Aligning_Mission_and_Finances - Academy for International School Heads

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Aligning Your Mission and Finances

The course will run for one month with participants expected to complete four modules during the month-long course. Each module should take about 4 hours per week.

The course tasks will be differentiated based on the experience of the participants. Each module will be rated principal level, new director, or experienced director. Participants can select the four modules that suit them the best.

The course will include asynchronous learning opportunities including video lessons, readings, and reflections and three synchronous meetings. As a participant, you will have the opportunity to compare your school’s practice with each financial principle so that you can set action steps for strategically aligning fiscal resources to achieve the mission and vision of your school.

Past participants have found it valuable for members of the school's leadership team to take the course together including principals, finance staff members, and assistant directors. The course is also helpful for Finance directors new to the business of education.

Leadership teams may also take the courses together at a discounted group rate. Please contact office@academyish.org for more information.

MEET YOUR INSTRUCTOR:

DR. ALAN KNOBLOCH

A former supervisor commended Alan for being someone who can translate school finance to the educators and the business of education to Board members. Alan has over 20 years experience as a school administrator working in the Middle East, Asia, and Africa.

He has worked with Board Finance Committees at three different schools and, as a Deputy Superintendent at the Shanghai American School, he was named Chief Budget Officer in charge of an annual budget in excess of $100 million. Dr. Knobloch is the current Head of School of the International School of Hamburg in Germany.

During his tenure as Director of the International School of Dakar, ISD significantly improved staff compensation, completed a $7.5 million construction project, while increasing the school’s financial reserves due to effective long-range financial planning and strong internal controls. Contact Alan at aknobloch@ishamburg.org.

Aligning Mission and Finances: Creating Opportunities for Students through Effective Finance and Budgeting

In the face of a falling budget, how does a school maintain a balanced budget while reducing expenses?

AISH’s Leadership Impact courses are for four weeks, approximately 3-5 hours per week. Based on the same topic as the Skills course, the framework reflects what we know about great learning. Goals and activities are customized around your interests and needs. Alan Knobloch will engage you and a cohort group in practical, job-embedded discussions and activities designed for immediate application and impact. Resources are curated and relevant and you’ll have the opportunity to reflect on your experience in a forum of colleagues.

Course Outcomes

Utilize fiscal resource allocation principles and determine how effectively your school’s fiscal resources deliver on the mission.
Draft an action plan with related steps for strategically aligning fiscal resources, including communication and collaboration components.
Begin several steps of your plan to accomplish your objectives.
Reflect upon the learning, utilizing the collective expertise and experience of the group, to promote leadership growth within ourselves and others.

NEXT COURSE: March 3 - May 2, 2025

COST: $375 (AISH Members); $575 (Non-Members)

HERE'S WHAT ALAN'S STUDENTS HAVE TO SAY:

"Thanks for your effort and time on this course. It was well worth my time and I learned a great deal from you. My suggestion would be that this course is 'required for any new HoS.'"

Garth Wyncoll

Head of School, Bali Island School

"Just a quick note from me! I really enjoyed and benefited hugely from this course. It came along at the most perfect time for me and I have now taken the liberty of downloading all of your slides, etc., so that I can constantly refer back to them. Thank you so much for this! One of the best examples of PD that I have done in a long time."

Lesley Tait, Head of School

Lincoln Community School

Upon completion of each Impact course, you will receive an electronic badge for display on your resume and for AISH members, on your website Profile.

Upon successful completion of six AISH Impact courses (one in each Standards area) and review of work by AISH panel, you will receive an AISH Leadership Certificate.