Pre-Conference Workshop

  • Mission-Anchored Compensation Strategies:
    Top Findings and Resources

    Over the past 18 months, NBOA conducted extensive research on independent school compensation models to support schools in innovating their largest and most important area of investment – the faculty and staff delivering the school’s mission every day. This in-depth pre-conference seminar will offer attendees insights into the outcomes of this study from researchers and subject-matter experts in independent school leadership, finance and human resources. Participants will engage in a discussion of the findings and explore real case studies as they seek to establish priorities, leverage opportunities and address challenges related to compensation and benefits. The seminar will offer techniques for schools to identify the elements of a compensation system that will best advance their mission and align with strategic goals. Takeaways from the program will support schools with change management in developing and carrying out a plan to implement innovative compensation practices. NBOA’s mission-anchored compensation study was made possible with generous support from the E.E. Ford Foundation.

    Learning Objectives

    • Participants will examine common as well as innovative compensation and benefits practices in schools
    • Participants will discover the important factors to consider when developing, implementing, and evolving a compensation system for their schools
    • Participants will learn about specific challenges and benefits associated with different compensation systems
    • Participants will learn best practices for leading compensation system implementation and related change management

    Sunday, February 25

    Check-In: 1:00 PM - 1:30 PM
    Program: 1:30 PM - 4:30 PM

    Closed
    Elizabeth Dabney

    Elizabeth Dabney

    Senior Director, Research and Data Analysis, National Business Officers Association (NBOA)

    As NBOA’s senior director, research and data analysis, Elizabeth Dabney leads the development, planning and management of industry research using data from the association’s Business Intelligence for Independent Schools (BIIS, pronounced “biz”) platform, in addition to other research activities as identified by the association’s strategic plan. Dabney’s research and analysis supports NBOA’s mission to inform NBOA members and other external stakeholders and encourage data-driven decision making throughout the independent school community. Dabney brings to NBOA more than 20 years of research experience. Previously, she was the director, research and policy analysis at the Data Quality Campaign, a nonprofit education policy and advocacy organization, and the nation’s leading voice on education data policy and use.

    Patrick Schuermann

    Patrick Schuermann, Ed.D.

    Independent School Leadership Consultant

    Patrick Schuermann is a school leadership consultant and a lead faculty member of the NBOA Leadership Academy, among many other research commitments. With over 25 years of experience cultivating leadership in individuals and organizations, Schuermann has authored numerous articles, commissioned reports and books on leadership, and won an Emmy Award for Best Educational Piece for his documentary “A Matter of Principals.” Schuermann founded the Peabody Professional Leadership Institutes at Vanderbilt University and directed the Independent School Leadership Master’s Program for eight years. In addition to these university-based initiatives, Schuermann has collaborated on the design and delivery of programs and resources in support of the independent school community with NBOA and a host of national and state associations.

    Amber Stockham

    Amber Stockham, SPHR

    Senior Director, Human Resources Programs, National Business Officers Association (NBOA)

    With 20 years of human resources-related experience, Amber Stockham, SPHR, brings expertise in regulatory compliance, talent acquisition and management, organizational planning, and compensation and benefits design to her role as senior director, human resources programs at NBOA. Prior to joining NBOA in 2020, her career spanned a variety of industries, including social services, manufacturing and construction. She found a passion for education when she served as the director of human resources at Miss Hall’s School, an independent day/boarding school for girls in grades 9-12 in Massachusetts. In her current role, Stockham develops and delivers highly practical and engaging programs, products and services on topics ranging from difficult conversations and employee supervision to benefits administration. Stockham holds a master of business administration from the University of Massachusetts Amherst.