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Engaging elected officials can be a powerful way for charter schools to raise awareness, gain support, and build lasting partnerships. While a robust VIP program is an essential component, strategic engagement extends beyond that. Here’s how school leaders can maximize these relationships:

1. Collaborate with State Charter School Association Leaders

Get to know the priorities of your state charter school association leaders. These leaders often advocate for policies that directly impact your school’s operations. By aligning your efforts with their agendas, you can contribute to broader policy initiatives while advancing your school’s goals.

Ask yourself: How can my school support and inform these efforts? Share ideas, provide data, or participate in advocacy events. Schools that actively engage with associations by offering support—whether through committee involvement or hosting events—build stronger, mutually beneficial relationships with these leaders.

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2. Engage Proactively with Elected Officials

Charter laws are crafted at the state level but implemented locally. Understanding the needs and priorities of state and local officials allows you to strengthen relationships and elevate your school’s profile.

Leverage your expertise in areas such as charter operations or education policy to engage thoughtfully with these officials. Your school’s VIP programs—designed to connect parents and community members with your mission—can also be repurposed to introduce elected officials to your school. Give them a close-up view of your operations, innovative practices, and student success stories to foster deeper understanding and advocacy.

3. Capitalize on National Charter Schools Week and Other Events

Events provide excellent opportunities to showcase your school’s impact and educate lawmakers. During National Charter Schools Week, for instance, invite all elected officials representing your school, from mayors and city council members to state and federal legislators.

Many officials actively seek ways to connect with their constituents, making these visits mutually beneficial. These invitations should be a key part of your school’s outreach strategy, helping officials engage with students, families, and the larger school community.

How To Engage Elected Officials 5 Strategies From Nina Rees
4. Highlight Student Achievements to Leave a Lasting Impression

When hosting elected officials, focus on your students’ accomplishments, innovative programs, and the broader impact of your school. Use tools like school tours, presentations, and data-driven stories to demonstrate success.

Before the visit, coordinate with your state association to determine what materials or requests to leave with the official. Whether it’s advocating for a policy change, addressing a local ordinance, or proposing an amendment, ensure the lawmaker departs with a clear understanding of your needs. Add them to your mailing list to maintain the connection.

5. Foster Relationships with Federal Representatives

Building strong ties with federal representatives can amplify your advocacy efforts. Senators and members of Congress are eager to learn about high-performing schools in their districts. They can also play a critical role in federal legislation affecting charter schools and influence grants that can reach your schools.

Collaborate with organizations like the National Alliance for Public Charter Schools to access tools and resources for federal advocacy. These might include guidance on grant applications, insights into funding opportunities, and support for advancing specific policy goals.

Engaging with elected officials is about more than raising awareness—it’s about building partnerships that support your school’s mission while advancing the charter sector as a whole. With a strategic approach, school leaders can drive meaningful change for their communities while helping boost the charter school brand!

About the Author
How To Engage Elected Officials 5 Strategies From Nina Rees

Nina Rees is the former President and CEO of the National Alliance for Public Charter Schools. With over 20 years of experience in education policy, she has been a leading advocate for expanding high-quality charter schools across the country. Previously, Nina served in senior roles at the U.S. Department of Education and in the White House, where she helped shape national education initiatives. She is a recognized thought leader dedicated to increasing educational opportunities for all students.

Your digital presence is crucial when it comes to school enrollment, but there’s no replacement for face-to-face connections. Inviting families to visit your school or join virtual open houses helps bring them into your community, yet showing up in the places they already are is just as powerful.

Here are some strategic, actionable ideas for how your school can meet families where they are and make a lasting impression:

1. Go Where Families Gather

Identify local events where your target families spend their weekends or afternoons. From farmer’s markets to zoo days, cultural parades, and more, think about where your current families might be and how you can set up a presence there. Weekly tables or booths at high-traffic locations give you consistent visibility. Invest in a branded tablecloth, tents, and attire for your ambassadors to create a memorable, professional setup.

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2. Equip Your Team with Branded Materials

Consistent branding is essential to make sure people remember your school. Equip your team with branded t-shirts and swag like magnets, coloring pages, or fun giveaways that align with your school’s mission. This way, you’re not only connecting in person but also giving families something to take home.

