Cal-ISBOA News

Cal-ISBOA Connects at the Annual "So Long, Summer Soirées"

Cal-ISBOA — Mon, 10 Aug 2026 17:10:42 GMT

OAKLAND & LOS ANGELES, CA — As our member schools prepare to begin another school year, we gathered on August 3 and 4 for the association’s annual "So Long, Summer Soirées." Hosted by Jerry Mullaney at Head-Royce School in Oakland and Lisa Turchan of The Buckley School in Los Angeles, regional networking events like this offer business officers a chance to reflect on summer operations, share best practices, and build peer connections before the back-to-school rush begins.

Both events featured informal networking, seasonal refreshments, and lively discussions about Summer highlights and Fall preparations.

Regional gatherings serve as a core pillar of the Cal-ISBOA mission, providing business officers with a dedicated space to collaborate outside of formal events such as our Annual Conference and Workshops.

With the summer soirées concluded, Cal-ISBOA members turn their full focus to welcoming faculty, staff, and students back to campus for the new school year, equipped with fresh ideas and strengthened professional networks.

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Campus Visit: The Bentley School

TheARRC — Mon, 29 Jun 2026 21:11:48 GMT

June 29, 2026

Director of HR (and HR Subcommittee member) Beverly Christie gave Peggy an incredible tour of The Bentley School’s Lafayette Campus, where grades 9-12 are offered in a beautiful setting surrounded by rolling hills and featuring an open-air quad. The high school experience is a perfect continuation of the foundation that begins at The Bentley School’s lower campus (K-8) in Oakland, and Bentley’s highly competitive athletics program is a draw for many students. At the Lafayette Campus, the open layout and flexible class schedule prepares students well for the freedom and responsibilities of college life, and Bentley high schoolers come to own their daily routines and build their independence as learners.

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Campus Visit: The Athenian School

TheARRC — Mon, 22 Jun 2026 21:12:37 GMT

June 22, 2026

While in the area for the NorCal Facilities Workshop, Cal-ISBOA Membership Engagement Manager Peggy Marshall was hosted by COO (and Cal-ISBOA Board Member) Keith Powell and Operations Manager (and Facilities & Campus Operations Subcommittee member) Bridget Guerra for a wonderful tour of The Athenian School campus. Instilling an expansive, ongoing journey of knowledge seeking in its students, The Athenian School occupies a sprawling 42-acre campus in the beautiful foothills of Mount Diablo, where it offers grades 6 through 12, with a boarding option for high schoolers. During the visit, Peggy was excited to learn about how the school is preparing for their upcoming Reunion day held on campus every year for all Athenian Alumni.

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Thank You for Joining Us at the NorCal Facilities Workshop!

TheARRC — Mon, 15 Jun 2026 21:17:34 GMT

June 15, 2026

Thank You for helping to make our Northern California Facilities Workshop a success! We shared an invigorating day of professional learning and networking, topped off with a tour of the incomparable Head-Royce School in Oakland from Director of Alumni Relations Julie Kim-Beal. Your active participation, insightful discussions, and unwavering support truly made this event memorable.

Our small but mighty group had a blast together! Please enjoy some photos from the event below.

We are so grateful to our Facilities Subcommittee, chaired by Matt Riddle (Marlborough School) and Vice-Chaired by Pamela Connor (The Archer School for Girls). Your committed leadership throughout planning and hosting the workshop was essential, enabling Cal-ISBOA to deliver a high-quality experience in support of Facilities Directors, CFOs, and others who handle the unique work of Facilities at their independent schools.

Special thanks go out to our generous Sponsor Building Solutions for supporting the Northern California Facilities Workshop!

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Campus Visit: Redwood Day School

TheARRC — Mon, 15 Jun 2026 21:14:01 GMT

June 15, 2026

While in the area for the Northern California Facilities Workshop, Cal-ISBOA Membership Engagement Manager Peggy Marshall was hosted by CFO/COO Deann Hays, Director of Facilities & Operations (and Cal-ISBOA Board Member) Eleazar Madrid, and HR / PR Manager Sydney Polich for an exciting tour of the Redwood Day School campus. Redwood Day offers lower and middle school (K-8), providing a transformative learning experience for students that creates a foundation for lifelong growth and success. The campus features several beautiful buildings for classrooms, science labs, design and art studios, a full-sized gymnasium, and more, and next year it will also feature an inspiring outdoor “Design, Build, Innovate” space with a shade structure. Redwood Day also boasts new boys and girls locker rooms and bathroom facilities, and the addition of astroturf in their well used outdoor spaces is forthcoming. We thank Deann, Eleazar, and Sydney for generously sharing their school with us!

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NorCal End-of-Year Happy Hour

TheARRC — Mon, 08 Jun 2026 21:19:25 GMT

June 8, 2026

Cheers to a great end-of-year happy hour with the NorCal CalISBOA group on June 2! It was wonderful to relax, catch up, and celebrate Kathy Layendecker as she heads into retirement. Thanks to everyone who came out to make it such a happy occasion and thanks to Jeanne Jacobs-Gaffney for organizing it. We're looking forward to our next one!

Innovations in the 2026 Cal-ISBOA Signature Spring Events

TheARRC — Fri, 29 May 2026 21:19:53 GMT

May 29, 2026

At Cal-ISBOA, we are always trying to do more and better for our members. To that end, this year we worked to incorporate several innovations into our Signature Spring Events in Pasadena, all of which experienced record-setting attendance. In addition to the changes to our Welcome Reception and Kick-Off Dinner inspired by Charles Vogl's work, we rolled out several exciting new offerings like a new event App, a wellness experience, Cal-ISBOA Gives Back charitable giving, and new sponsor support programs that led to record community engagement.

The new event App allowed members to access schedule information and program details from the convenience of their phones while on-the-go, as well as providing easy access to sponsor information and a number of important member resources. We are excited to see what we can do with this App in the future!

Thanks to Platinum Annual Corporate Sponsor Poppy Bank's generous support, we were able to provide a unique Mindfulness Experience that included resources to support busy professionals attending conferences that included Wellness Walks and a Community Corner featuring tactile experiences like puzzles, coloring books, colorful slime, watercolors, and guided mindfulness activities to support focus, increase mental clarity, and optimize adult learning.

Designed to support the groups and communities that support our schools, this year we introduced Cal-ISBOA Gives Back, a charitable giving opportunity benefitting a local service organization. Selected as our 2026 beneficiary for its critical support of our school community during the 2025 LA fires, The Change Reaction is an organization that provides financial assistance to Angelenos.

Finally, we worked to better support our sponsors through a special orientation as well as a Sponsor Ambassador program that connected sponsor representatives with our members, to help new and returning sponsors get to know our community and have a great experience.

We hope you could feel the impact of these innovations! We look forward to continuing to raise the bar.

2026 Welcome Reception & Kick-Off Dinner at the Annual Conference in Pasadena

TheARRC — Wed, 20 May 2026 21:20:16 GMT

May 20, 2026

Thank you to all who joined us for our Welcome Reception & Kick-Off Dinner at the Langham Huntington in Pasadena! Between the excellent company, delicious food, and gorgeous setting, it was the perfect way to begin this year's Annual Conference.

Building on the traditional foundation for our dinner as an opportunity to bring our members and business partners together for a purely social occasion, we were inspired by this year's Annual Conference Keynote speaker Charles Vogl to make some intentional changes designed to help guests connect even more deeply. In distinction from previous years, we reduced the number of guests at each table to better support rich and inclusive conversations, we set votive candles and fairy lights in our centerpieces to help guests keep their focus on their table and dinner companions, and we introduced a small activity with Conversation Reflection Cards to give guests a structured invitation to share personally with each other. You can learn more about Charles' impactful suggestions and how to fold them into your next gathering by downloading his guide to Sacred Dinners for Deep Friendship.

We hope you were able to join us for this memorable evening! If not, we hope you will plan to join us for next year's Welcome Reception & Kick-Off Dinner in Northern California.

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2026 HR Workshop Featured Two Empowering Keynotes

TheARRC — Fri, 15 May 2026 21:22:14 GMT

May 15, 2026

This year, the Cal-ISBOA HR Workshop in Pasadena featured not one but two fantastic keynote presentations to assist our HR members in their pursuit of excellence at their schools.

Our Workshop day began with an empowering keynote from award-winning author, speaker, blogger, and business owner Catherine Mattice (Civility Partners, Inc.) on the topic of Your HR Superpower: Building a Culture of Ownership and Accountability. Presenting a model of how HR work can be integrated into a school's business strategy, elevating HR professionals from "complaint deposit boxes" to be strategic partners in decision making, Catherine presented actionable insights and tips for understanding and improving your organization's employee culture. Hint: remember to check and potentially change the "OIL"!

Following a parade of exciting breakout sessions, our HR Workshop culminated in a Closing Keynote from nationally recognized expert on leadership, culture, and the modern workforce Eric Swenson (Tanzanite Leadership Development and Symmetry HR Outsourcing) on the topic of A Blueprint for School Culture: How You Can Shape Connection, Engagement, and Belonging. In a moment when employee engagement and retention are more important than ever, Eric invites HR managers to position themselves as the proactive architects of workplace culture and employee experience rather than administrators, with the help of innovative HR leadership strategies without adding budget or headcount.

Workshop registrants can access full presentation slides on our Workshop Materials page when they are logged in. If you were able to join us, we hope these two keynotes gave you useful insights and ideas to apply at your school!

Below: (left) Catherine Mattice and (right) Eric Swenson presenting at the 2026 Cal-ISBOA HR Workshop.

