The financial sustainability of Maui's small independent schools
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2014-08
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University of Hawaii at Manoa
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"The Financial Sustainability of Maui's Small Independent Schools" examined strategies for financial sustainability used by Maui's small independent schools (three hundred students or less). The author articulated strategies used by the schools and suggested measurement and evaluation of these strategies. The project utilized mixed method, exploratory action research to collect data in three phases and from three perspectives for triangulation: Phase One--what do the experts say? Phase Two--what do the numbers say? and Phase Three--what do the schools say? Primary data included interviews as well as the IRS Tax Form 990 submitted by small Maui schools over a three-year period. Patton's Actual-Ideal Comparative Evaluation Format guided integration of the data in order to produce an adjusted vision for the financial sustainability of Maui's small independent schools. The key finding was that financial sustainability relies on a clearly articulated and relevant mission activating "passion and heart" for what the school is doing, and personal sacrifice by faculty, staff, and parents. This mission was central to two strands of action for the school: 1) expressing "the soul of a school" so that strong enrollment and donations result, and 2) developing strategic action for the school so that finances are managed and the school adapts to the environment. Execution of the school's mission relied on an entrepreneurial spirit of "doing what it takes," "planning for growth," "defying odds," and "taking a chance." Limitations of this study included its focus on six small schools on Maui, and a single researcher approach. This study contributed to HAIS' understanding of the nature of a small school on Maui, and provided the Maui schools with an opportunity to self-define their existence, especially within the context of accreditation.
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Theses for the degree of Doctor of Education (University of Hawaii at Manoa). Professional Practice.
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