SPARC Symposium

The SPARC Symposium is a signature virtual event designed to elevate your leadership skills and your auxiliary programs. Strategic conversations led by independent school and nationally recognized thought leaders each year focus on themes such as transformational leadership, diversity, equity, and inclusion and youth programming design for the future.

• Engage with colleagues in designing an aspirational future for your programs and your school
• Join compelling conversations with independent school leaders
• Collaborate in engaging conversations with other attendees, speakers, and panelists
• Develop strategic outcomes that inform your future work and priorities
• Participate in a national, virtual event that connects and elevates our auxiliary community and our schools

Who Should Attend?

The SPARC Symposium is designed to meet the professional development needs of a wide range of independent school leaders.  Recommended attendees include all members of the auxiliary programs department including part-time and seasonal staff; CFOs; COOs; Heads of School; Human Resources team members; Directors of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion; and other members of the school senior leadership team. 

2025 Symposium: The Business of Auxiliary Programs

The next annual SPARC Symposium is scheduled for Thursday, February 13, 2025 from 12:00 to 3:00pm EST.

Join us for an inspiring afternoon as we dive into the transformative potential of auxiliary programs in independent schools. This year’s symposium will explore the strategic role these programs play in driving revenue, enhancing community impact, and strengthening institutional sustainability.

Our keynote speaker, Jeff Shields, will kick off the event with "Independent School Business: Revenue Drivers, Expense Levers, and Innovation," setting the stage for a dynamic and thought-provoking program.

The event will feature two engaging panels:

• CFOs on Financial Impact: Hear from a panel of Chief Financial Officers as they discuss how auxiliary programs can significantly influence operating budgets. Learn how these leaders have leveraged auxiliary programming and other initiatives to maximize financial outcomes.

• Heads of School on Transformative Potential: Gain insights from Heads of School on how well-designed auxiliary programs can drive school-wide transformation, bolstering financial sustainability, admissions pipelines, and community engagement.

Don’t miss this opportunity to connect with industry experts, gather actionable insights, and be inspired by the profound impact auxiliary programs can have on your school’s future. Let’s shape the next era of auxiliary programming together!

Schedule:

Keynote: Independent School Business: Revenue Drivers, Expense Levers, and Innovation  (12:10-1:00 PM EST)

Jeff Shields, FASAE, CAE, has served as president and CEO of NBOA since March 2010. NBOA is the premier national association serving the needs of business officers and business operations staff at independent schools in areas including accounting, finance, tax, risk management, human resources and facilities. The association has grown from 23 founding member schools in 1998 to over 1,300 U.S. member schools, plus member schools in Mexico, Canada and 25 other countries around the globe during its 25-year history. Today, NBOA provides nearly 1,600 member schools, business partners, associations and other organizations with a full range of live events, webinars, online courses, publications, web resources, original research, volunteer leadership opportunities, among other services to its growing membership. Shields is a sought-after speaker delivering keynotes and educational sessions to numerous independent school audiences that include business officers and business operations staff, heads of school, trustees and other school leaders on the state, regional and national levels.

CFO Panel Discussion: The Financial Impact of Auxiliary Programs (1:05-2:00 PM EST)

Join us for an insightful panel discussion featuring CFOs from leading independent schools as they shed light on the critical role of financial leadership in shaping the future of education. This session will explore key topics such as strategic financial planning, balancing affordability with sustainability, and navigating economic uncertainties. Panelists will share what it’s like to serve as the financial stewards of their schools, offering a glimpse into the unique challenges they face, from managing budgets and endowments to ensuring long-term institutional growth. With a focus on innovative financial strategies and their impact on educational excellence, this conversation will provide valuable perspective for auxiliary leaders.

	Marsha East, Associate Director of Schools, Finance and Operations, University of Chicago Lab Schools (IL)
	Beth Pollard, Chief Financial Officer, Ensworth School (TN)
	Michael Bergin, Chief Financial Officer, Miss Porter’s School (CT)

Head of School Panel Discussion: The Transformative Potential of Auxiliary Programs (2:05-3:00 PM EST)

Our second panel discussion features three Heads of leading independent schools as they explore the evolving landscape of education. This thought-provoking session will delve into key challenges and opportunities facing independent schools today, including fostering academic excellence, promoting equity and inclusion, and preparing students for a rapidly changing world. The panelists will also offer a behind-the-scenes look at what it’s like to be a Head, sharing personal experiences and the unique challenges they navigate in their roles as leaders. From managing diverse stakeholder expectations to implementing innovative teaching strategies, they’ll provide valuable insights into the complexities of modern school leadership.

	Lise Charlier, Head of School, Cambridge School of Weston (MA)
	Jeff Bissell, Head of School, Chinese American International School (CA)
	Tom Sheppard, Head of School, University Liggett School (MI)

Thanks to Our 2025 Symposium Sponsors

Nations Classroom		VAC Enrichment

"The SPARC Symposium panel discussions were inspiring and well-timed.  I enjoyed connecting with colleagues across the country to share ideas on how we were tackling similar issues in the DEI, staffing and programming areas.  The deep dive discussions were a great follow up and helped keep the conversations going."

• Elizabeth M.