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Annual Conference Keynote: Charles Vogl & Building Authentic Connections

TheARRC — Mon, 11 May 2026 21:23:36 GMT

May 11, 2026

We welcomed advisor, speaker, and bestselling author Charles Vogl to give a very special keynote at our Annual Conference this year on the topic of Creating Deep Connection: Community Building Fundamentals. Helping us define the nature of a true community in the era of post-pandemic loneliness and isolation, Charles offered evidence-based arguments for the foundational importance of authentic connections and community in our work and in our lives more generally. He identified tools and strategies for building these connections and the sense of belonging that they engender through intentional invitations (over announcements) and by creating opportunities for real platonic intimacy to develop among participants.

Ahead of our 2026 events, we worked to incorporate innovations in our Annual Conference, HR Workshop, and Facilities Workshop inspired by Charles' impactful ideas, and if you were able to join us, we hope you could feel the difference!

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2026 Signature Spring Events a Huge Success!

TheARRC — Mon, 27 Apr 2026 21:25:10 GMT

April 27, 2026

What a fantastic few days we had as we gathered together to connect with peers and business partners for this year's Annual Conference, Human Resources, and Facilities Workshops at the lovely Langham Huntington, Pasadena!

Not only did we have record attendance at this year's event, but we rolled out several innovations this year like a new event App, a wellness experience, Cal-ISBOA Gives Back charitable giving, and new sponsor support programs that led to record community engagement too.

We had the distinct pleasure of hearing from two notable keynote speakers during the HR Workshop on Monday, April 20, including award-winning author, speaker, blogger, and business owner Catherine Mattice and nationally recognized expert on leadership, culture, and the modern workforce Eric Swenson.

After an incredible Welcome Reception & Kick-Off Dinner in the gorgeous Horseshoe Garden on Monday night, Annual Conference attendees heard from adviser, speaker, and the author of three books and much sought-after keynote speaker Charles Vogl, who led the group in a pivotal discussion about creating deep connection with community building fundamentals that we can use at our schools and in every facet of our lives.

It was a powerful and meaningful two days packed with authentic community connection and deep topical learning that supports our daily work. Members and sponsors shared their expertise in 17 other sessions across the two days.

The association's Annual Member Meeting was held during the Annual Conference lunch on Tuesday, April 21, during which we heard from Board leaders about an array of accomplishments and aspirations, celebrated outgoing Board members, announced Board and Bylaw election results, and honored this year's Martha Ambros Community Impact Award Recipient: Kathy Layendecker, Associate Head of School for Finance and Operations at Castilleja School.

If you attended, please help us continue improving our programs by completing evaluations for the HR Workshop, Facilities Workshop and Annual Conference. If you missed it this year, we encourage you to consider joining us next year!

There were too many memorable moments to show them all, but here are a few special moments that were captured in photos that we think you'll enjoy. You can find more photos on our LinkedIn channel, and we invite you to share photos and memories from the events as well. Please tag Cal-ISBOA so your peers can enjoy them too!

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Announcing the 2026 Cal-ISBOA Board of Directors & Bylaw Amendments Election Results

TheARRC — Tue, 21 Apr 2026 21:34:30 GMT

April 21, 2026

We are pleased to announce that the 2026 Election of the Cal-ISBOA Board of Directors has been completed and the Amended Bylaws have been approved. Thanks to our member schools for taking part in this important governance process! Read more about the new Bylaws and our newly elected leadership here.

We welcome the following newly elected Board members for their first term, 2026-2029:

Chris Thomas, Chief Financial and Operations Officer, Oakwood School, North Hollywood
Jessica McCullagh, Director of Human Resources, The Archer School for Girls, Los Angeles

The Following Board Members were reelected to continue serving for a second term, 2026-2029:

Brian Hollis, Chief Financial Officer, The Curtis School, Los Angeles
Natalie Morales, Director of Finance, Chandler School, Pasadena

For 2026-2027, our Board Officers will be:

President: Ken Parr, Director of Finance & Operations, Carlthorp School, Santa Monica
Vice President: Erik Paxman, Silicon Valley International School, Palo Alto
Vice President: Natalie Morales, Director of Finance, Chandler School, Pasadena
Treasurer: Deepika Nabar, Chief Financial Officer, Archbishop Mitty High School, San Jose
Secretary: Rebecca Rowland, Director of Human Resources, Campbell Hall, Studio City

Congratulations to all new and returning Board members! Thank you for your service to our community.

Congratulations to Kathy Layendecker, Recipient of the 2026 MACI Award!

TheARRC — Fri, 03 Apr 2026 21:35:54 GMT

April 3, 2026

We are thrilled to announce that Kathy Layendecker, Associate Head of School for Finance and Operations at Castilleja School, has received the 2026 MACI Award!

Named after Cal-ISBOA’s founding Executive Director, The Martha Ambros Community Impact (MACI) Award is given to a member of the California independent school community who has distinguished themself through their engagement in professional development activities, their connection with fellow members, and their impact within the Cal-ISBOA community. Consistent with Martha’s leadership, recipients will have transcended their role as an employee of an independent school by furthering the hallmarks of our association: collegiality, connectedness, integrity, and friendship within and across school communities.

Inaugurated in 2024, the Martha Ambros Community Impact Award is formally presented annually at the Cal-ISBOA Annual Meeting, which will be held on April 21, 2026 at The Langham Huntington in Pasadena.

Kathy Layendecker started her Independent School journey in 2005 as the CFO at Oregon Episcopal School in Portland, Oregon. She went on to be the Interim Head of School for two years and then Associate Head of School. In 2012, Kathy left Oregon Episcopal School to become Head of School at Shattuck-St Mary's in Faribault, Minnesota. She arrived at Castilleja School in 2014, where she continues to serve as Associate Head of School for Finance and Operations. Kathy has also worked in the private sector as an investment banker at First Boston and Goldman Sachs, as a strategist for Harcourt General, and as a founding employee of IGN Entertainment.

Kathy served on the Cal-ISBOA Board of Directors from July 2016 through June 2022, culminating in her service as the President of the Board from 2020-2022, as well as numerous Committees throughout the years. During her time as Board President, she oversaw the strategic planning process as well as succession planning around Martha Ambros's retirement as founding Executive Director of the organization. Beyond her notable contributions to Cal-ISBOA, Kathy has served on the Boards of the National Business Officers Association (NBOA), Carey School, Avenidas, and the Association of Independent School Admission Professionals (AISAP). She has also presented on Finance 101 at the California Association of Independent Schools (CAIS) Trustee / School Head Conference, facilitated sessions at the CAIS Annual Meeting, and served on Pacific University’s Endowment Investment Committee.

About winning this year’s MACI Award, Kathy says,

I have enjoyed being part of and contributing to Cal-ISBOA, and I am humbled and honored to be nominated by my peers and recognized by a community of educators I rely on, admire, and respect.

Betty Noel-Pierre, Head of School at Castilleja School, adds her congratulations and says,

After such a long career in independent schools, it is fitting that Kathy has earned this distinguished honor. The Cal-ISBOA community has been an important part of her professional life, and her impact within that community and beyond deserves recognition.

Kathy joins the Cal-ISBOA Board of Directors and staff in encouraging our community to start thinking NOW about who you’d like to recognize with the 2027 award! Although we will not announce 2027 award nominations until after the first of the year, you may submit nominations for next year’s award at any time through this form:

NOMINATE YOUR COLLEAGUES

Please send any questions about this award to Executive Director Scarlett Vanyi at scarlett.vanyi@isboa.org.

Cal-ISBOA Weaves Wellness Into Signature Spring Events

TheARRC — Tue, 31 Mar 2026 21:38:58 GMT

March 31, 2026

Cal-ISBOA is partnering with the experts at Inner Design to bring you a Mindfulness Experience at our spring gatherings in Pasadena. Wellness events and activities are woven throughout our schedule so that you can take advantage of the opportunities that work best for you. In addition to a guided Wellness Walk around the gorgeous property of the Langham Huntington each morning and on Monday afternoon, we will have a devoted Community Corner where attendees can take some time to unplug from stress, enjoy calming activities, and connect with each other. The Community Corner is a facilitated reset space for high capacity professionals navigating full days of learning, networking, stimulation, and transitions. It is a wellness space offering short nervous system resets and creative grounding practices throughout the conference day. This space supports regulation, clarity, and sustainable presence between sessions. We hope you'll check it out!

Overview of Wellness Opportunities

Monday, April 20

7:00am - 7:30am Wellness Walk: Meet in Courtyard

7:30am - 5:00pm Community Corner Room Open: Wentworth Room

4:30pm - 5:00pm Wellness Walk: Meet in Courtyard

Tuesday, April 21

7:00am - 7:30am Wellness Walk: Meet in Courtyard

7:30am - 4:45pm Community Corner Room Open: Wentworth Room

Brought to you by Platinum Annual Corporate Sponsor Poppy Bank. Poppy Bank is committed to providing the best products and services, which has propelled its success and garnered national recognition for performance.

Inner Design is a mindfulness-based education and coaching platform led by Rubina Chadha, who is an educator, mindfulness leader, and creative coach with over 10 years of experience guiding artists, executives, and students to align their energy and purpose. Rubina’s programs have been featured by ABC, FOX, NBC, and CBS.

Regional Gatherings in Northern and Southern California Keep Our Members Connected

TheARRC — Mon, 23 Mar 2026 22:21:15 GMT

March 23, 2026

Last week, our members had a regional gathering in Saratoga and another in Pasadena. Regional gatherings serve the important function of giving Cal-ISBOA members a chance to be together and share their triumphs and challenges more frequently than just during our annual in-person spring events. It's always a good time to connect with your fellow independent school professionals over some delicious food and refreshing beverages!

NorCal Members Gather at Saint Andrew's Episcopal School

Chief Financial Officer Najah Lowe of Saint Andrew's Episcopal School hosted a small but lively gathering of members in Saratoga last Thursday. Each person brought a unique perspective to the group, and their discussions ranged from the accounting tools, budgeting processes, and financial dashboards they use, to book recommendations and SB 848. Najah notes that it is nice to be reminded that all the members of our community are going through the same things in different ways, and that Cal-ISBOA colleagues can always share their resources, energy, and problem solving.

