AND The Greater The crisis The Greater The Opportunity.
It is true that this may be the greatest economic crisis this country has suffered in nearly eighty years. It is also true that it will get worse no matter what the new president may do. And it is also true that some of the greatest opportunities that your school may see in decades are hidden within this crisis.
Mark my words: Over the next few years, you will see schools that find and mine those opportunities positively explode in size and revenue. You will see success made by those who discover ways to serve parents and students, and not only survive but thrive.
STRATEGIC PLANNING IS THE TOOL YOU WILL USE TO LEAD YOUR SCHOOL THROUGH THESE CHALLENGING TIMES
Your strategic plan is critical to the future success of your school; be it new or established. As the world’s economy shifts, powerful forces will impact your school, your students, and staff. Now more than ever, your board needs a powerful plan to maximize your strengths, foresee your threats, reduce your weaknesses, and take advantage of future opportunities. As others retrench or react to the ripples of current events, proactive schools like you should be putting your plan together to build a foundation to make you even stronger.
Your plan will steer you through these turbulent times.
Our proven planning process results in the development of a powerful tool that your school will buy into and will be implemented quickly to support your school over the next five turbulent years. I have taken the liberty of including a recent testimonial letter from a private school just like yours reflecting on the impact our planning process had on their school. Click here.
The unique process we use to develop your plan will include three site visits over a four to six month period to establish where you are now, where do you want to be, how do you get there, and how do you know you have gotten there, providing:
Six onsite focus group sessions with parents, students, staff, faculty, board members, alumni, and/or former members of your community;
Five separate statistically-driven online surveys with your staff/faculty, board, parents, and/or alumni;
Re/defining your core values, mandates, mission and vision statements, and educational philosophy;
Identifying impeding critical issues and developing solution-based goals, rationale, and objectives;
And most importantly, developing detailed action plans to actualize your goals into operational tasks to make your vision a reality.
My experienced approach results in both the compass and the roadmap to guide your staff and board with a measurable plan that will coordinate the priorities of your efforts to maximize performance or overcome the challenges that are coming.
If this is something your school could benefit from and you would like to find out more about our planning process, you will want review the attached Overview Document that outlines our planning approach. And yes, it can all be customized to your school.
Click on or cut-and-past the following link into your Internet web browser to access the letter
As a past Head of School, I recognize how invaluable a plan is to the long-term success of your school. Now with today’s precarious environment a plan is not negotiable.
At the time of this mailing there is still time to develop a strategic plan before the end of your school year.
If you would like to touch base with me about our planning services, you can contact me by:
I hope you are going to have a spook-tacular Halloween tomorrow. I am going to be walking around our neighbourhood with my son and his cousin, and my daughter whose school friends will be tagging along (as the good and bad witch).
I have been sending you a few eNewsletters on the value of strategic planning for your school and an overview of our planning services. I enjoy the experience of helping schools to develop their plan. It provides me insight in new ways of providing education to children and also helps schools to become better – at the top and in the classrooms where it counts.
I am a glass half-full type of leader. I believe that good things come to organizations that are prepared and optimistic. Good luck happens to those who work hard and have a plan. Does your school?
In addition, many people are panicking and think that the bottom will fall out of their enrolment. Please do not get me wrong, I recognize that world events have changed parents view point on what they spend their hard earned money on. However, even the worst case scenario would have 90 percent of society employed with money to spend, though they are going to be more conservative with they will spend their money on. And yes, schools will have to work harder to find and keep their students, but if you are a good school with an efficient marketing system, you should not be worried. But you need a plan!
Take a look at the following links that reflect on the fact that enrolment at private schools is still strong.
Despite Economy, Private Schools See Steady Enrollment Business Gazette - Gaithersburg, MD, USA Officials at some of the area's priciest private schools are still seeing increased interest in enrolment despite the economic downturn, but they foresee a tough year ahead for financial aid, budgets and endowment numbers. Private Schools See Higher Enrollment Augusta Chronicle - Augusta, GA, USA Prep, Augusta's most expensive private school, is 35 to 40 children from being full. At Augusta Preparatory Day School, enrolment is up 3 percent, from 553 pupils last year to 570 this year, Headmaster Jack Hall said. Prep, Augusta's most expensive private school, is 35 to 40 children from being full.