One effective tip I’ve seen in action is using branded magnets as a giveaway. Hand out a flyer about an upcoming open house along with a magnet and encourage parents to put it on their fridge. It’s an easy way for them to remember your school and revisit enrollment opportunities.

3. Use Yard Signs and Community Visibility

Sometimes, your best advocates are your current families! Ask if they’d be willing to place a yard sign advertising your school in front of their homes. You’d be surprised how often people say yes. Make sure the signage reflects your branding and is in multiple languages if needed to reach different communities.

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4. Partner with Local Organizations

Identify organizations that align with your mission. Community hubs like the YMCA, local churches, after-school programs, and the Chamber of Commerce are ideal partners. One example that stood out was a school that connected with their local Chamber of Commerce, learning that the Chamber provided welcome baskets to new families moving into town. By adding branded coloring books and school information to these baskets, the school could reach new families as soon as they arrived.

5. Connect with Local Media Outlets

Local media can be one of your most powerful allies in spreading the word about your school. Develop relationships with local journalists, editors, and producers who cover education. Build these relationships over time, sharing positive stories, achievements, and exciting events at your school.

6. Adapt to Your Community’s Needs

Knowing and meeting your community’s specific needs can be a meaningful way to connect. For example, Buckeye Charter School partners with a local nonprofit to provide fresh produce through a weekly market. By participating in community initiatives like these, your school can build trust and visibility while helping to meet local needs.

Strategic In Person Outreach Boost Enrollment & Build Community
7. Tailor Your Materials for Diverse Audiences

To make sure all families feel welcomed, create marketing materials in the languages spoken by your school community. From bilingual banners to door hangers, having these resources shows your commitment to inclusivity.

These are just a few ways to make your enrollment efforts resonate with families on a personal level. When you show up authentically in community spaces, engage thoughtfully, and meet families’ needs, they’ll remember your school long after the event ends. So, think beyond your enrollment page—make connections that turn into lasting relationships.

Happy outreach, and here’s to growing your school community!

About the Author

As a Project Manager on the Enrollment Marketing team, Betsy Roberts works closely with school leaders to develop and implement marketing campaigns that increase enrollment. With a degree in Journalism and Public Relations from University of Oregon, Betsy has a robust background in building brand awareness—she has worked alongside dozens of companies over the course of her twenty-year marketing and PR career. Betsy loves helping charter schools thrive and collaborating with the dynamic team at Grow Schools.

Language and Literacy Academy for Learning (LLAL) is turning its vision of “abilities above limitations” into a reality with its new facility in Winter Haven, Florida. Designed to support over 300 PreK–12 students with Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) and Individualized Family Service Plans (IFSPs), this project represents a significant step forward for LLAL as it empowers students with special needs. Our team is proud to support LLAL in bringing this ambitious project to life by securing funding and resources for the acquisition and construction. Building Hope, a nonprofit organization focused on creating educational spaces for K–12 students, provided the financing to ensure the school’s mission could move forward.

Language And Literacy Academy For Learning Expands With A New Facility In Winter Haven Florida

The new facility will provide an environment specifically designed to foster academic growth, social development, and emotional well-being.

Key upgrades include:

  1. 15 Classrooms to accommodate growing enrollment.
  2. A Sensory Room for students requiring sensory integration support.
  3. A Therapy Clinic to provide on-site services tailored to students’ individual needs.
  4. A Mixed-Use Cafeteria and Multipurpose Room for dining and school-wide events.
  5. Conference Rooms and Offices for collaboration and administrative functions.
  6. ADA-Compliant Parking and an exterior staircase to ensure accessibility and safety.

These updates align with LLAL’s mission to accelerate growth in language, literacy, and social skills while engaging parents as active partners in education.

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“Funding for our facility expansion will significantly increase our capacity to serve the community, allowing us to accommodate more families and enhance service delivery,” said Dr. Tandria Callins, Founder, CEO, and Principal of LLAL. “This expansion will create jobs, strengthen community ties, and support our sustainability goals.”

“Language and Literacy Academy for Learning has been a beacon of hope for students and families in the Winter Haven community,” said Maddy Marlton, Vice President of Real Estate Acquisitions at Grow Schools. “We’re excited to help them expand their impact and continue to serve students in a space that reflects their commitment to excellence.”