Pasadena-Area Members Break Bread Together

A small but collegial group of local schools from mostly within the Pasadena area met for a casual happy hour gathering last Thursday. The group spent time catching up on spring break plans, sharing updates, and talking through a mix of work and life, over some delicious beverages and appetizers.

2026 Annual Election: Board of Directors and Proposed Restated and Amended Cal-ISBOA Bylaws

TheARRC — Fri, 20 Mar 2026 22:21:56 GMT

March 20, 2026

Cal-ISBOA is governed by a dedicated volunteer Board of Directors who graciously serve our independent school community. The association holds an election in conjunction with the Annual Conference each spring to elect Board members for the new fiscal year. This year, the membership will also vote on the adoption of carefully considered Proposed Restated and Amended Bylaws.

The Governance Committee has recommended and the Board has approved this year's slate of candidates for presentation to the membership on the Ballot as follows:

Officers for the 2026-27 fiscal year (One-year term):

President: Ken Parr, Director of Finance & Operations, Carlthorp School, Santa Monica

Vice President: Erik Paxman, Chief Financial and Operations Officer, Silicon Valley International School, Palo Alto

Vice President: Natalie Morales, Director of Finance, Chandler School, Pasadena

Treasurer: Deepika Nabar, Chief Financial Officer, Archbishop Mitty High School, San Jose

Secretary: Rebecca Rowland, Director of Human Resources, Campbell Hall, Studio City

Re-election of Current Board Members to serve during the 2026-2029 fiscal years (second three-year term):

Brian Hollis, Chief Financial Officer,
The Curtis School, Los Angeles

Natalie Morales, Director of Finance,
Chandler School, Pasadena

New Board Members to serve during the 2026-2029 fiscal years (three-year term):

Chris Thomas, Chief Financial and Operations Officer, Oakwood School, North Hollywood

Jessica McCullagh, Director of Human Resources, The Archer School for Girls, Los Angeles

Proposed Restated and Amended Bylaws

As a California nonprofit corporation, Cal-ISBOA is governed by a set of Bylaws that were adopted in 2011 and last amended in 2017. Given that much has changed in the world since then, the Board tasked the Governance Committee with researching and recommending revisions to the Bylaws to provide for the association’s growth and evolution into the future.

This year, after many months of conversation, thoughtful deliberation, and work with legal counsel, the Board is pleased to present proposed Restated and Amended Bylaws for the Membership's consideration as recommended by the Governance Committee. The proposed Amended and Restated Bylaws will completely supersede the current Bylaws, which will be effectively eliminated with an affirmative vote for the amendments.

While the proposed Amended and Restated Bylaws greatly modernize and simplify our foundational document, shrinking it from 30 to six pages, absolutely nothing will change when it comes to the community camaraderie, high quality programs and offerings, and essential tools you’ve come to expect from your association.

This reduction has been accomplished through translating important concepts from “legalese” to plainspeak, removing antiquated and cumbersome provisions, and moving many policies and processes from the Bylaws to a Board Policy Manual. The new Policy Manual will be adopted by the Board during its April 19, 2026 meeting in preparation to serve as a companion to the newly adopted Amended and Restated Bylaws should Members vote to approve them. This will allow the Board to make policy changes as legal and organizational needs arise.

The proposed Amended and Restated Bylaws approved by the Cal-ISBOA Board of Directors and recommended for your approval and other related documents are available for review on our website as follows: (i) Current Bylaws, (ii) Proposed Restated and Amended Bylaws, and (iii) a detailed summary of the changes . Please don’t hesitate to contact Executive Director Scarlett Vanyi if you have any questions or concerns.

Timeline

The election opened on March 20, 2026, and will conclude just before the Annual Members Meeting, which takes place on Tuesday, April 21, 2026 beginning at 12:00pm at the Langham Huntington, Pasadena.

Cal-ISBOA at NBOA in Orlando

TheARRC — Mon, 09 Mar 2026 22:49:03 GMT

March 9, 2026

Though it was a cross-country journey, California was well represented in Orlando at the 2026 NBOA Annual Meeting once again this year, with both school colleagues and industry partners showing up in the Sunshine State last week to find inspiration and camaraderie with peers in independent schools. Many of our own beloved Cal-ISBOA leaders lent their expertise by presenting important topics.

While there were many valuable professional development opportunities, there was no shortage of socializing and fun. We hosted a totally packed house at our Tuesday Twilight ISBOA Reception cohosted with our BOA friends from MISBO, PAISBOA, Joffe Emergency Services, and Smith & Howard. We were so pleased to have so many members, sponsors, and supporters join us to raise a glass and share a bite together.

Above, left: Cal-ISBOA friends wrestling Florida alligators!

Above, right: Cal-ISBOA friends dining together at NBOA.

Below, left: Sandi Pierce (Cate School)

Below, right (from left): Cal-ISBOA President Nicole Pennington, Executive Director Scarlett Vanyi, and Vice President Ken Parr.

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Check Out Our New Job Board!

TheARRC — Thu, 19 Feb 2026 23:50:13 GMT

February 19, 2026

We are proud to announce that we have launched a new Cal-ISBOA Job Board! Like our previous Career Opportunities webpage, the Job Board allows Cal-ISBOA members to post jobs for free. Non-members and recruiting firms will be charged a fee for placement, which will support our community’s many initiatives and activities. This new Job Board improves job posting searchability and offers updated navigational functionalities like filtering by industry or employment type, all presented within an appealing, modern website aesthetic.

Navigate to the Job Board through the primary menu on the Cal-ISBOA website. Please ensure that any active openings at your school are transferred to the new Job Board. The Career Opportunities webpage will be retired in the coming weeks.

We are excited to offer this new and improved benefit to our community!

Campus Visit to St. Matthew's Parish School

TheARRC — Tue, 17 Feb 2026 23:51:29 GMT

February 17, 2026

While in Los Angeles, Executive Director Scarlett Vanyi was delighted to be able to see firsthand the incredible resilience of St. Matthew's Parish School in the wake of the devastating January 2025 wildfires. Director of Finance Trevor Mutch, Director of Human Resources Juana Ochoa, and Chief Operations Officer Cat Cecere invited Scarlett to tour the temporary facility they and the St. Matthew’s team assembled just 3 weeks after the outbreak of the Palisades fires.

The Water Gardens Campus offers St. Matthew’s students, faculty, and staff a true home-away-from-home complete with basketball courts, an outdoor playground, quaint spaces where students and faculty can gather, a band room, an art room, and a maker' space. The way they transformed an office park into a school campus is impressive. While school has been held at two temporary campuses for the past year, their Palisades Campus has undergone extensive cleanup and renovations that will allow a return this fall. We celebrate these heroic efforts to support and uplift the St. Matthew’s Parish School community and all schools affected by wildfires and other disasters, as they honor our shared commitment to students!

Below (left): Scarlett Vanyi and Chief Operations Officer Cat Cecere. Below (right): Director of Finance Trevor Mutch, Director of Human Resources Juana Ochoa, and Scarlett Vanyi.

Below: An art sign and a hallway at St. Matthew's Parish School's temporary campus.

Vice Presidents and Executive Director Attend ASAE's CEO Symposium

TheARRC — Tue, 17 Feb 2026 23:50:52 GMT

February 17, 2026

Cal-ISBOA President Nicole Pennington isn't just focused on making gains during her own tenure, as evidenced by our many accomplishments in the first half of this year; she's looking ahead and stewarding the future of our organization!

In that spirit, Cal-ISBOA Vice Presidents Ken Parr and Erik Forbes Paxman and Executive Director Scarlett Vanyi (pictured left) attended the American Society of Association Executives (ASAE) CEO Symposium in San Diego last week. There, they participated in intensive board development together and spent time sharing perspectives and strengthening their relationships to foster strong shared leadership for the future. We are looking forward to a very powerful, fun, and productive few years!

Campus Visit: Sinai Akiba Academy

TheARRC — Mon, 09 Feb 2026 23:53:22 GMT

February 9, 2026

During a recent visit to Los Angeles, Director of Finance and Operations Elham Makabi invited Executive Director Scarlett Vanyi to attend Sinai Akiba Academy’s State of the School ceremony. The ceremony featured a fireside chat with the entire SAA Executive Team in which they were interviewed and shared the role of their departments, celebrated recent successes, announced new facilities and programs, and answered questions submitted by parents. The well-attended celebration was meaningful and beautifully conducted, complete with an elegant reception spread featuring many traditional Jewish dishes, an inspiring greeting from the board president, an arrangement performed by SAA’s student musicians, a Hebrew song for all in attendance led by the cantor, and a powerful message from the head of school. Elham treated Scarlett to a whirlwind after-hours tour of the school’s iconic Wilshire Boulevard property following the event, including the stunning Sinai Temple, where scenes from Netflix’s recent hit series Nobody Wants This were filmed. Big thanks to Elham and the whole Sinai Akiba Academy team for their generous hospitality!

Above: Director of Marketing and Communications Robyn Fener (far right) interviews her colleagues Head of School Dr. Lauren Plant, Associate Head of School for Institutional Advancement Lisa Zide, Associate Head of School for Teaching and Learning Lauren Dolinka, and Director of Finance and Operations Elham Makabi at their 2026 State of the School ceremony.

Left: Head of School Dr. Lauren Plant presenting during the State of the School.

Above: Executive Director Scarlett Vanyi and Sinai Akiba Academy Director of Finance and Operations Elham Makabi

Cal-ISBOA Featured at Community Events

TheARRC — Mon, 02 Feb 2026 23:55:12 GMT

February 2, 2026

We hope you were able to connect with Cal-ISBOA leaders at the recent events hosted by Gallagher and the California Association of Independent Schools (CAIS)! Executive Director Scarlett Vanyi and President Nicole Pennington attended the 37th Annual Seminar hosted by Gallagher on Thursday in Los Angeles, where they welcomed participants and supported members. Then Scarlett jetted up to San Francisco for the CAIS Trustee/School Head Conference, the nation's largest independent school governance conference, on Saturday.