Private Schools Holding Strong Staunton News Leader - Staunton, VA, USA Most area private schools seem to be doing well despite a national economic downtown. On Monday, ARCH Academy, a small alternative school, announced it would close after several families withdrew, citing financial concerns. Officials at several other private schools, however, said their enrolment held fairly steady this fall — although some said they were watching to see how next year would pan out. At Stuart Hall, one of Staunton's largest and most expensive private schools, enrolment actually increased by 12 students this year, said Sally Day, communications director. More than 300 students attend Stuart Hall, which offers grades kindergarten through 12 at its two campuses.
Economy Hits Private School Enrollment Today's MGT - Macon, GA, USA The harsh economic conditions have caused many families to re-evaluate their budget, but amid the financial times some private schools have grown considerably. A third grade class at Covenant Academy sings as the day comes to a close. The class size has grown in past years aside from the economy putting a serious strain on many of the parents. Acting school Headmaster Todd Whetsel said, "The economy has affected most if not all families in Middle Georgia. It certainly is a factor in any private school or Christian school decision." The economy has hurt several private schools in Bibb County. Progressive Christian Academy is down 220 students while Tattnall Square Academy has lost close to 120 students. On the other hand, larger private schools like FPD have grown its student population. Covenant Academy is no exception to growth. The student body has grown considerably in the past five years from just 99 students in 2003 to more than 480 to date.
Of course I could find other stories that profess a downturn in enrolment to match the economy, but is that what you want to hear? I believe that if you have an organized system to market and enrol your current and new students, and you have a sound educational program with caring staff, you will thrive. But your school needs to know what the issues are that your school is facing and a proactive plan to overcome it, firing on all your cylinders as a team. If this is something that interests you, please read on.
To your success,
Doug Halladay
President & Founder Halladay Education Group F: 1.866.472.8737 I P: 604.868.0002 I Email: info@halladayeducationgroup.com
STRATEGIC PLANNING IS ONE OF THE MOST POWERFUL TOOLS YOU CAN USE TO LEAD YOUR SCHOOL THROUGH OUR CHALLENGING TIMES
Your strategic plan is critical to the future success of your school --be it new or established. As the world’s economy shifts, powerful forces are impacting your school, your students, and staff. Now more than ever, your board needs a proactive plan to maximize your strengths, foresee your threats, reduce your weaknesses, and take advantage of future opportunities for your school. As others retrench or react to the ripples of current events, proactive schools should be putting a plan together that will build a foundation to make you even stronger.
Your plan should steer you through these turbulent times. Our proven planning process results in the development of a practical tool that your community will buy into and can be implemented right away to support your school over the next five years. I have taken the liberty of including a recent testimonial letter from a private school like yours reflecting on the positive impact our planning process had on their school. Click here to access the letter.
The unique process we utilize to develop your plan typically encompasses three site visits over a four to six month period to determine where you are now, where you want to be, how to get there, and how you know you have gotten there, providing:
Six onsite focus group sessions with parents, students, staff, faculty, board members, alumni, and/or former members of your community;
Five separate statistically-driven online surveys with your staff/faculty, board, parents, and/or alumni;
Re/defining your core values, mandates, mission and vision statements, and educational philosophy;
4). Identifying impeding critical issues and developing solution-based goals, rationale, and objectives;
5). And most importantly, developing detailed action plans to actualize your goals into operational tasks to make your vision a reality.
My experienced approach results in the compass and the roadmap to guide your staff and board with a measurable plan that will coordinate the priorities of your efforts to maximize performance.
If this is something your school could benefit from and you would like to find out more about our planning process, you will want review the attached Overview Document that outlines our planning approach. Click here to access the letter
As a past Head of School, I recognize how invaluable a plan is to the long-term success of your school. At the time of this mailing there is still time to develop a strategic plan before the end of your school year.
