Strategic Financial Goal Setting for Independent School Leaders

Strategic Financial Goal Setting for Independent School Leaders

This shorter (two-hour) interactive workshop is designed  for senior administrators seeking to strengthen their independent school’s financial future. Participants will explore the vital role that well-crafted financial goals play in supporting and advancing their school’s long-term sustainability. For schools with a strategic plan, this is an opportunity to develop related financial goals. For schools without one, this is an opportunity to proactively develop financial goals related to a future strategic plan. Through guided discussions and hands-on exercises, attendees will learn how to develop SMART (specific, measurable, achievable, relevant and timebound)  financial goals tailored to their school’s unique context.

This workshop will also introduce participants to a suite of NBOA tools available to members, which streamline the processes of goal setting and progress tracking. This session will deliver practical insights, peer collaboration and resources to empower your school’s financial planning.

Learning Objective(s): Participants will learn the concept of SMART goals and learn how to translate their strategic plan goals into the SMART format or refine goals that are already in the SMART format.

Instructors

Elizabeth Dabney

Senior Director, Research and Data Analysis

NBOA

Seattle, WA

As NBOA’s director, research and data analysis, Elizabeth Dabney leads the development, planning and management of industry research using data from the association’s Business Intelligence for Independent Schools (BIIS, pronounced “biz”) platform, in addition to other research activities as identified by the association’s strategic plan. Dabney’s research and analysis supports NBOA’s mission to inform NBOA members and other external stakeholders and encourage data-driven decision making throughout the independent school community. Dabney brings to NBOA more than 20 years of research experience. Previously, she was the director, research and policy analysis at the Data Quality Campaign, a nonprofit education policy and advocacy organization, and the nation’s leading voice on education data policy and use.

Full Bio »
Mary Kay Markunas

Mary Kay Markunas

Senior Director, Member Resources and Programs

NBOA

Glen Ellyn, IL

Mary Kay Markunas supports NBOA's full line of professional development offerings including the NBOA Annual Meeting, Business Officer Institute, webinars and online courses, and also provides resources and support to members. A former independent school business officer, she develops and delivers programs and content related to independent school business operations, leadership and governance, and nonprofit accounting practices. Markunas joined NBOA in early 2015 after serving as the director of finance and operations at The Avery Coonley School for 12 years. While a business officer, she served on the NBOA board of directors for five years (2010-2015). Before joining the independent school community, she worked in corporate finance at a global corporation and in engineering consulting.

Full Bio »

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CPE Information

Recommended CPE Credits: 2.4
Delivery Method: Group Live Based
Program Level Basic
Field of Study: Business Management and Organization
Prerequisites: None
Preparation: None

NBOA is registered with the National Association of State Boards of Accountancy (NASBA) as a sponsor of continuing professional education on the National Registry of CPE Sponsors. State boards of accountancy have final authority on the acceptance of individual courses for CPE credit. Complaints regarding registered sponsors may be submitted to the National Registry of CPE Sponsors through its website: www.nasbaregistry.org.

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SHRM Information

SHRM PDC Credit: 2.0
SHRM BoCK: Business Acumen

NBOA is recognized by SHRM to offer SHRM-CP or SHRM-SCP professional development credits (PDCs). For more information about certification or recertification, please visit www.shrmcertification.org.

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HRCI Information

Recommended HRCI Credits: 2.0
Category: HR (Business)

NBOA is a recognized provider of recertification credits. HR Certification Institute® pre-approved this program for credits towards aPHR™, PHR®, PHRca®, SPHR®, GPHR®, PHRi™ and SPHRi™ recertification.

workshops

Questions?

Email programs@nboa.org or call 202-407-7140


Dates

February 17, 2026

Register

May 12, 2026

Register

Pricing

Members:
$250

Nonmembers:
$350

Group discount available


Recommended Audience

  • Business Officers
  • Heads of School
  • Admissions/Enrollment Directors
  • Advancement/Development Directors
  • Human Resource Directors
  • Facilities Directors
  • Trustees