The Need for Better Facilities

Adequate facilities remain one of the biggest challenges facing charter schools nationwide. We’re honored to support the financing and construction of this incredible project alongside the team at Building Hope. Many schools operate in spaces that limit their ability to grow or deliver on their mission. This project exemplifies what’s possible when schools, communities, and partners come together to create nurturing environments where every child can thrive.

When it comes to your school’s social media presence, your content isn’t just living on your official pages anymore—it’s everywhere in the digital space. Prospective families, students, and educators aren’t always seeking you out, most of the times they’re encountering your school in snippets—an Instagram Reel, a tagged post, a TikTok duet– in between their friend’s vacation photos and the latest viral videos.

Think of it this way: you’re a guest in their digital space. And like any good guest, your goal is to show up thoughtfully, creating value and fostering genuine connections.

Here are five tips to make your school’s social media content stand out:

1. Be a Good Digital Guest: It’s All About Community

Being a great digital guest starts with nurturing a sense of community. Social media isn’t just a megaphone; it’s a dialogue. And dialogues are all about creating meaningful connections with other people. 

Before you post anything, ask yourself:

  1. How are you building community?
  2. How are you nurturing that community?
  3. How are you giving that community room to grow?

People follow brands and creators they feel connected to—whether through shared values, mutual interests, or simply feeling understood. When your community sees your posts, do they feel seen and valued?

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2. Hook Their Attention and Earn Their Time

With attention spans lasting less than 8 seconds, your posts must grab attention immediately. Vibrant visuals, intriguing captions, or dynamic text overlays can make all the difference.

Understanding who’s consuming your content, and when helps you tailor your approach to fit their habits and interests.

For example, a video that opens with “Did you know we’ve doubled our STEM classes this year?” tells me a lot, even if I don’t watch the whole thing.

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3. Keep It Real: Authenticity Wins Every Time

Your school has its own unique personality—lean into it! Whether you’re a project-based learning pioneer or an arts-focused academy, your “vibe” should guide everything you share, and every conversation you join. 

For instance, a Montessori school might share intimate moments of discovery like a student planting a garden or solving a puzzle, while a STEM-focused school could highlight student robotics projects and coding breakthroughs.

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4. Connect with Cultural Moments

Authenticity also means being thoughtful about when and where you participate in conversations and sharing stories that resonate genuinely with your mission. Participating in cultural moments—like heritage months or special days relevant to your community—can help your school engage with broader conversations. Keep it genuine, inclusive and meaningful. 

For example, during Hispanic Heritage Month, a school with a diverse student body could feature students sharing their family traditions or a language class presenting cultural projects. A STEM school might skip National Donut Day—unless the physics class is calculating optimal dunk angles.

5. Always Add Value

People follow accounts that bring something to their lives—whether that’s inspiration, information, or a sense of belonging. Whether it’s a classroom activity, assembly video, or student art carousel, each post is an opportunity to connect emotionally. Instead of just promoting events, share why they matter.

For example, post a time-lapse video of students preparing for a science fair, paired with tips for families to support learning at home.

Remember, you’re not just competing with other schools in the feed – you’re up against every cat video and celebrity post out there. Make your content worth the pause.

How To Make Your School's Social Media Content Meaningful Building Connection And Community
Final Thoughts

Your goal isn’t just to get likes or views, it’s to create a genuine, lasting connection with your community. To do this, ask yourself: Is this content making people feel something? Whether it’s laughter, inspiration, or new knowledge, your content should evoke an emotional response.

The best social media presence isn’t about perfection—it’s about authentic connection. When you approach each post as an opportunity to make someone feel something real, you’re already winning.