At the CAIS Conference, Scarlett facilitated an important peer-to-peer conversation with Financial Stewardship Cohort participants about financial stewardship of independent schools, including current financial pressures and impact, and best practices for financial oversight. She led the group of more than 50 participants in completing a self-assessment that they completed individually and then discussed in small groups. She also shared a new pilot assessment scale launched in partnership with MISBO and PAISBOA. Cal-ISBOA members are encouraged to utilize these resources.

Left: Cal-ISBOA President Nicole Pennington of Los Encinos School (second from left) and Executive Director Scarlett Vanyi (third from left) pose with partners from A. J. Gallagher at the 37th Annual Seminar hosted by Gallagher in Los Angeles.

Left: Scarlett with CAIS Business Officer Kim Klosterman and Director of Accreditation Mariana Robles at the CAIS Trustee / School Heads Conference in San Francisco.

Right: Nicole and Scarlett present at at the Annual Seminar hosted by Gallagher.

Below: The amazing skyline view of the Transamerica Pyramid and the Bay Bridge from the CAIS closing reception on the 17th floor.

Registration Is Open for Cal-ISBOA's 2026 Signature Spring Events!

TheARRC — Tue, 20 Jan 2026 23:56:03 GMT

January 20, 2026

Cal-ISBOA is excited to present the 2026 Annual Meeting & Conference, HR Workshop, and Facilities Workshop, which will be held April 20-21, 2026 at the gorgeous Langham Huntington in Pasadena. Please note that this year’s program will be held on Monday & Tuesday.

You will receive an announcement email tomorrow with links to informational webpages where you can learn about all the incredible keynotes and sessions that will be offered.

**New this year!**

Early Bird Discount: For the first time, we are offering our members a special Early Bird discount to encourage early registration! You can save on all 3 events by registering before April 1st.
Bundle & Save: Also for the first time, you can bundle your registrations to the Annual Conference, the HR Workshop, and / or the Facilities Workshop to streamline your registration process, save money, and deepen your professional development experience!

Please send any questions to Roz Rini Larson.

Staff Attend Associations West Seasonal Spectacular

TheARRC — Sat, 20 Dec 2025 23:56:47 GMT

December 20, 2025

On December 16-17, the Cal-ISBOA staff gathered for some enriching professional development at the Associations West Seasonal Spectacular in Sacramento. Formerly California Society of Association Executives, Associations West is the association for association professionals in California and beyond. We heard from a keynote speaker about how to move from chasing meaning to creating it, learned more about sparking connection through our events, picked up some exciting new ideas for tapping into the power of ceremony to strengthen member connections, and uncovered the hidden motivations that can either inhibit or enhance communication. We are proud to continue pursuing our own professional development to better serve our members and the California independent school community!

Campus Visit: Notre Dame High School

TheARRC — Wed, 10 Dec 2025 23:57:37 GMT

December 10, 2025

It is always such a treat when staff can visit Cal-ISBOA member schools, where the magic of our community’s devoted service happens in real time. We thank Rob Thomas (President), Karen Ortiz (Vice President of Finance), and Ilaria Pardini (Director of Human Resources) for a wonderful tour of the iconic Notre Dame High School campus in Sherman Oaks.

Drawing from both the French tradition of the Holy Cross, brought to Southern California by way of Indiana in 1947, and the Spanish Mission tradition of San Fernando, visible in the school’s striking Mission-style architecture, Notre Dame High School meets each student where they are and helps them realize their unique potential. This approach is evident in the school’s diverse extracurricular offerings, from photography to robotics to strength training, and in its students’ championship titles in myriad sports both during and after their time on campus. Thanks again to Rob, Karen, and Ilaria for sharing their special school with us!

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Thank You for Joining Us for the Holiday Luncheons!

TheARRC — Tue, 09 Dec 2025 00:22:52 GMT

December 8, 2025

The Annual Cal-ISBOA Holiday Luncheons were held in San Francisco and Los Angeles last week. The simultaneous events were attended by a combined almost 160 members, where we gathered together to celebrate the holiday season with good food and great conversation.

We want to thank our generous sponsors, IMA and Gallagher, for helping to minimize the costs and providing prizes.

Do you have pictures from either Holiday Luncheon that you would like to share? We'd love to feature them in our communications! Please email photos to Roz Rini Larson (Membership & Communications Coordinator) at roz.rinilarson@isboa.org.

Happy Holidays to you and yours!

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Nominations Open for 2026-2027 Board of Directors

TheARRC — Sat, 22 Nov 2025 00:25:53 GMT

Cal-ISBOA is governed by a dynamic Board of Directors composed of talented members from across the state. Members play a pivotal role in identifying future leaders, and we encourage members to participate in the Board nomination process.

The Governance Committee is pleased to announce that nominations are now open for seats on the Cal-ISBOA Board beginning July 1, 2026. Board service is open to all members of Cal-ISBOA, and nominations are due by Friday, February 27, 2026.

Please give consideration to peers you believe would meaningfully contribute to our community through serving in this important leadership role. If you feel inspired to serve our community in this role, please consider nominating yourself. More details are available as follows:

Please contact Executive Director Scarlett Vanyi at scarlett.vanyi@isboa.org if you have any questions. We look forward to receiving your nominations!

Above: 2025-2026 Cal-ISBOA Board and Staff during the Board Retreat

Another Successful California Legal Symposium Co-Hosted by LCW and Cal-ISBOA

TheARRC — Thu, 13 Nov 2025 00:26:24 GMT

November 12, 2025

We thank all attendees for joining us for another successful and enlightening California Legal Symposium on November 5, 2025! We also thank our incredible cohosts and presenters at Liebert Cassidy Whitmore, who always deliver critical legal updates and insightful information in an accessible format geared directly at California Independent Schools.

You can check out the session topics that were offered at the 2025 California Legal Symposium here, and registrants can access session recordings until December 12 here. Some topics are perennial favorites while others were designed to speak directly to the most pressing needs for schools right now.

Setting a new record at 226 registrants, this was our most attended Symposium yet! We are delighted to continue to bring you this valued program, and pleased to report positive and useful feedback from attendees’ evaluations, including:

“Great job! I enjoy this symposium every year. It could last 3 days with all of the content areas!”
“I would love for this to be offered twice a year.”
“Wage and hour issues can be an all-day session by itself! Schools have a hard time staying inside of a box. The creativity presents challenges when matched up against the legal requirements.”
“I would love two symposiums - one that is like this and then another that is higher level topics.”
“There is never enough time for Q&A sessions. Lots of good questions and answers. Left me wanting more.”

We hope you will join us next year for another wonderful Legal Symposium on November 12, 2026!

Do You Have a GoFundMe Page You Didn’t Know Existed?

TheARRC — Wed, 22 Oct 2025 23:27:05 GMT

October 22, 2025

GoFundMe recently created 1.4 million donation pages for nonprofits all across the country on their own volition using publicly available information from the IRS and other sources.

Following backlash from the nonprofit community, GoFundMe last week reversed course and took several actions including removing logos they used without permission. In addition to the apology issued on LinkedIn, the NonProfit Times reported on some important nuances.

Cal-ISBOA recommends schools investigate their GoFundMe status to be sure their fundraising is not negatively impacted and claim their pages to assure any funds donated to the school do, in fact, flow to the school. Taking action may also prevent bad actors from fraudulently claiming a school's donation page.

After claiming your school’s page, you can decide whether to use it, remove it (scroll down for instructions), or submit a takedown request.

Staff Attend Inaugural Associations West Capital Summit

TheARRC — Mon, 20 Oct 2025 23:27:47 GMT

October 20, 2025

On October 9, the Cal-ISBOA staff gathered for some enriching professional development at the Associations West Capital Summit in Sacramento. Formerly California Society of Association Executives, Associations West is the association for association professionals in California and beyond. We heard from keynote speakers about strategies to navigate change through collaboration and connection, learned more about building high-impact boards and designing cultures that drive success, and picked up some exciting new ideas for event programs and formats. We are proud to continue pursuing our own professional development to better serve our members and the California independent school community!

Campus Visit: Presentation High School

TheARRC — Mon, 06 Oct 2025 23:28:20 GMT

October 6, 2025

Staff was pleased to be able to visit Presentation High School in San Jose while in town for the 2025 Board Retreat and Fall Meeting a few weeks ago. Human Resources Director Michelle Miller and HR Specialist Monica DePalmo treated our staff to a rich tour of Presentation High School's scenic campus. Serving young women, Presentation (or “Pres” as it is affectionately known) encourages students to follow their interests and try new extracurriculars like robotics. Students build skill and confidence by overcoming challenges in their extracurriculars, which ultimately supports their academic success as well. Their robust staff includes over 70 coaches who provide specialized training in 14 different sports as well as dance, which many students come to Pres specifically to study. Faculty and staff work in classrooms, offices, and large common spaces that are intentionally close together to support continuous collaboration. We were honored to hear directly from alumni about how their time at Pres created an inspired foundation for their forward journeys.

Thank you again to Michelle and Monica for their hospitality!

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Campus Visit: Hillbrook School

TheARRC — Mon, 29 Sep 2025 23:29:27 GMT

September 29, 2025

Staff was pleased to be able to visit Hillbrook School in San Jose a couple weeks ago while in town for the 2025 Board Retreat and Fall Meeting. Chief Financial Officer Margaret Randazzo gave us an incredible tour of Hillbrook’s brand-new Upper Campus in downtown San Jose, as well as their original Lower Campus in Los Gatos, where the Hillbrook magic began almost 100 years ago. From the updated furnishings and original windows in their fully renovated historic buildings downtown, to the cozy Village of Friendly Relations cabins sprinkled across their Los Gatos campus, every detail is intentionally executed to support students wherever they are in their journey. Thanks again to Margaret for a wonderful tour!

