As independent schools across the country welcome students back - some already in full swing, others preparing for opening day - the business office plays a critical role in ensuring a smooth and successful start to the academic year. From financial planning to compliance, staffing and strategic operations, readiness is more than a checklist - it's a mindset. 

Whether your school year has just begun or is about to, here are five key priorities to consider - and the NBOA resources that can help you achieve them.

1. Operational Readiness: Start Strong

The beginning of the school year is the ideal time to confirm that your business office operations are aligned with strategic goals. This includes:

• Reviewing budget allocations and ensuring they reflect current priorities.
• Confirming that payroll systems and staffing data are accurate and up to date.
• Ensuring vendor contracts, facilities and technology systems are ready to support daily operations.

Explore NBOA’s Resource Library for toolkits, sample policies and planning guides tailored to independent schools.

2. Compliance and Risk Management

Compliance is not just about checking boxes - it’s about protecting your school and its people. Key areas to revisit include:

• Financial controls and cybersecurity protocols.
• Insurance coverage and risk mitigation strategies.
• Human resources policies and documentation.

NBOA’s self-assessment tool, Practical Guidance for Independent School Business Operations, provides 60 guidelines covering four key areas: governance, finance, facilities and operations, and human resources. Each guideline includes a range of evidence of achievement, divided into three categories: baseline practices, exemplary practices and red flags, which should help schools identify areas of concern.

NBOA’s Culture Meets Compliance guide offers a hands-on approach to assessing HR practices and aligning them with federal requirements.

Guidance on Cyber Insurance for Independent Schools, produced by ATLIS and NBOA, provides independent school business leaders need-to-know information on market trends in cyber insurance, security requirements for obtaining insurance, and more.

3. Strategic Financial Planning

With enrollment trends and economic conditions shifting, strategic financial planning is more important than ever. Consider:

• Reassessing tuition models and financial aid strategies.
• Reviewing capital planning and long-term sustainability metrics.
• Benchmarking your school’s financial health against peers.

NBOA’s Business Intelligence for Independent Schools (BIIS) platform provides dashboards, heat maps, and benchmarking tools to support data-driven decisions.

NBOA’s Long-Range Financial Model for Independent Schools is a robust, ten-year financial forecasting tool that helps members to develop, analyze, impact and communicate about their school’s future financial position. In 2025, NBOA reimagined and rebuilt the LRFM to enhance features and functionality and take advantage of the modernized and powerful versions of Microsoft Excel developed since the model’s inception.

4. Talent and Compensation Strategy

Compensation remains the largest expense for most independent schools - and one of the most strategic. This year, consider:

• Evaluating your compensation structures for equity and competitiveness.
• Aligning pay practices with mission and performance goals.
• Engaging stakeholders in transparent conversations about compensation.

NBOA’s Human Resources Dashboard is a powerful tool to help you tell your school's human resources story in a dynamic, yet concise graphical dashboard, especially given that salary and benefits account for up to 80% of a school's operating budget.
NBOA’s Mission-Anchored Compensation Strategies offer research-based tools, case studies, and implementation guides.

5. Professional Development and Community Engagement

A well-prepared business office is one that continues to learn and grow. Encourage your team to:

• Participate in NBOA’s webinars, online courses, and workshops.
• Connect with peers through NBOA’s online communities.
• Stay current with trends and best practices in school finance and operations.

Browse the full calendar of NBOA Programs to find opportunities that fit your team’s needs, including online courses, webinars, workshops and live programs, including the 2026 NBOA Annual Meeting in Orlando, FL.

Final Thoughts

Back-to-school readiness is not a one-time event - it’s an ongoing commitment to excellence, collaboration and strategic leadership.

As you navigate the start of the school year, know that NBOA is here to support you with expert guidance and practical tools. And, NBOA Advisory Services goes beyond guidance by providing expert, hands-on consulting tailored to your school’s unique needs. Whether you're looking for a thought partner to coach your CFO, need support completing a specific project, or want to strengthen your strategic financial planning, our team is here to help.

We are built to meet you where you are and help you move forward with clarity and confidence. Let’s make this year a strong one - together.