As school leaders, we are facing an unprecedented time of financial pressure, shifting enrollment patterns, and changing expectations from our communities. These challenges are not new, but they have intensified in the aftermath of the pandemic, forcing us to rethink how we lead, manage, and sustain our schools. Here’s my advice about how we can begin addressing some of these pressing issues.
1. Run Your School Like a Business—Without Losing Heart
Education is—and always will be—about what’s best for kids. However, today’s school leaders need to think like CEOs, too. If we want to ensure our schools remain sustainable, we must take a business-minded approach to operations—budgeting, marketing, and planning—while keeping students and teachers at the heart of what we do.
A solid financial foundation is key. Without it, we can’t provide the programs, resources, or even the basic materials our students need to succeed. That means school leaders must be comfortable wearing many hats, from principal to operations manager, overseeing not only academics but also the business side of running a school.
But the solution isn’t knowing everything yourself. It’s about building a strong team around you—whether in finance, marketing, or HR—so you can focus on what you do best: leading the academic and cultural vision of your school. Partnering with experts in these areas will allow your school to function like a well-oiled machine, keeping your finances in check while ensuring that your students and teachers are thriving.
2. Create a Unique School Brand and Enrollment Strategy
In today’s landscape, branding and enrollment are more critical than ever. We’ve seen families become more aware of their educational options, especially with the rise of charter schools, homeschooling, and virtual programs. For many families, school choice is no longer just about proximity but about value—what unique programming or opportunities does your school offer?
To stand out, you must first understand what your community needs. Is there a high demand for STEM education, career and technical programs, or advanced arts initiatives? Once you’ve identified your niche, build your brand around it. Make your school the best option by offering innovative programs and fostering a culture that’s attractive to both students and parents.
Enrollment doesn’t stop at attracting students—it’s about retaining them. Are your students happy? Are your teachers supported? Parents are quick to switch schools if their children aren’t getting the education they need or if teachers are overwhelmed. That’s why your culture, the backbone of your school, plays such a pivotal role in student retention.
3. Build a Culture of Collective Leadership
Culture is not something you can fake or force—it’s something that is cultivated over time. In a school setting, culture starts with leadership, but it is lived by everyone. I believe that collective leadership, where teachers, staff, and students are active participants in shaping the culture, is the key to success. When people feel included in the process, they are more likely to buy in and contribute positively.
One of the most significant gaps we’re facing today is the teacher shortage. Teachers are burned out, underpaid, and undervalued. If we want to change that, we need to prioritize the well-being of our educators. Transparency in decision-making—especially around budgets and resource allocation—is essential. When teachers feel that they have a say in the direction of the school, and when they see their needs being met, they are more likely to stay and contribute to a positive learning environment.
4. Financial Realities: How Do We Make It Work?
The financial situation for schools, particularly charter schools, is challenging. In many states, charter schools receive less funding than traditional public schools. In New York, for instance, charter schools often receive only a fraction of the per-pupil funding that traditional schools get. How can we expect to deliver quality education when we’re working with limited resources?
The key is to be resourceful and strategic with the funds we have.
One option is to explore facility ownership rather than leasing. By owning your school building, you’re not only cutting costs in the long term, but you’re also investing in your school’s future. For example, we found a way to transition from leasing an expensive building to owning a larger, more affordable facility, which allowed us to reinvest in student programming—things like a music production studio, tech labs, and even a barbershop, which made our school more attractive to families.
5. Advocate and Mobilize for Fair Funding
At the heart of many of our financial challenges is the issue of fair funding. Charter schools nationwide are often underfunded, receiving only a portion of what traditional public schools receive, despite serving the same students. It’s critical that we, as school leaders, begin advocating for ourselves and our students. We need to engage parents, communities, and policymakers in understanding why equitable funding is necessary for all schools, regardless of their status.
We must unite, mobilize our communities, and push for change. Every child deserves access to quality education, and funding should follow the student, not the institution.
The Road Ahead
Leading a school today is no easy task. We are being asked to juggle financial responsibilities, manage a diverse range of expectations, and create a positive, results-driven school culture. The path forward is challenging, but with a strategic approach—rooted in business acumen, a strong school brand, and collective leadership—we can overcome these obstacles.
It’s time for school leaders to embrace their role as educational CEOs, ensuring that our schools are both financially sustainable and academically excellent.
About the Author
Currently, Dr. Miller is doing whatever it takes to help support charter schools achieve results as CEO of Charter Champions. Additionally, he is an Author, Educational Consultant, and Motivational Speaker. As the former CEO and Principal for Green Tech Charter Schools (GTH) he designs systems that work for Black and Brown youth, averaging graduation rates hovering at 95%, yearly. Dr. Miller holds an Ed.D in Executive Leadership and a Master’s of Education Administration, both from St. John Fisher College. He also has a Bachelor’s of Science in Physical Education and a Teacher Certificate from SUNY Brockport. Dr. Miller has 25+ years in the urban public education system, specializing in school redesign and reform, creating effective change for schools through collaborative missions, visions, and teamwork.
For inquiries, contact Dr. Miller at pmiller@Charterchampions.org
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