, MA)
Derby Academy (Hingham, MA)
Fay School (Southborough, MA)
The Hamlin School (San Francisco, CA)
John Bapst Memorial High School (Bangor, ME)
King School (Boston, MA)
The Learning Project (Boston, MA)
Milton Academy (Milton, MA)
Montrose School (Medfield, MA)
Moses Brown School (Providence, RI)
Nashoba Brooks School (Concord, MA)
Newton Country Day of the Sacred Heart (Newton, MA)
Oak Meadow Montessori School (Littleton, MA)
Oliverian School (Haverhill, NH)
Park School, The (Brookline, MA)
Pike School, The (Andover, MA)
Pingree School, The (Hamilton, MA)
Proctor Academy (Andover, NH)
Riverbend School (Natick, MA)
Sage School, The (Foxborough, MA)
Sharon Academy, The (Sharon, VT)
Shore Country Day School (Beverly, MA)
St. John’s Preparatory School (Danvers, MA)
St. Mark’s School (Southborough, MA)
St. Stephen’s Armenian Elementary School (Watertown, MA)
Tenacre Country Day School (Wellesley, MA)
Tower School, The (Marblehead, MA)
U.S. East-West Province of Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur
Wolfeboro Camp School (Wolfeboro, NH)