I am just back from working on a strategic plan with an Adventist PrivateBoarding School near Nashville, Tennessee. My three days working with their strategic planning committee was hard work but extremely productive and rewarding. I think that we had a number of those moments of clarity where great ideas and strategies for their future emerged.
I told them that their developing their plan during these challenging times was a blessing. When other schools are retrenching, they are making plans to take advantage of opportunities that are emerging and to maximize their strengths.
Are you?
Today I am going to share with you WHY your school needs a strategic plan more than it ever has.
Strategic Planning Is One Of The Most Powerful Tools You Have To Lead Your School Through Today’s Challenging Times
Your school’s strategic plan is critical to your current and future success. As the world’s economy shifts, powerful forces are impacting your school, your students, and your staff. Now more than ever, your board needs a comprehensive plan to maximize your school’s strengths, foresee your threats, reduce your weaknesses, and take advantage of future opportunities. As others begin to retrench or react to the ripples of current events, proactive schools like yours should be putting a plan together that will build a foundation to make your school even stronger.
Your plan should guide you through these turbulent times. Our proven planning process results in the development of a practical tool that your community will buy into and can be implemented at once with strategies to support your school over the next five years. I’ve taken the liberty of including a recent testimonial letter from a private school like yours reflecting on the positive impact our planning process had on their school.
Click here on or cut-and-past the following link into your Internet web browser to access the letter
The process that we utilize to develop your plan typically encompasses three site visits over four to six months utilizing to determine where you are now, where you want to be, and how to get there, and how you know you’ve gotten there, including:
separate onsite focus group sessions with parents, students, staff, faculty, board members, alumni, and former members of your community;
Five separate statistically-driven online surveys with staff/faculty, board, parents, and alumni;
Re/defining your core values, mandates, mission and vision statements, and educational philosophy;
Indentifying your critical issues and developing solution-based goals, rationale, and objectives;
And most importantly, a detailed action plan for each goal to actualize your goals into operational tasks to make your vision a reality.
My experienced approach results in both the “compass” and the “roadmap” to guide your staff and board with a measurable plan that will coordinate the priorities for your school’s efforts in maximizing your performance.
If this seems like something your school could benefit from and you would like to find out more about my firm’s planning process, then you will want review the “Overview Document” I included that outlines our planning approach.
Click on or cut-and-past the following link into your Internet web browser to access the letter
As a past Head of School, I recognize how invaluable a plan is to the long-term success of your. At the time of this mailing, there is still time available to develop a strategic plan before the end of your school year.
If you would like to touch base about our planning services, you can contact Doug Halladay by email info@HalladayEducationGroup.com.
For you Canadians out there, I hope you had a wonderful weekend celebrating Thanksgiving with your family. Yes, I know Canada has a different date for Thanksgiving than the US, and I have no explanation why, but it is what it is. Here in Vancouver we celebrated our Thanksgiving dinner with a West Coast twist – we had a salmon BBQ at our cabin (rather than turkey). To add a bit more of Canadiana to the mix, I had to do some last minute garden work in our back yard. You see our back yard borders on to a slough that feeds into the Fraser River. I realized to my shock that a beaver had decided that he (or she?) was going to chew through our majestic willow tree. To put an end to this nuisance I wrapped chicken wire around the tree. After 2 days there has been no sign of any more late night tree chewing, but I will keep you posted.
As you know, my firm specializes in helping non-profits and investment groups start K-12 private schools and post secondary career colleges in North America and Internationally. Today I am sharing with you a new search posting that my firm is handling for the position of President and Chief Education Officer (CEO) at our newest college, Pacific Institute of Trades and Technology (PITT) in Surrey, British Columbia.
I am listing below an overview of the position. I would appreciate that you forward the information to any potential candidates that might be interested in the position.
They can of course contact me if you have any questions about the position.