Here are some quick ideas to spark your next post:

  1. The Photo Dump: A collection of behind-the-scenes moments from field day or spirit week, set to upbeat music
  2. The Behind The Scenes: Feature a student mural or project with a caption about its inspiration and creation process
  3. The Before & After: Showcase a classroom or campus transformation, like a new art display or science lab renovation
  4. The POV: Share an authentic perspective from a student, teacher, or parent—like “A Day in the Life of a 6th Grader”
  5. The Tutorial: Quick tips or insights, such as “3 Ways Families Can Support Homework Time”
  6. The Listicle: “5 Things You’ll Love About Our School” or “3 Reasons Our STEM Program Stands Out”
  7. The Community Spotlight: Launch a weekly “Student Spotlight” celebrating achievements while fostering school pride
  8. The Mini-Series: Break down big topics into themed segments, like “60-Second Science Lab Secrets” or “Where Are They Now?”
About the Author
Neisha Tweed Bell Headshot Nov 2023 (1)

Neisha Tweed Bell is a creative strategist and founder of Next Level Up Creative, where she empowers organizations to elevate their messaging and connect meaningfully with their audiences. With over 15 years of experience in branding, content strategy, and digital storytelling, Neisha has worked with global brands, non-profits, and educational organizations to craft campaigns that inspire action and build community.

For this episode of Tuesday Tips, Jean Shields Fleming joined us to discuss crisis communication strategies for charter schools.

Here are the conversation’s top 3 tips:

  1. Prepare in advance. Develop a crisis communication plan before a crisis hits. Identify potential crisis scenarios (e.g., academic, financial, security issues), outline key messages, choose a spokesperson, and clarify what will and won’t be shared publicly.
  2. Own the message. In the event of a crisis, be transparent and take accountability. Follow a three-part communication strategy: explain what happened, outline what is being done to address it, and provide a timeline for the next update.
  3. Monitor social media, but don’t overreact. Use social media to gauge the situation but avoid engaging in heated exchanges. Focus on direct communication channels with key stakeholders like parents and the school community.
Watch the Whole Conversation Here

The 2024 Grow Enrollment Summit, brought together charter school leaders, enrollment specialists, and education innovators to share strategies and best practices for tackling one of the biggest challenges in education today: student enrollment. Featuring a range of breakout sessions and Q&A, this summit was packed with actionable insights for school leaders eager to boost enrollment, engage communities, and elevate their schools’ brand presence. The Grow Enrollment Summit was brought to school leaders by Enrollstream, vChief, and Grow Schools. Below is a recap of each session, highlighting the key takeaways and memorable moments from our incredible speakers.

Keynote Session: Education Innovation and Parental Choice Advocacy
Headshot of Nina Rees from the Grow Enrollment Summit

Speaker: Nina Rees, Former President and CEO, NAPCS

As an advocate for education innovation and parental choice, Nina Rees opened the summit by discussing the evolving landscape of charter schools and the importance of adapting enrollment strategies to meet the needs of diverse communities. Her insights set the stage for a day focused on actionable strategies for growth and community engagement. Nina discussed how embracing innovation and fostering a strong school identity are critical for attracting families. She also shared her views on how parental choice is a driving force in enrollment, and schools need to position themselves as both high-quality and mission-aligned options in their communities.

Designing and Amplifying Your Brand
Derek Hollister EM Summit Headshot

Speaker: Derek Hollister, Founder and Principal, Boldworld

In this interactive session, Derek Hollister encouraged schools to uncover what makes their brand unique and communicate that identity effectively. Covering elements like logos, colors, taglines, and voice, Derek demonstrated how a well-defined brand can resonate with families and create a lasting impression. Schools also learned SEO tactics and email marketing strategies to maintain community engagement year-round. “A cohesive and authentic brand strengthens a school’s presence and appeal,” he says, and “consistent messaging across digital and physical platforms helps maintain engagement and visibility.”

Mastering Social Media for School Success
Neisha Tweed Bell EM Summit Headshot

Speaker: Neisha Tweed Bell, Founder, Next Level Up Creative

Neisha Tweed Bell shared her expertise on crafting social media content that connects with school communities. This session was packed with tips on choosing the right platforms, creating visually compelling content, and managing social media in a way that amplifies the school’s mission and culture. From storytelling through visuals to managing social media strategy, Neisha offered valuable techniques for building a vibrant online presence—everything from storytelling techniques to consistent, authentic social media engagement.

Your School’s Digital Front Door
Niki Blaker EM Summit Headshot

Speaker: Niki Blaker, Owner & Design Strategist, Five Sigma Studio

Niki Blaker discussed how a school’s website serves as its “digital front door” and the role it plays in making strong first impressions. This session explored best practices for website design, content, and user experience, focusing on how to create a welcoming and informative site that encourages enrollment inquiries. Niki shared how a well-designed website should communicate the school’s values and make enrollment steps clear and accessible.

