Most people don’t think that business and education should be mixed, turning their noses up at the idea. However, there is plenty of evidence to suggest that when business leaders become involved with schools, they can help transform these institutions for the better. But how exactly do business leaders help schools? Well, we’re going to be discussing these very questions in our article today. Read on if you need further convincing or would like to find out more.
How Can Business Leaders Get Involved?
There are a number of ways that local business leaders and community members can get involved in education. One of the most common routes it to become a school governor or a trustee. As a school governor, you can help the school with its strategy, hold the headteacher accountable for their school’s performance, provide support and ensure the budget is properly managed. Usually, leaders can apply to become a governor by contacting their local council or by applying directly to the local school or college.
So, what happens when they get involved?
Budget Restrictions
One major problem that most schools face is budgeting restrictions. They often can’t afford the resources and facilities they need to deliver a high-quality education to their schoolchildren. However, business leaders are incredibly savvy when it comes to overcoming budgeting issues. After all, they often come from finance-orientated backgrounds – unlike teachers and Heads Of School. Business leaders can sometimes identify where schools are expending their resources unnecessarily, or where they might access extra funding. This is exactly what the www.schooltrustee.blog talks about in its article on economical EdTech. They explain the most cost-effective ways for schools to deliver a technology supported education.
A New Perspective
Business leaders might be able to see the blind spots in your organisation that go otherwise unnoticed. They can provide a new perspective on how to improve the existing policies, procedures, facilities and resources in place. For example, they might suggest switching to EdTech when it comes to setting homework; or implement a smart card system into the school canteen, so it’s easier to provide free meals. Their perspective can prove extremely valuable.
Business Strategies
Though schools are designed for delivering education, they are business organisations at the end of the day. They need to pay labour fees for workers, build connections with suppliers, contend with overheads, etcetera. As we mentioned before, business leaders have extensive experience in this area. They can impart this knowledge with the school board, helping them to run the schooling ‘business’ more effectively. For instance, they might highlight where economies of scale can be made and then create solutions. Their commercial knowledge can be used to help the school with its strategy.
Upskilling for the New Market
We have started the transition into a digital era, making some jobs redundant and increasing the demand for others. Meanwhile, school is all about helping young people find out what they want to do in life and then providing them with the education to acquire a job in this career sector. As such, schools might want to adapt curriculum provision to suit what the new business landscape looks like. Otherwise, they could be educating students about subjects which have become obsolete. Business leaders can help schools to make this transition, as they understand the market better than anyone. They recognise the importance of EdTech and teaching schoolchildren the core skills of computing, for example.
Attracting a Skilled Workforce
We have all heard about financial capital – but what about human capital? This term is used when describing the skill level of your workforce. Obviously, schools will need talented teachers and leaders at their forefront, so they can ensure they are delivering the best possible education to their students. But how exactly does one go about attracting human capital? This is what business leaders can help share experience. For instance, they know what incentives and marketing will attract skilled staff to the school and so can offer advice to the hiring team.
Innovative Solutions
Having successful business people involved with the school board is also helpful when it comes to providing innovative solutions because of their experience in a commercial setting. This has especially been highlighted by the coronavirus pandemic. Business leaders in the EdTech sector have been an invaluable resource during this time – providing schools with smart advice on how to adapt to the rapidly changing landscape. Business leaders can bring their tech into schools and ensure that the best possible outcomes for students are secured.
Education Marketing
It seems odd that you would need marketing for schools, but it’s true. After all, you want to attract human capital and have parents enrol their children in your school above others. Business leaders will have a marketing background to help with this. They can help to formulate plans and agree on marketing targets. Marketing isn’t always free and so they will need to be consulted to ensure financial probity.
As you can see, business leaders can become a massive asset to schools, from both an educational and commercial perspective. They provide expertise, create strategies and help to make the collective visions for education happen.
