Seven Vital Tools for Every Homeschool Leader

Thank you to Carol from Homeschool CPA for today's article!

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In every trade, a worker needs particular tools to do his or her job well. An architect has blueprints and a painter has drop cloths and brushes. Likewise homeschool leaders need several “tools” to help them successfully lead their organizations. Out of all the tools a homeschool leader need, these seven are the most vital.

1. A mission statement to define a group. Like a mirror to an actress, a mission statement reflects the purpose and mission of a group. A mirror helps an actress see herself and a mission statement helps a homeschool group define itself. A mission statement tells the world who you are and what you do in a short statement, but it also reminds your members and leaders of what makes you r group unique.

2. A policy manual will guide decision making. A delivery driver needs a map to guide him in his work and in the same way a policy manual keeps a homeschool organization on the correct path toward its mission. Too often homeschool leaders can be distracted by day-to-day decisions that could be spelled out in a policy manual.

3. A board to help divide the workload. A good leader allows other people to help in decision making and day-to-day responsibilities. A waitress does not run a restaurant all by herself. She needs a cook, busboy, dishwasher and hostess to serve all the customers. Neither should a homeschool leader carry the entire workload; she should use the talents and skills of board members.

4. A budget to control the money. A budget sets limits on spreading and establishes goals for needed income. Like a blueprint to a builder, a budget is a plan to follow to achieve a group's goals.

5. Insurance coverage to protect the organization's assets. A general liability insurance policy protects a homeschool organization in case of property damage. Having insurance is similar to a painter using a drop cloth to protect valuable furniture.

6. Profits provide a surplus for emergencies, big events and large purchases. Contrary to their name, homeschool nonprofits can make a profit. The profit belongs to the group for future use instead of belonging to the owner as in a for-profit business. Retaining a surplus of cash is like a seam allowance to a seamstress; they both allow for alterations, corrections and growth.

7. Nonprofit incorporation will shield your leaders from personal liability. Incorporating a homeschool group as a nonprofit corporation provides limited liability protection for the leadership. Called the “corporate shield of protection,” limited liability means that a leader or officer is not liable for the debts of the corporation. Like a face shield or safety goggles protect a welder’s eyes from sparks and flames, nonprofit corporate status safeguards your leaders.



Carol L. Topp, CPA (www.HomeschoolCPA.com) is a homeschooling mother of two daughters and author of Homeschool Co-ops: How to Start Them, Run Them and Not Burn Out. She enjoys using her accounting skills to help homeschool organizations.

photo by Mike Tigas