Impactful In-Person Events and Community Engagement
Ashley, Betsy, Jean EM Summit Headshots

Speakers: Ashley MacQuarrie, Betsy Roberts, and Jean Shields Fleming

This session was all about creating memorable, in-person events that build excitement and foster community. Ashley, Betsy, and Jean shared strategies for using open houses, info sessions, and community events to create touchpoints that resonate with families. They also discussed how to use marketing materials and local media to amplify event impact. Listeners heard so many great tips on how engaging events give prospective families a firsthand look at the school’s culture and values.

Partnering for Enrollment
Tony, Yoni, Todd, Paul EM Summit Headshots

Speakers: Tony Solorzano of Grow Schools, Dr. Paul Miller of Charter Champions, Yoni Samuel-Siegel of Prospect Schools, and Todd Harris of Enrollstream

Tony, Dr. Miller, and Yoni led an insightful discussion on the power of partnerships in enrollment marketing and how strategic partnerships can expand a school’s resources and boost its visibility in the community, helping achieve enrollment goals. They emphasized that collaboration with organizations, local leaders, and even other schools can bring valuable resources and expertise, strengthening enrollment efforts.

Closing Session: Ask an Expert

The summit wrapped up with an interactive Q&A session, allowing attendees to ask enrollment professionals specific questions about the challenges and opportunities they face. This closing session gave participants personalized advice and reinforced the day’s insights.

Charter schools are reshaping education across the country, and new evidence suggests that increased school choice not only benefits charter students but also drives improvements in traditional district schools. A recent analysis from the Progressive Policy Institute (PPI), led by Tressa Pankovits, offers compelling evidence that cities with significant charter school enrollment improved academic outcomes for all students—including those who remain in district-run schools.

The Evidence for a Narrowing Achievement Gap

The PPI analysis examined 10 U.S. cities where at least one-third of students attend public charter or charter-like independent schools. In these cities, which have large populations of low-income students, the data reveal a significant narrowing of the achievement gap between low-income students and the statewide average. Over the past decade (2010-2011 to 2022-2023), the proficiency gap closed by 25-40%, showing that low-income urban students are catching up to their statewide peers.

New Study How Expanding School Choice Benefits All Students

In all 10 cities analyzed, the trend was consistent: where charter schools accounted for at least 33% of enrollment, academic gaps diminished. New Orleans, with its 100% charter enrollment, serves as a particularly striking example of this gap-closing effect, demonstrating that as charter school enrollment increases, the benefits for low-income students grow stronger.

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Spotlight on Camden and Indianapolis

Two cities illustrate the impact of charter school expansion particularly well:

  1. Camden, NJ: With 68% of students attending public charter schools, Camden saw a 42% reduction in the proficiency gap between low-income students and their statewide peers over the last decade. This achievement underscores the potential for charter schools to drive improvements not only for their own students but also for those in district schools.
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  1. Indianapolis, IN: In Indianapolis, where 58% of students are in charter schools, the proficiency gap for low-income students narrowed by 23%. This shows a citywide uplift in academic performance, suggesting that the benefits of charter schools extend beyond their own walls.
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A “Rising Tide” for All Students

The findings contradict the argument that charter school growth harms students in traditional district schools. Instead, the data suggest a “rising tide” effect where the introduction and expansion of charter schools generate healthy competition that leads to better educational outcomes across the entire system. As charter enrollment increases, district schools may feel motivated to adopt innovative practices, improve curriculum, and focus more intently on student achievement.

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The findings from PPI’s analysis add to the growing body of evidence that charter schools are not just an alternative education option—they are a catalyst for broader educational improvements. By expanding school choice, cities can create an environment where all students, regardless of the type of school they attend, can benefit from higher standards and innovative practices.

For more insights into the analysis and recommendations, read the full report, Searching for the Tipping Point: Scaling Up Public School Choice Spurs Citywide Gains, or contact the Progressive Policy Institute to request a printed copy.