If you would like more information on our senior executive and faculty searches, please email HEG at info@halladayeducationgroup.com to set up a time to chat or click on the following link:
President & Founder Halladay Education Group F: 1.866.472.8737 I P: 604.868.0002 I Email: info@halladayeducationgroup.com
www.HalladayEducationGroup.com
**************************************************************************************** THE PACIFIC INSTITUTE OF TRADES AND TECHNOLOGY
Seeks the Founding President and Chief Education Officer
PITT represents a highly unique opportunity for an inspirational Founding CEO who will oversee the start-up and operation of the new institute. This position demands a committed and visionary individual to lead PITT forward into excellence. You have a chance to put an indelible imprint on the future development of PITT as you build the brand and make the school one of the top technical institutes in Western Canada. As the founding CEO working closely with the Board of Directors, you will develop the initial programs and enrolment, and inspire the vision of the school.
PITT is a new private post secondary vocational institution based in Surrey, BC, that will be accredited by PCTIA and ITA and offer industry direct, in-demand training for pre-apprentice and apprentice programs in the construction industry. PITT offers career training that prepares graduates directly for the workplace. Our programs offer the very best in trades’ education and training, modern facilities, an employer-driven curriculum, top-notch instructors, and job placement assistance.
Our client wishes to attract a visionary leader with at least 10 years of post secondary career experience, with 3-5 of those being at the senior management level. Reporting to the Board of Directors, this is a permanent full-time position that will play a pivotal role in the development, implementation, and administration of the new school. This is an extraordinary opportunity for an experienced senior educator to apply their experience with establishing a mission-driven organization.
The search committee will begin reviewing applicants in October 2008 and the position will take effect in mid-November 2008.
For full details and information on how to apply, please visit the following link and reply in confidence:
www.HalladayEducationGroup.com/PITT
We thank all applicants. Only those applicants selected for interviews will be contacted
Halladay Education Group Inc. Douglas Halladay, President F: 1.866.472.8737 I P: 604.868.0002 I Email: info@halladayeducationgroup.com www.HalladayEducationGroup.com
I would like to thank all of you for your kind regards on my 50th birthday yesterday. I am not big on these types of milestones, but I had a great family dinner and celebratory birthday cake, along with some very rude birthday cards from my friends and relatives. You can see a photo of me with my birthday cake on my blog.
I must apologize for the length of time between eNewsletters. My firm has been swamped with new school formation projects and school management services around the globe, and I have not put enough time into staying connected with my Inner Circle Members. I must reprimand myself since I am always the one to push staying connected with your client base to build trust and resulting enrolment. However, I am here now reconnecting with you and sharing what is happening in my life and providing some insightful tips to help you start and manage the performance of your private school more effectively.
Some of you have been kind enough to inquire into where and what HEG is working on. Here is snapshot of what we are focusing our services on:
1). Feasibility study to start a Private Gr. 7-12 Christian-EnvironmentallySustainableAcademy in Maui
2). Business plan to start a private multi-sports boarding academy in Canada
4). Formation contract to start a “Red Seal” trade and technology institute in Vancouver, BC
5). Develop a strategic plan for a private Adventist boarding school in Tennessee
6). Business plan to develop a for-profit private PreK-12 American school in Singapore
7). Retainer to guide the formation of a PreK-12 Private Adventist school in San Antonio
8). Develop a business plan for a K-12 British Columbia certified offshore school in Abu Dhabi
9). Feasibility study to transition a Chinese school in Beijing into a K-12 British Columbia certified offshore school
10). Selection to develop a feasibility study to develop the private K-12 school system for the world’s first carbon free city, Masdar, just outside of Abu Dhabi
11). Develop a strategic plan for a private International Baccalaureate day school in Vancouver
12). Selection to support the formation of 15 mega Technology in Education Learning Centers or secondary schools in Africa
13). Selection to assist a Dubai-based investment group to partner with a US-based school
There are even more projects coming up in Dubai and the Middle East that I will mention in the next eNewsletter. Suffice to say, HEG has become the go-to firm for founders, investors, and land developers looking for an experienced international firm who can support the comprehensive development of K-12 and post secondary institutions, from concept to turn-key.
