Hi: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).
Click here to get my Halloween greeting card.
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
www.HalladayEducationGroup.com
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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.
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.
If you would like to touch base with me about our strategic planning consulting services, you can contact me by:
- phone (604-868-0002) or
- email (info@HalladayEducationGroup.com).