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2025 Board Retreat and Fall Meeting

TheARRC — Thu, 18 Sep 2025 23:30:57 GMT

September 18, 2025

Last week, our Board of Directors gathered for the annual Cal-ISBOA Board Retreat and Fall Meeting at the beautiful Hotel Valencia Santana Row in San Jose. President Nicole Pennington and Executive Director Scarlett Vanyi planned a productive and fun retreat agenda, balancing critical conversations and decision-making with enriching teambuilding activities. Not only did our Board undertake the essential work of moving our ambitious 2025-2028 Strategic Plan into the implementation phase, but our talented Board Members all ESCAPED from The Escape Game's interactive rooms by working together. Being together for this retreat allowed our leadership team to develop a strong foundation for their collaboration throughout the year. We are looking forward to a wonderful year together serving the Cal-ISBOA membership!

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Campus Visit: Viewpoint School

TheARRC — Thu, 11 Sep 2025 23:32:24 GMT

September 11, 2025

It is always a treat for Cal-ISBOA staff to visit our member schools in person! While in Los Angeles last month, Executive Director Scarlett Vanyi was graciously hosted by Chief Finance and Operating Officer Manuel Pardo and Chief Human Resources Officer Heather Kruse for an inspiring tour of Viewpoint School in Calabasas. Located in a beautiful canyon on Mulholland Drive, Viewpoint has a 43-acre campus that spans one whole mile from one end to the other. This single campus hosts four state-of-the-art schools serving PK through High School for a variety of academic and extracurricular activities. The warm camaraderie among the school team and the dedication to exceptional facilities was evident at every turn. Thank you again to Manuel and Heather for their hospitality!

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Welcome to the 2025-2026 School Year from the Cal-ISBOA Board President!

TheARRC — Fri, 05 Sep 2025 23:33:29 GMT

September 5, 2025

I hope this message finds you well and that the return to campus has been a smooth and uplifting transition as you welcome students, families, and colleagues into a new school year.

This time of year, I’m often asked, “Did you enjoy your summer break?” I always smile at the question, knowing that for those of us in Business, Operations, Facilities, and Human Resources, summer looks a little different. While many are wrapping up vacations, we’ve been deep in audits, campus improvements, summer programs, and the ever-important work of hiring and onboarding.

Back-to-school brings a special kind of reward: we finally get to see the “why” behind our efforts. The joy and energy that students bring back to campus is a powerful reminder of our purpose. Watching teachers ignite curiosity and creativity in their classrooms fills me with renewed appreciation. I hope it fills you with the same sense of pride and purpose.

As we all settle into the rhythm of the year, I encourage you to take a moment to walk your campus. Look around at the vibrant programs, bustling classrooms, and meaningful experiences that your work makes possible. While you're taking care of your school, remember to take care of yourself, too. What brings you joy? What would make your day just a bit easier? What goals—personal or professional—are you holding space for this year? If you haven’t had time to reflect, I encourage you to begin.

At Cal-ISBOA, the Board and staff are excited to continue serving our Independent School community this year. Whether it’s through regional meetups, our mentor program, Zoom groups, or informal connections, we hope you’ll find opportunities to engage, grow, and feel supported.

Thank you for the dedication, care, and heart you bring to your school, and thank you for being a valued part of the Cal-ISBOA community.

Wishing you a joyful and meaningful start to the school year,

Nicole Pennington
Cal-ISBOA Board President
Business and Development Officer, Los Encinos School

Campus Visit: The Country School

TheARRC — Tue, 02 Sep 2025 23:33:56 GMT

September 2, 2025

Visiting our unique member schools in person is essential to our continued learning about your needs as Cal-ISBOA members. Executive Director Scarlett Vanyi was graciously hosted by Rich Harper (Business Manager) for a tour of The Country School (TCS) in Los Angeles last month. Offering progressive education from PK to 8th grade, TCS puts holistic learning and an inclusive culture center stage, equipping their students to make a positive, lasting impact. Boldly departing from traditional paradigms, all TCS students practice daily meditation, and TCS has a No Homework Policy for PK through 4th grade, emphasizing the importance of play, exploration, and multisensory learning to early development.

Thanks again to Rich for sharing his school with us!

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Campus Visit: Saint Mark's School

TheARRC — Mon, 25 Aug 2025 23:34:48 GMT

August 25, 2025

Right: Scarlett Vanyi (Cal-ISBOA), left, with Ann Grimmett (Saint Mark's School).

When wildfire struck Los Angeles this past January, the impacts on our independent school community were devastating, especially for Saint Mark’s School. Earlier this month, Executive Director Scarlett Vanyi had the opportunity to visit Saint Mark’s School’s temporary campus, where CFO Ann Grimmett showed her around and shared how they have navigated this challenging time. Saint Mark’s School’s staff and faculty quickly sprung into action, and in just eight weeks, they partnered with another local school to erect a temporary campus with spaces to accommodate all of their classrooms, each program, and a play structure.

Saint Mark’s School demonstrated incredible leadership and resilience, ensuring students could return to their classes as soon as possible. We stand with all our schools in celebrating the tenacity of Saint Mark’s and other schools affected by wildfires and other disasters, and in honoring our shared commitment to the students of California!

So Long Summer Soirée: A Smashing Success!

TheARRC — Tue, 19 Aug 2025 23:35:28 GMT

August 19, 2025

A huge thank you to Buckley School CFO and 2025 MACI Award Recipient Lisa Turchan for hosting a So Long Summer Soirée in Los Angeles last week to bring Cal-ISBOA colleagues together! Executive Director Scarlett Vanyi was delighted to be able to join the many members who were in attendance to welcome NBOA President & CEO Jeff Shields and Executive Vice President James Palmieri, who were visiting from the East Coast.

Guests were transported into an enchanted garden when they passed through the tall doors to Lisa’s beautiful patio where our gracious hostess offered delicious homemade refreshments. The Soirée was the perfect opportunity for SoCal members to reconnect and share stories of their summer vacations and projects. Thank you to Lisa for her kind hospitality!

Regional gatherings like this provide casual and memorable opportunities to connect in person and nurture our special Cal-ISBOA community spirit throughout the year. Please let us know if you’d like to host a regional gathering in your city!

2025 Service Provider Directory for Independent California Schools

TheARRC — Tue, 12 Aug 2025 23:36:10 GMT

August 12, 2025

We are pleased to present our first-ever Back-to-School Service Provider Directory for Indy School professionals in California, just in time for any vendor decisions you need to make as the school year starts this fall.

These Cal-ISBOA sponsors and partners can be counted upon to provide top-notch service, and many offer discounts or other special deals to Cal-ISBOA members. They understand the independent school industry and the California reality, and some of your friends and colleagues are already doing business with them.

Check out the Back-to-School Service Provider Directory, and see what our trusted service providers can do for you! Be sure to tell them you are a Cal-ISBOA member.

Campus Visit: San Francisco Waldorf School

TheARRC — Tue, 29 Jul 2025 23:36:49 GMT

July 29, 2025

Earlier this month, Emily Hilldore (DOFO) gave the Cal-ISBOA staff a wonderful tour of the San Francisco Waldorf School, where every inch of class space is used every hour of the day during the academic year. A lushly forested respite just steps away from the concrete landscape of the big city, the High School campus features gardening spaces and its own small hive of bees for hands-on student learning with nature. Integrating art, math, and science at every opportunity, the Waldorf School has its own weaving studio full of looms and partially finished student textile projects, whose patterns were devised using the geometric patterns and formulas students learn in their math classes.

We thank Emily and the San Francisco Waldorf School for hosting us at your beautiful campus!

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Campus Visit: Silicon Valley International School

TheARRC — Thu, 24 Jul 2025 23:38:24 GMT

July 24, 2025

A couple weeks ago, the Cal-ISBOA board and staff was graciously hosted at the Silicon Valley International School (INTL) in Palo Alto, which generously lent its quadra-lingual Media Hub to our Board Orientation. Erik Paxman (CFO at INTL and a VP of the Cal-ISBOA Board) treated Board members and staff to a fantastic tour of the K-5 campus, where we were all impressed by the modern classrooms full of natural light and the interactive signage and art to engage students. Offering immersive bilingual programs in French, German, and Chinese (PK-12), INTL is an International Baccalaureate World School authorized to provide the full continuum of IB education.

Thanks again to Erik and to INTL for hosting us at your amazing campus!

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Campus Visit: Chinese American International School

TheARRC — Thu, 17 Jul 2025 23:40:40 GMT

July 17, 2025

Last week, the Cal-ISBOA staff was graciously hosted by Susan Sun (Business Officer) and Amy Chang (Payroll & HR Supervisor) for a fascinating tour of Chinese American International School (CAIS) at their still-new location in San Francisco. We learned about the extensive renovations (including significant seismic reinforcements!) done on several school buildings, and how happy the staff, faculty, and students are to be housed on a single campus. Serving a culturally diverse community, CAIS offers a continuum of educational experiences, from full Chinese immersion for its youngest students to Chinese as a second language for middle schoolers, and its rigorous academic program consistently produces students with a very high level of language proficiency and cultural understanding.

Thank you again to Susan, Amy, and CAIS for sharing your wonderful school with us!

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New Cal-ISBOA Board Gets Oriented

TheARRC — Mon, 14 Jul 2025 23:42:02 GMT

July 14, 2025

Each year, Cal-ISBOA hosts a Board Orientation to welcome new Board members and provide a governance refresher for continuing Board members. This year's orientation was led by President Nicole Pennington and Executive Director Scarlett Vanyi in collaboration with other Board leaders on July 9 as a hybrid meeting at Silicon Valley International School (VP Erik Paxman's school in Palo Alto) and online.

