Session 1: Public Relations

Friday June 24, 1:00pm-3:00pm

What are the best tools and tactics for publicizing our schools? What works and what does not work? Hear Chris Bird, consultant with Sudbury Valley School and Fairhaven School, discuss web presence. How do we get press coverage? Is all press good press? Hear Fairhaven School grandparent Keith Moore discuss strategy.

Session 2: Business

Friday June 24, 3:30pm-5:00pm

Hear from Fairhaven School attorney Scott Wallace, Treasurer Joe Jackson, and others regarding the financial and legal realities of operating a school. Other topics might include interfacing with Boards Of Education, the church-operated school path, and the efficacy of joining independent school organizations.

Session 3 - Welcome, Keynote Speech

Saturday June 25, 10:00am-12:00pm

Fairhaven School staff member Mark McCaig will be presenting a topic for discussion, title to be announced.

Session 4 - Internal Relations and Retention

Saturday June 25, 1:30pm-3:00pm

It’s not that we don’t have any new students, it’s that the old students keep leaving. Does this sound familiar? Why are our school populations inherently transient? Are there ways to improve retention, even in this economy and this educational climate?

Session 5: School Operations

Saturday June 25, 3:30pm-5:00pm

This session will, yet again, take a look at JC and School Meeting, at Corporations and Committees. What’s new? What’s working, and what’s not? This session will also feature a discussion of Circle School and Sudbury Valley School’s recent decisions to reduce the role of their School Assemblies. To assemble or not to assemble?

Session 6 - Navigating The Current Educational And Economic Landscapes

Sunday June 26, 10:00am-12:00pm

To wrap up, we will explore specific solutions to the biggest challenges we face in the current cultural, educational, and economic world.