Grow Schools Expanding School Choice Full Report

What does it mean for a school to be “future-ready”? Whether through new construction or remodeling—we can design spaces that grow and adapt over time, accommodating more students, additional programs, emerging technologies, and new instruction methods as you grow. 

That’s why, as you work with an architect, it’s important to discuss long-term plans for expansion. A well-thought-out design should make it easy to add new wings, extend existing structures, and power new equipment. If your building is not designed with future growth in mind, adding to it years later may involve more extensive renovations than you’d like. However, if your architect is aware of potential future expansions, they can plan for easy-to-remove walls, accessible electrical connectivity, and seamless additions.

Let’s explore some key considerations for creating schools that are ready for whatever the future holds.

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The Importance of Multipurpose Spaces

Multipurpose spaces are a fantastic way to maximize your school’s physical environment. However, there are important considerations to keep in mind. It’s tempting to think that every space should be designed to be flexible enough for all possible uses. However, this approach often leads to compromises, resulting in spaces that aren’t truly optimized for anyone’s use.

For example, a gymnasium requires ample clearance—about 28 feet for activities like volleyball—while a theater for music or spoken word will need specific acoustic treatments to achieve optimal sound quality. Although combining these two functions is possible, the space may not perform exceptionally well for either. The key is to strategically design spaces that share similar requirements to maximize their versatility.

Take an art and science classroom, for instance. Both spaces may need specialized plumbing and ventilation, making it easier to create a dual-purpose room without compromising on essential features. The goal is to embrace multipurpose spaces while understanding their limitations and planning accordingly.

Flexible Interiors, Furniture, and Technology 

Movable walls are a popular feature in modern school design when it comes to flexibility. The ability to transform a space by sliding walls open or closed is a compelling concept, allowing you to reconfigure classrooms as needed. However, once walls are set, they tend to stay put simply because teachers may not be equipped to leverage this flexibility effectively.

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To overcome this, it’s crucial to provide training that shows educators how to physically transform their spaces and how different configurations can enhance the learning experience. This way, teachers can approach flexible design with a clear strategy in mind, rather than figuring it out on the fly.

We recommend designing schools with principles similar to an old brick warehouse. While the building doesn’t need to look like one, incorporating high ceilings, natural daylight, and easy access to mechanical systems can make future adaptations far more manageable. This approach allows spaces to evolve over time without requiring major structural changes.

But bringing flexibility into the classroom isn’t just about walls. Flexible furniture, like desks and chairs that students can easily move and reconfigure in minimal time, offers teachers more ways to support different learning styles and group work. Movable technology—such as Smartboards or TVs on wheels—can also play a vital role in transforming learning environments. When space is reconfigurable, equipment is movable, and there is an abundance of access to electrical connections throughout the room, the classroom can keep pace with future developments and trends in technology and education. These elements allow for quick changes and adaptation, enabling you to maximize your space.

Designing to Inspire: Creating Beautiful and Healthy Spaces

A truly future-ready school doesn’t just accommodate growth, it also supports the well-being of its students. Research from institutions like Harvard shows that aspects such as air quality, lighting, acoustics, and thermal comfort significantly impact student performance and health. While these factors are critical, beauty in design should not be overlooked. Schools that incorporate natural materials, offer views of nature, and include dynamic architectural features create environments that inspire creativity and reduce stress.

Preparing For Future Ready Schools Key Considerations For Flexible And Resilient Design

Biophilic design is an architectural approach that connects building occupants with the natural environment. This can be achieved through the use of materials like wood, stone, or even living plants. Studies have shown that these natural elements can reduce stress levels, much like actual views of nature do. Designing with nature in mind not only enhances the aesthetics of a space but also positively impacts the mental well-being of its users.

Resilience and Self-Sufficiency: Schools as Community Pillars

As we prepare schools for the future, resilience becomes a central theme. Whether it’s natural disasters, adverse weather, or even shifting political landscapes, schools must be able to adapt. Some institutions are taking steps toward self-sufficiency, such as implementing microgrids for independent energy generation or converting electric buses into backup power sources. These strategies position schools as vital community hubs, offering stability and support beyond education.

Designing Schools That Grow with You

Ultimately, future-ready schools are about more than just flexibility and resilience. They are about creating spaces that inspire, support, and adapt to the changing needs of students, educators, and communities. By embracing these principles in school design, we can build learning environments that not only meet the demands of today but are also prepared to grow and evolve in the years to come.