The gathering provided an excellent opportunity for new and continuing Board members to deepen their understanding of Cal-ISBOA's objectives and operations and get to know one another better. Participants left with a clear understanding of the association's history and strategic direction, policies and procedures, and roles and responsibilities, which laid a solid foundation for the important and collaborative work the Board will undertake over the next year.

We look forward to working with this talented Board of Directors to achieve our collective goals and vision for Cal-ISBOA!

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Campus Tour: Marlborough School

TheARRC — Mon, 07 Jul 2025 23:42:50 GMT

July 7, 2025

In mid-June, the Cal-ISBOA Southern California Facilities Workshop was hosted at the scenic Marlborough School campus in Los Angeles, and Matt Riddle, Director of Facilities and Capital Planning, kindly toured our group around their facilities to cap off our day of professional learning and networking. Throughout the day and our tour, we were impressed by Marlborough’s incredible staff, their state-of-the-art facilities, and the breathtaking view of the Hollywood Hills from its 110,000-square-foot campus.

Thanks again to Matt and to Marlborough School for hosting us at your beautiful campus!

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Campus Visit: The Oaks School

TheARRC — Thu, 03 Jul 2025 23:43:47 GMT

July 3, 2025

Cal-ISBOA member schools are the heart of our organization, and visiting them in person is a true privilege. While in Los Angeles for the Southern California Facilities Workshop, Membership Engagement Manager Peggy Marshall was treated to a tour of The Oaks School from Aaron Fielding, Business Manager. Located on the campus of a renovated historic church, The Oaks School is a lush, green oasis in the urban heart of Los Angeles, where things are remarkably peaceful despite bustling surroundings. And remember this tidbit for your next Trivia Night: the unforgettable school dance scene in Back to the Future was filmed in The Oaks School’s gym!

Thanks again to Aaron and The Oaks School for the tour!

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Campus Visit: Children's Day School

TheARRC — Tue, 01 Jul 2025 23:48:30 GMT

July 1, 2025

Cal-ISBOA staff are grateful any time we can see our incredible member schools in action! Last month, we were graciously hosted by Jeanne Jacobs-Gaffney, Director of Finance and Operations at Children's Day School in San Francisco, where Executive Director Scarlett Vanyi learned about their signature on-campus farm in the middle of the city and met the newest CDS “students.” Children’s Day is located just across the street from the historic Misión San Francisco de Asís, or “Mission Dolores,” and the school’s beautiful campus features unique repurposed structures like the iconic San Francisco three-story rowhouses (full of staff offices now!) and Catholic school buildings.

Thanks again to Jeanne and to Children's Day School for sharing their special school with us!

Thank You for Attending the Southern California Facilities Workshop!

TheARRC — Mon, 23 Jun 2025 23:49:01 GMT

June 23, 2025

Thank You for helping to make our Southern California Facilities Workshop a success! We shared an invigorating day of professional learning and networking, topped off with a tour of the incomparable Marlborough School in Los Angeles from Matt Riddle. Your active participation, insightful discussions, and unwavering support truly made this event memorable.

Our small but mighty group had a blast together! Please enjoy some photos from the event below.

We are so grateful to our Facilities Subcommittee, chaired by Matt Riddle (Marlborough School) and Vice-Chaired by Pamela Connor (Campbell Hall). Your committed leadership throughout planning and hosting the workshop was essential, enabling Cal-ISBOA to deliver a high-quality experience in support of Facilities Directors, CFOs, and others who handle the unique work of Facilities at their independent schools.

Special thanks go out to our generous Sponsor Building Solutions for supporting the Southern California Facilities Workshop!

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Fostering the Future in the Present: Join the Cal-ISBOA Mentor Program

TheARRC — Fri, 20 Jun 2025 23:50:48 GMT

June 20, 2025

Collegial support is a defining characteristic of the Cal-ISBOA culture and is one of the many benefits of membership in the Association. The Cal-ISBOA Mentor Program for Business, HR, Facilities, and Operations Professionals, started in 2023 by the Membership Committee, connects professionals at different stages of their career to support each other, be a sounding board for California independent school issues, and offer guidance and advice when it is needed. Mentor Program participants and others interested in joining the program gathered for an informal meetup during the 2025 Annual Meeting in Berkeley, led by the Membership Committee Chair Ken Parr (Carlthorp School).

As our education community knows only too well, learning is a lifelong process. Although the value of hard-won wisdom and experience in the industry cannot be overstated, we believe that the best learning is reciprocal, and professionals early in their journeys have much to contribute as well. The Mentor Program offers California independent schools business officers at every stage an opportunity to continue their learning and growth, while connecting with colleagues in our field.

Cal-ISBOA's Mentor Program is currently seeking members interested in participating in the program. Pairings will be made based on job title, years of experience in your role, and location and size of school where possible. Let us know if you are interested in joining the program by filling out the form below.

Join the Mentor Program

Board of Directors Ratifies 2025-2026 Executive Committee

TheARRC — Mon, 16 Jun 2025 23:53:02 GMT

June 16, 2025

The Cal-ISBOA Bylaws identify an Executive Committee that can act in the place of the Board between Board meetings on urgent matters. The committee is composed of five officers and up to two Board members selected by the President and ratified by the Board.

During the June 9, 2025 Board meeting, Incoming President Nicole Pennington (Los Encinos School) asked for the Board’s ratification of two Board members for appointment to the 2025-2026 Executive Committee. In addition to Incoming President Nicole Pennington, Incoming Vice President Ken Parr (Carlthorp School), Incoming Vice President Erik Paxman (Silicon Valley International School), Treasurer Steve Bajc (Chinese American International School), Incoming Secretary Jane Davis (The Archer School for Girls), the committee will include two Board appointees, Rebecca Rowland (Campbell Hall) and Deepika Nabar (Archbishop Mitty High School).

The Board is pleased to confirm the appointment of these esteemed colleagues to the committee!

Board of Directors Adopts 2026-2028 Strategic Plan

TheARRC — Mon, 16 Jun 2025 23:52:38 GMT

June 16, 2025

We are pleased to announce that Cal-ISBOA’s Board of Directors has adopted a new Strategic Plan that will guide our organization’s direction over the next three years. This moment is the result of a mammoth collaborative effort over many months, and we thank our entire community from school members to corporate business partners for providing input that informed our work throughout this process. Special thanks to our Board and Committees for their strong commitment to our community and to our work, and to Jim DeLizia of DeLizia Consulting Services for expertly guiding our planning process.

The Cal-ISBOA 2026-2028 Strategic Plan sets an ambitious yet carefully considered direction for our organization to expand and deepen its impact while remaining true to our core principles and goals. Learn more and read the full plan!

NorCal Members Gather at Rooftop Lounge

TheARRC — Thu, 12 Jun 2025 23:54:20 GMT

June 12, 2025

On Thursday, June 5, members from around the Northern California bay area gathered after work to sip, savor, socialize and soak in the stunning city views at the lovely Shelby's Rooftop Bar & Lounge high atop the Canopy Hotel by Hilton on 4th Street in San Francisco. The distinctive dishes and delightful drinks were only topped by the group's compelling conversations and cohesive camaraderie. What a fantastic way to celebrate the end of another school year together!

Special thanks to Regional Liaison Tony Morgan (Presidio Hill School) for arranging this gathering even while facing the 100 days of May. And big thanks to all who journeyed from points near and far to come together in Cal-ISBOA style.

Right and Below: Cal-ISBOA members come together at Shelby's Rooftop to celebrate another year in the books. Pictured are Executive Director Scarlett Vanyi, Steve Bajc (Chinese American International School), Tony Morgan (Presidio Hill School), Jeanne Jacobs-Gaffney (Children's Day School), Margaret Randazzo (Hillbrook School), Monica DePalmo (Presentation High School), Jerry Mullaney (Head-Royce School), and Erik Paxman (Silicon Valley International School).

Photo credit: Tony Morgan.

Cal-ISBOA in May and Everyday: All About Connection

TheARRC — Mon, 09 Jun 2025 23:55:20 GMT

June 9, 2025

Cal-ISBOA is all about connection: connection with a vibrant community of independent school business professionals who understand the shared challenges of conducting our unique work in our unique state and who commit to creating shared solutions, strategies, and supports for that work and each other. This commitment to connection and community is the focus all-day, everyday for the Cal-ISBOA Board, committees and staff, and we trust in the resources we deliver to members to strengthen these connections through in-person events, webinars, roundtables, and other virtual activities throughout the year.

Right: Attendees chat during the Facilities Workshop.

The Annual Conference and Workshops are a special moment in our yearly cycle at Cal-ISBOA. It's one of the few times our members can gather together to share in-person learning and face-to-face camaraderie, bringing this ever-present but abstract community network into tangible, visible focus. The relationships that are always with us, but not always active in our day-to-day, come back to life with hugs or handshakes exchanged, serendipitous conversations in the buffet line, and the shared experience of listening to a transformative keynote speaker.

Below: Attendees share a toast.

Each year, as we invite participants to give feedback on Cal-ISBOA’s annual events, we hear many preferences, recommendations, compliments, and new ideas through formal and informal channels. Talking with many of you over the past month, we are struck time and again by how deeply attendees value connecting and being able to gather with fellow California indy school business leaders.

We hope you’ve been hearing (and sharing) these positive reflections too! Not surprisingly, the results of our event evaluations mirror the anecdotal feedback we have received, underlining the central importance of being together: “connection with colleagues” was identified consistently as a single most valuable thing respondents got from their experience, and for two out of three events, this was also the highest occurring answer among respondents.

