SPARC is a dynamic and energetic community. Stay informed about all that is going on in the auxiliary world: see profiles of auxiliary leaders, take deep dives into notable programs, and explore important themes.
The highlight of the 2025-2026 Leadership Institute was the collection of capstone projects developed by this year's cohort of auxiliary professionals. The five standout capstones featured here show how the Leadership Institute's comprehensive skill-building sessions lead to real-world success. Continue Reading
Kim Aycock and Jolly Corley believe that shaping camp culture begins with developing a strong staff community. In a recent SPARC webinar, they shared 12 steps to create a staff culture for an impactful and joyful camp experience. Continue Reading
Auxiliary programs attract leaders from a variety of backgrounds with diverse skill sets, experiences, and education. SPARC Senior Advisor David Sullivan shares why professional development is a must for auxiliary leaders to achieve program success. Continue Reading
After eight years as Marlborough School's Director of Summer School and Enrichment Programs, Ida Dahan shares what she's learning about ensuring the future of the school's auxiliary programs through strategic succession planning. Continue Reading
Schools spend enormous energy crafting the message families receive at open houses and admissions events. But that targets families who have already decided to look at your school. What about the families who haven't decided yet? Continue Reading
When Chad Perney stepped in as Stony Brook School's first Director of Auxiliary Programs, he found a chaotic facilities rental system in dire need of change. This is how he turned it around in just one year. Continue Reading
Auxiliary programs often operate in the background of a school's ecosystem. But step back and look at the bigger picture: auxiliary touches almost every strategic priority a school has. Continue Reading
Crediting the rigor of music training, a love of youth education, and a passion for data, Director of Auxiliary Programs Sabrina Raber has seen remarkable growth in auxiliary program revenue during her two-year tenure at the University of Milwaukee School. Continue Reading
After conversations with school leaders at the NAIS National Conference and the NBOA Annual Meeting, one theme stood out: auxiliary is no longer an afterthought, it’s becoming a strategic priority. Continue Reading
Effective auxiliary leadership is a crucial part of independent school's impact, branding, and long-term financial stability, and hiring the right person to head your school's auxiliary department is more important than ever. Read how the pros at SPARC find the best candidates for the job. Continue Reading
Independent schools can no longer afford to treat afterschool programs, both care and enrichment, as peripheral to the academic day. Afterschool is not an add-on; it is a core extension of the student experience. Read on to learn how to create a more intentional, mission-aligned afterschool program. Continue Reading
As we enter a new year, many of us are trading resolutions for a thoughtfully-chosen Word--or phrase--of the Year. SPARC Senior Advisor Karen McCann McClelland shares her choice for 2026 and encourages us to consider how a word or phrase can keep us focused on what matters most. Continue Reading