About the Author
Jonathan Richert

Jonathan Richert is an award-winning multi-disciplinary designer and licensed architect who loves collaborating with schools to design exceptional educational spaces. He acts as a trusted advisor, working closely with schools to create solutions that exceed the needs and desires of the community. Connect with Jonathan and his team at TSK Architects.

With operational costs rising, the pressure to stretch school budgets is greater than ever. Technology, building maintenance, and supplies are taking a larger bite out of budgets, leaving less for programs. Attracting and retaining teachers and staff often means offering higher salaries, delays in grants and donations can disrupt financial planning, and shifting student numbers create funding instability, impacting staffing and resource decisions.

Although the Federal Reserve’s recent rate cut offers some breathing room, schools should proceed with caution: there’s the potential for lower borrowing costs for capital improvements and potential relief for existing loans, but the uncertainty of rate duration complicates long-term planning, and inflation may still drive up costs.

Yet, amid these challenges lies an opportunity—a chance to transition from relying on temporary funds to adopting long-term financial resilience strategies. With the new year on the horizon, it’s a great time to rethink spend management, build financial strength, and optimize your resources to ensure a sustainable future.

Here are five things to consider:

5 Strategies To Build Your School's Financial Resilience
1. Prioritize Spend Management

With the expiration of relief programs and tight funding, prioritizing spend management is crucial for sustaining educational quality and ensuring your school’s financial stability. Strategic spending is about making each dollar work harder by directing funds to the areas that matter most. Start by conducting a comprehensive review of current expenses to identify cost-saving opportunities. Look for patterns in spending or services that can be scaled back. By controlling expenditures, schools can not only free up funds to support key programs but also build reserves for unexpected events or economic shifts. Which leads us to…

2. Build Reserves

Financial reserves act as a safety net for your school, providing a buffer against unforeseen expenses or economic downturns. While building reserves may seem challenging amid rising costs, setting aside even a small percentage of the budget can make a significant difference over time. Your school can gradually increase reserve funds by reallocating savings from cost-cutting measures or reinvesting unspent budget allocations. Consider setting specific reserve goals each fiscal year to create a habit of saving. Having reserves in place ensures that your school can maintain its operations and avoid drastic cuts during challenging times.

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3. Focus on What Matters

To maximize impact, align spending with your school’s most important needs and long-term goals. Prioritizing essential programs and projects ensures that funds are directed where they will provide the most value, such as core academic programs, critical facility upgrades, or health and safety initiatives. Identify areas where costs can be reduced without compromising educational quality, such as renegotiating service contracts or eliminating underused resources. Taking a deliberate approach to spending will allow your school to concentrate on investments directly contributing to student success and stability.

4. Enhance Budget Tracking and Strengthen Internal Controls

Effective budget tracking is key to avoiding overspending and staying within financial limits. Implementing a system for monitoring operational spending against the budget in real time can help schools catch issues early, allowing for quick adjustments. Consider using software that integrates with your financial management system to provide detailed reporting on expenditures, commitments, and available funds. Regular budget reviews, monthly or quarterly, can also help keep spending on track and ensure that any deviations are promptly addressed.

Internal controls are the policies and procedures put in place to manage spending, ensure compliance, and prevent waste or fraud. Establish clear guidelines for purchasing, expenses, and approval processes to ensure consistency. For example, set thresholds for when competitive bids are required or establish a multi-step approval process for high-value purchases. Regularly review and update these policies to adapt to changing financial conditions or regulatory requirements.

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5. Assess Technology Costs—and Use Technology to Automate

Investing in technology is necessary, but it can also be expensive. Schools should evaluate the total cost of ownership (TCO) for technology assets, considering factors like maintenance, repair, and lifecycle costs. When equipment becomes outdated or inefficient, upgrading or replacing it may be more cost-effective than continual repairs. Or, when repairs offer a better return, schools should choose that route. Performing cost-benefit analyses helps ensure that technology investments support both educational goals and financial sustainability.