At our annual in-person events, we step away from our schools, out of our Zoom boxes, and into the unique shared space of our community, to get to know each other better as whole people and become better embedded and enmeshed in our helpful network of industry professionals. We reinforce the sense of community and belonging that fuels reciprocally beneficial relationships and exchange among our members through the year and into the future. Together, we are the infrastructure of that abstract community network that supports us all and our shared professional growth throughout the year when we’re spread across the state serving our more than 280 member schools.

Thank you for connecting with us and with each other throughout the year, and thank you for joining us at the 2025 Signature Spring Events in Berkeley! The magic of Cal-ISBOA lies in its members and in the connections they forge with one another, and we are grateful that YOU are part of that magic.

2025: The Year of Newcomers!

TheARRC — Wed, 04 Jun 2025 23:55:53 GMT

June 4, 2025

A record-setting number of attendees at Cal-ISBOA’s Signature Spring Events were joining us for the very first time this year. Over one-third of our entire 2025 group was composed of Newcomers!

In anticipation of this fact, our community worked together before and during our events to support and welcome these first-time attendees into the Cal-ISBOA fold. Newcomers received a special email beforehand offering tips and tricks for getting the most out of our events, in addition to the typical information for attendees. Angela Oliver (Sage Hill School), Marya Davis (Head-Royce School), and David Marcus (de Toledo High School) prepared goodie bags to hand out and make the Newcomers feel welcome. Angela, David, and Keith Powell (The Athenian School) each led an informal Newcomers welcome gathering during one of our events.

At Cal-ISBOA, we learn from and grow with one another, and we are so excited that the size and richness of our community is increasing. Together, we are fostering excellence within independent schools in California.

Newcomers, we’re glad you’re here!

Prioritizing Wellness at the 2025 Signature Spring Events

TheARRC — Fri, 30 May 2025 23:56:52 GMT

May 30, 2025

In an innovation that has been well-received by our community, Cal-ISBOA’s signature spring events featured both wellness and educational activities on the program this year. These included a Sunrise Hike to start the day on May 4 and 5, as well as a Historical Property Tour of The Claremont Resort & Club on the afternoon of May 4, all made possible by the generous support of our 2025 Platinum Sponsor IMA.

The Sunrise Hike explored the natural surroundings and gorgeous views of the Bay Area at a leisurely pace, while the Historical Property Tour, a walking tour, featured beloved stories and interesting facts about the hotel’s historical past.

Conferences can be notoriously grueling: multiple days in a row away from home, eating whatever you can find, and pushing yourself to take full advantage of opportunities for learning and professional growth (while sometimes never stepping out of the hotel!). The Sunrise Hike and the Historical Property Tour were designed to encourage attendees to prioritize their health, get outside into the fresh air, and learn about the fascinating history of their surroundings, all while they travel to support their professional development.

Above: A group of attendees enjoy the Sunrise Hike in the Berkeley Hills during the 2025 Cal-ISBOA Signature Spring Events. Photo by Margaret Randazzo.

We hope you were able to join us for a hike or a tour, in addition to our robust program of professional learning sessions at Cal-ISBOA’s 2025 Signature Spring Events.

2025 Annual Conference Highlight: Welcome Reception & Kick-Off Dinner

TheARRC — Wed, 28 May 2025 23:57:35 GMT

May 28, 2025

The 2025 Cal-ISBOA Annual Conference began with our Welcome Reception where members mingled and enjoyed a drink together. Guests were then treated to an amazing dinner served by The Claremont Resort & Club.

Outgoing Cal-ISBOA Board President Manuel Pardo opened our evening together by welcoming us all to another year’s annual gathering of our diverse and engaging community (see left). Executive Director Scarlett Vanyi echoed this welcome, expressed gratitude to the many devoted members who contributed to Cal-ISBOA’s 2025 signature spring events, and led us all in a toast to the bridges we’ve already built and the new ones we will build together, honoring our conference theme: Bridge to the Future. From there, our evening unfurled in a progression of tasty courses and engaging conversations among our 150 guests.

Each year, this extended time of breaking bread together offers an unbeatable opportunity for attendees to reconnect with their friends, get to know the sponsors who support our events, and build community within the field of independent schools Business, HR, Facilities, and Operations Officers in California.

We hope you will join us next year for the 2026 Cal-ISBOA Welcome Reception and Kick-off Dinner in Southern California! Cal-ISBOA members can purchase tickets as part of registration for our spring events. Keep an eye out for details next February!

Please enjoy a selection of photos of our 2025 Welcome Reception and Kick-off Dinner below.

[GALLERY START]

[GALLERY END]

Paul Falcone Engaged and Inspired 2025 Workshop Attendees with Two Keynote Presentations

TheARRC — Wed, 21 May 2025 23:59:24 GMT

May 21, 2025

Renowned Human Resources authority Paul Falcone keynoted both the Cal-ISBOA HR Workshop and Facilities Workshop on May 4, 2025. Paul is an expert on effective hiring, performance management, and leadership development, specializing in helping companies build higher performing leadership teams. Paul is also a bestselling author and dynamic presenter who offers years of HR leadership experience at prestigious organizations from the Fortune 500 to startups, with experience in union, nonprofit, and international environments. He spent three decades in HR executive roles at organizations such as Nickelodeon, Paramount Pictures, NBCUniversal, Time Warner,and City of Hope Cancer Center Hospital.

Left: Paul Falcone presents his keynote "Leadership Offense and Defense Strategies: Mastering Collaboration, Teambuilding, and Accountability" at the Cal-ISBOA HR Workshop on May 4, 2025 at The Claremont Resort & Club.

Paul led each of our groups through important lessons and strategies for driving higher employee performance in both HR and Facilities spaces. Balancing supportive leadership with expectations of employee accountability, Paul delivered actionable leadership insights, such as:

Engaging in constructive conversations that build employee self-confidence or that require greater accountability
Employing the leader-as-coach model to build your leadership bench
Building “team emotional intelligence” by creating and sustaining a culture based on trust, respect, and open communication
Engaging in tough conversations or formal progressive disciplinary interventions

Workshop registrants received an email with links to Paul's presentations and more.

Jane McGonigal Delivers Riveting Keynote at 2025 Cal-ISBOA Annual Conference

TheARRC — Tue, 20 May 2025 00:02:30 GMT

May 19, 2025

World-renowned futurist, game designer, and bestselling author Dr. Jane McGonigal keynoted our 2025 Annual Meeting & Conference on May 5. In her role as Director of Game Research and Development at the Institute for the Future, Dr. McGonigal designs simulations and experiences that help people build mental resilience and rehearse for complex futures.

Dr. McGonigal holds a Ph.D. in Performance Studies from the University of California, Berkeley, where she was among the first to study the impact of games on human behavior. Her work has reached millions through her bestselling books Reality is Broken, SuperBetter, and Imaginable, and her TED Talks (viewed over 15 million times) have made her one of the leading voices on the psychology of transformation.

Jane shared insights on how to approach uncertainty with creativity, reframe challenges as opportunities, and strengthen our capacity to lead our schools through change. Jane challenged us to think boldly about what’s ahead and how we prepare for it.

She taught us several unique approaches and strategies to invoke our creativity and led us through some "mental time travel" where we imagined and inhabited specific futures and engaged our mental flexibility.

Jane also created a custom AI tool just for our conference, and registrants received an email with links to this tool and other materials from her presentation to help us continue to envision and build a Bridge to the Future.

Right: Jane McGonigal presents her keynote "Urgent Optimism" at the Cal-ISBOA Annual Conference on May 5, 2025 at The Claremont Resort & Club.

Thank You for Attending Cal-ISBOA's 2025 Signature Spring Events!

TheARRC — Wed, 14 May 2025 00:03:53 GMT

May 13, 2025

We are grateful that so many of you attended our Annual Conference, HR Workshop, and Facilities Workshop last week in the Berkeley Hills! We shared two days of professional learning and networking at The Claremont Resort & Club. Your active participation, insightful discussions, and unwavering support truly made this event memorable.

We hope you had as much fun as we did! Enjoy some photo evidence below.

We are so grateful to our Annual Conference Committee, chaired by Natalie Morales (Chandler School), HR Subcommittee, chaired by Marya Davis (Head-Royce School), and Facilities Subcommittee, chaired by Matt Riddle (Marlborough School) and Vice-Chaired by Pamela Connor (Campbell Hall). Your tireless and visionary leadership fuels our organization and enables Cal-ISBOA to deliver high-quality professional development and networking opportunities to our unique community.

Special thanks go out to our Annual Corporate Sponsors for providing members with affordable access to these events.

[GALLERY START]

[GALLERY END]

Our Congratulations to Lisa Turchan, Recipient of the 2025 MACI Award!

TheARRC — Tue, 06 May 2025 00:07:31 GMT

May 5, 2025

We are thrilled to announce that Lisa Turchan, CFOO at The Buckley School, has received the 2025 MACI Award!

Named after Cal-ISBOA’s founding Executive Director, The Martha Ambros Community Impact (MACI) Award is given to a member of the California independent school community who has distinguished themself through their engagement in professional development activities, their connection with fellow members, and their impact within the Cal-ISBOA community. Consistent with Martha’s leadership, recipients will have transcended their role as an employee of an independent school by furthering the hallmarks of our association: collegiality, connectedness, integrity, and friendship within and across school communities.

Inaugurated in 2024, the Martha Ambros Community Impact Award is presented annually at the Cal-ISBOA annual meeting. Lisa received her award, presented by Cal-ISBOA Board President Manuel Pardo (Crossroads School for Arts and Sciences) and Board Members Rebecca Rowland (Campbell Hall) and Nicole Pennington (Los Encinos School) during the 2025 Annual Meeting in Berkeley.

Left: Cal-ISBOA President Manuel Pardo and Board Members Rebecca Rowland and Nicole Pennington present the 2025 MACI award to Lisa Turchan at the Claremont Resort & Club in the Berkeley Hills.