4. Products To Invest In To Start And Lead Your School
==================================
1. In The News
==================================
Local Private Schools Expanding Charlottesville Daily Progress - Charlottesville, VA, USA
By Sharon C. Fitzgerald Daily Progress correspondent Several private schools in Albemarle County and Charlottesville are growing to accommodate current and ...
Private Schools Unhurt By Economy Durham Herald Sun - Durham, NC, USA Several private schools in the area have seen an increase in enrollment from last school year. Kathleen Davidson, admissions coordinator for Carolina ...
UK's Biggest School Scraps Homework Times Online - UK Geoff Lucas, general secretary of the Headmasters’ and Headmistresses’ Conference of independent schools, warned that, if widely adopted, the policy would ...
Parents push for private high school Downtown Downtown Express - USA Two women with children attending Village private schools came up with the idea for GVHS independently of each other two years ago. ...
================================== 2. Services Your School Needs ==================================
Starting a school can be challenging and you never have a 2nd chance to make a first impression. This is why you need a firm that has experience starting schools in USA and Canada. Our services include: 1. One-Day Comprehensive Overview Session
2. Formal Feasibility Study 3. Detailed Business Plan 4. Turn-Key School Formation Services 6. Ongoing Consulting Retainer 7. Ongoing Management and Operations Services
If you would like more information about our services related to starting your school, please call us at 1-604-868-0002, email at info@halladayeducationgroup.com, or click here to download our brochure outlining services.
We can develop a comprehensive Strategic Plan that will build consensus, motivate donors, and define critical priorities for your Board and Administration to improve your school.
Click here to download our brochure on our Strategic Planning process, or call us at 1-604-868-0002, or email at info@halladayeducationgroup.com
Do you want your school to have better leadership? Our full-day governance workshop and interactive online survey will fine-tune your board’s performance and refocus their mandate. Please email us at info@halladayeducationgroup.com , call us at 604-868-0002 to find out more about how we can help you, or click here to download our brochure.
=========================================
3. Staying Connected With Your Community
=========================================
What better theme to discuss today than my own slacking off of communicating with my own community, you, members of HEG’s Inner Circle. I can come up with a bunch of excuses of why I have not sent out an eNewsletter (hey it is my birthday after all!! and my firm’s been swamped by clients wanting to start schools around the globe), but there is no excuse. Research indicates that for people to know, like, and trust you, they must be in contact with you at least 5 to 7 times. This means that if you want parents to enroll their son or daughter at your school, you must reach out to them more than a half a dozen times.
How can you do this? Here are a few quick suggestions:
1). Set up an opt-in box on your web site to encourage parents to give you their name and email address. Once you have this, you then start to send out a weekly eNewsletter sharing with them what wonderful things you are doing at your school. Remember, once you set this up, sending emails is almost free. Furthermore, parents will forward this email to other parents (which is free and great). This is almost like word-of-mouth marketing, which is the most powerful marketing you can have – testimonials.
2). Set up an RSS feed on your web site so that every time you update it, your clients will know this too.
3). Set up a multi-step email system on your web site for parents who opt-in (have a free downloadable report that can go out in a 7 step process). This allows you to build up the relationship over time.
4). After parents visit your school or make an inquiry, set up a multi-step post card mail-out system with a third party vendor that will go out automatically in a 3-5 part mailing.
What ever you do, make sure it is systemized so that you are using your time wisely and you are reaching out to as many prospective parents and students as possible, building up that relationship of trust.
If you would like more information on to improve your school’s marketing and admissions strategies, please email HEG at info@halladayeducationgroup.com to set up a time to chat about your needs.
============================================
4. Products To Invest In To Start And Lead Your School
============================================
Here are a set of popular Tool Kits to help you start and/or lead your school more effectively.
P.S. Do not forget to check out our secure Online Store for ways to invest in improving or starting your own school or non-profit. Click here for the link.