As you examine your technology, be sure you are leveraging digital tools and artificial intelligence (AI) to automate routine tasks, such as invoice processing, purchasing, expense tracking, and budget reporting. Automation not only reduces administrative burdens but also improves accuracy and speeds up workflows, allowing staff to focus more on strategic tasks and less on paperwork. Digital tools can provide valuable insights into spending patterns and highlight areas for improvement. For example, AI-driven analytics can forecast future expenses based on historical data, helping schools make informed decisions about budget allocation.

Charting Your Course for 2025

Focusing on financial stewardship now will position your school for success in the year ahead. By saving strategically and optimizing resources, you can continue to enhance the educational experience for your students.

About the Author
Stanton Jandrell

With over twenty years of expertise in spend management, Stanton Jandrell, CEO of Fraxion, is dedicated to helping organizations manage and reduce operational spending.

Stanton’s innovative leadership, combined with Fraxion’s purchasing, expense, and accounts payable automation software, is empowering charter, private, public, and independent school leaders to streamline administrative tasks for faculty and staff while reducing operational costs by ~10% on discretionary spending. His proactive approach to spend management emphasizes efficiency, enabling schools to optimize financial processes and focus more on impactful outcomes.

Learn more at Fraxion for Education.

In Building for Tomorrow, panelists Maddy Marleton, Michael Soh, Jonathan Richert, and Wes Graner provided valuable insights into the current state of the real estate market and essential considerations for charter schools seeking to align their facilities with their mission. The session featured discussions on navigating market challenges, strategic planning, and staying ahead of trends in construction and development.

You can watch the full webinar here, or read the recap below.

1. Navigating the Real Estate Market: Challenges and Opportunities

The past year has been tough for buyers, particularly due to high-interest rates, increased financing costs, and tighter lending standards, which have resulted in reduced deal activity and lower property values. Extended negotiation and closing periods are common as parties struggle to lock in financing and address due diligence. Despite these hurdles, there is a silver lining: distressed assets, such as office buildings with tenant expirations, present unique opportunities for schools willing to invest in tenant improvements and creative space utilization.

One of the significant challenges is the limited availability of educational facilities, leading schools to explore unconventional properties. As a positive sign for the future, a recent interest rate cut and shifting market dynamics have begun to stimulate more activity. The next three to six months may see increased options for schools prepared to act quickly, especially as sellers who have held back start listing their properties.

2. Strategic Facility Planning: Aligning Your Space with Your Mission

Effective facility planning is crucial for managing risks and ensuring long-term success. Schools need to account for various factors, such as building size and budget, by analyzing historical and projected enrollment trends. For instance, an allocation of roughly 100 square feet per student is often recommended. Schools should also prioritize adaptability in their facilities, incorporating flexible spaces, like multi-use rooms, to accommodate future growth.

Schools aiming for substantial future expansion should consider phased development—adding on floor by floor or building by building as enrollment increases. Additionally, leveraging partnerships with community organizations for space leasing can help schools manage costs while maintaining flexibility.

From a construction standpoint, material costs have stabilized post-pandemic, although they remain high. Lead times for items like electrical equipment and HVAC systems are still lengthy, requiring early planning to avoid project delays. The construction industry is also facing skilled labor shortages, making it difficult to secure subcontractors. Early and proactive planning is essential to mitigate these risks and ensure successful project completion.

Enrollment trends are critical in facility planning, as they directly impact budget and affordability. A recent study by the National Center for Charter School Accountability highlighted enrollment challenges as a significant issue for schools. For schools planning significant facility projects, setting realistic enrollment projections and being prepared for potential shortfalls is vital. Schools need a plan to adjust their budgets if enrollment targets are not met, ensuring financial stability.

5. Location Considerations: More Than Just a Space

The location of a facility influences not only enrollment but also the overall experience for students and staff. Factors such as accessibility, parking, and public transportation options should be carefully evaluated. Additionally, aligning a property search with the school’s mission ensures that space supports educational programs, whether through larger classrooms for project-based learning or specialized areas for labs and arts.

6. Partnering for Success: Building the Right Team

Navigating the real estate and construction process can be complex. Partnering with real estate professionals experienced in working with schools or involving community members in the planning stages can provide valuable guidance. A strong, knowledgeable team can significantly alleviate the burden on school administrators, streamlining the path to securing a “forever home” for the school.