Lisa Turchan started her Independent School journey as a Chief Financial Officer in 2004 at The Buckley School, and she is still serving at the same school today. Lisa served on the Cal-ISBOA Board from 2012 to 2016, and she continues to serve as a regional liaison and participates in the Cal-ISBOA mentor program. She also currently serves on the NBOA board, representing California on the national level.

Lisa is the embodiment of the spirit of Cal-ISBOA. She believes in the missions of our schools, and she believes in ensuring that the business operations of independent schools remain strong and unimpeachable. Having transitioned into the independent school world from the entertainment industry, Lisa understands the need for mentorship and peer support in our professions. Lisa has been a long-time "connector" within the Cal-ISBOA community for many years. She reaches out to new Business Officers in a quiet and unassuming way, just to let them know that she's available, should they need advice or guidance regarding the unique nature of independent schools. We are so fortunate to have Lisa as a leader in our community!

About winning this year’s MACI Award, Lisa says,

It’s truly an honor to be recognized by my peers for something I love doing. I’ve always believed that as you give to the world, the world gives back to you—and over the past 20 years, I’ve received far more in return through the deep friendships, meaningful connections, and spirit of collegiality within this community.

I was fortunate to have worked closely with Martha Ambros during her leadership at Cal-ISBOA, and I carry forward the high standards she set. Her example is an inspiration and I’m deeply grateful for the long-standing relationships I’ve built within this community. I thank each of you for your collaboration, support, and camaraderie.

Alona Scott, Head of School of The Buckley School, adds her congratulations and says,

We are thrilled that Lisa is being honored by Cal-ISBOA as the recipient of the Martha Ambros Community Impact Award. Lisa has a brilliant mind, and an ever-expanding heart. This award is a tribute to her consistent efforts to welcome, embrace, and connect independent school professionals.

When Lisa arrived at Buckley 20+ years ago, the school was running an annual operating deficit. Working strategically, Lisa has not only led the school to financial health, including the development of a $55M+ endowment, but she has also overseen the successful expansion of the CUP and campus master planning, including the construction of six buildings, the most recent of which will open this summer. In addition, Lisa has shepherded the school through a number of challenging times, ranging from the markets of 2008 to the pandemic to the impact of Hollywood Strikes and, just this year, the fires in Los Angeles.

Working side by side with her has been a gift. All of us in the independent school world are lucky to have her as a colleague and those of us who are really lucky, also get to call her a friend.

Lisa joins the Cal-ISBOA Board of Directors and staff in encouraging our community to start thinking NOW about who you’d like to recognize with the 2026 award! Speaking to why 2026 nominations are important, Lisa says,

The role of the business officer and the business office is often behind the scenes. While our contributions may not always be visible to the broader school community, they are deeply understood by our peers. We cannot do our jobs if it is not for the continual support we get from each other, whether it’s answering a question on the listserv, sharing school data for benchmarking, talking through a complex situation only another business officer would grasp, or simply exchanging a laugh over lunch—we are stronger because of each other.

We know the value of these relationships and the importance of recognizing and thanking each other. This nomination is a sign of gratitude, a thank you for being there, and an acknowledgment of the impact it had on your journey. Most of all, it is a continuation of the tradition of mutual support that defines our community.

Although we will not announce 2026 award nominations until after the first of the year, you may submit nominations for next year’s award at any time through this form:

NOMINATE YOUR COLLEAGUES

To be eligible for this award, individuals must demonstrate active involvement in our community through engagement in the Listserv, conferences, and other programming offered by Cal-ISBOA. Current Board members are not eligible.

In the spirit of celebrating service in our community, the Board invites all Cal-ISBOA members to nominate members worthy of this prestigious recognition.

Our nomination form will collect some basic information to facilitate our award administration as well as a simple statement about why you believe the nominee deserves this recognition based on the award description.

Please send any questions about this award to Executive Director Scarlett Vanyi at scarlett.vanyi@isboa.org.

Announcing the 2025 Cal-ISBOA Board of Directors Election Results

TheARRC — Tue, 06 May 2025 00:06:25 GMT

We are pleased to announce that the 2025 Election of the Cal-ISBOA Board of Directors has been completed. Thanks to our member schools for taking part in this important governance process!

We welcome the following newly elected Board members for their first term, 2025-2028:

John Amussen, Chaminade College Preparatory, Chatsworth
Terry Lee, The Nueva School, Hillsborough
Jennifer Macias, Sonoma Country Day School, Santa Rosa
Eleazar Madrid, Redwood Day School, Oakland

The Following Board Members were reelected to continue serving for a second term, 2025-2028:

Sheba McCoy, The College Preparatory School, Oakland
Deepika Nabar, Archbishop Mitty High School, San Jose
Erik Paxman, Silicon Valley International School, Palo Alto
Rebecca Rowland, Campbell Hall, North Hollywood

For 2025-2026, our Board Officers will be:

President: Nicole Pennington, Los Encinos School, Encino
Vice President: Ken Parr, Carlthorp School, Santa Monica
Vice President: Erik Paxman, Silicon Valley International School, Palo Alto
Treasurer: Steve Bajc, Chinese American International School, San Francisco
Secretary: Jane Davis, The Archer School for Girls, Los Angeles

Congratulations to all new and returning Board members! Thank you for your service to our community.

2024 MACI Award Winner Angela Oliver Encourages Nominations for the 2025 Award

TheARRC — Thu, 03 Apr 2025 00:11:08 GMT

April 2, 2025

There’s still time to nominate your colleagues for the 2025 Martha Ambros Community Impact Award!

**Deadline extended**: Nominations must be submitted by midnight on April 9.

Named after Cal-ISBOA’s founding Executive Director, the Martha Ambros Community Impact (MACI) Award is given to a member of the California independent school community who has distinguished themselves through their engagement in professional development activities, their connection with fellow members, and their impact within the Cal-ISBOA community. Consistent with Martha’s leadership, recipients will have transcended their role as an employee of an independent school by furthering the hallmarks of our association: collegiality, connectedness, integrity, and friendship within and across school communities.

Inaugurated last year, the Martha Ambros Community Impact Award will be presented annually at the Cal-ISBOA annual meeting. Angela Oliver, HR Director of Sage Hill School, received the 2024 MACI Award in recognition of her distinguished service to her school, to Cal-ISBOA, and to the independent school community.

Angela Oliver is the founding Director of Human Resources at Sage Hill School, where she is in her 24th year of service. Becoming a member of Cal-ISBOA in 2012, Angela was the very first non-financial officer to serve on our Board of Directors from 2013 to 2018. She was a key member of the planning committee for the first statewide Cal-ISBOA conference held in 2013 in LA after the North and South branches of our organization merged. She was instrumental in developing the HR programming and awareness at Cal-ISBOA and helped to launch the HR Workshop and Roundtable gatherings, where she remains a frequent presenter and valued participant.

Opposite: Cal-ISBOA Past President Nick Hernandez and Current President Manuel Pardo present the 2024 MACI award to Angela Oliver at the Garland Hotel in North Hollywood.

About winning last year’s MACI Award, Angela says, “When I received the 2024 Award, I felt so lucky. To me, this award is not only about the work I do, but about everyone else in our community and how I get so much more than I give. There is no better honor than to be recognized by your peers! They are in the trenches with you, and they truly understand what you do, so this is such a special honor. Thank you!”

Angela joins the Board of Directors and Cal-ISBOA staff in encouraging nominations for the 2025 Martha Ambros Community Impact Award. She says, “All of us in the business office work behind the scenes, and many don’t know what we do, but we’re actually the backbone of why independent schools function. We aren’t the reason students or their parents select our schools—-but we are an important part of how independent schools survive and thrive to serve their students. This important service deserves recognition! Nominate your colleagues to honor our community’s service to each other and to our schools.”

Angela joins the Board of Directors and Cal-ISBOA staff in encouraging nominations for the 2025 Martha Ambros Community Impact Award!

In the spirit of celebrating service in our community, the Board invites all Cal-ISBOA members to nominate members worthy of this prestigious recognition.

NOMINATE

We will announce the recipient of this year’s Martha Ambros Community Impact Award at the Annual Meeting on Monday, May 5, 2025. We hope to see you there!

Please send any questions about this award to Executive Director Scarlett Vanyi at scarlett.vanyi@isboa.org.

2025 Board of Directors Election Now Open

TheARRC — Sat, 29 Mar 2025 00:12:27 GMT

March 28, 2025

The Cal-ISBOA Board of Directors has announced the 2025 slate for new and returning Board members, and the election is now underway. The primary contact at each member school has received emails with instructions about how to cast a vote on behalf of their school. Electronic voting will close on April 30, and all member schools yet to cast a ballot will have a final opportunity to vote in person just prior to the Annual Meeting on Monday, May 5. Please contact Executive Director Scarlett Vanyi if you have any questions or concerns.

Thank you to the following candidates for their willingness to serve our community:

Board Officers:

President: Nicole Pennington, Los Encinos School, Encino
Vice President: Ken Parr, Carlthorp School, Santa Monica
Vice President: Erik Paxman, Silicon Valley International School, Palo Alto
Treasurer: Steve Bajc, Chinese American International School, San Francisco
Secretary: Jane Davis, The Archer School for Girls, Los Angeles

Second Term Board Members:

Sheba McCoy, The College Preparatory School, Oakland
Deepika Nabar, Archbishop Mitty High School, San Jose
Erik Paxman, Silicon Valley International School, Palo Alto
Rebecca Rowland, Campbell Hall, North Hollywood

New Board Members:

John Amussen, Chaminade College Preparatory, Chatsworth
Terry Lee, The Nueva School, Hillsborough
Jennifer Macias, Sonoma Country Day School, Santa Rosa
Eleazar Madrid, Redwood Day School, Oakland

Election results will be announced during the Annual Meeting, Monday, May 5.