On today's episode of Roll Call, Brian and Josh welcome Dr. Susan Baldridge, Executive Director of The Association of Boarding Schools (TABS), for a wide-ranging conversation about the future of boarding schools and the challenges school leaders are navigating today.

Susan shares her perspective on the evolving "triple threat" faculty model, changing workforce expectations, staff wellness, residential life, enrollment pressures, and the growing role of AI in education. The discussion explores how schools are balancing long-standing traditions with modern realities, from professionalizing dorm life to helping students develop the uniquely human skills that technology cannot replace.

They also dive into international enrollment trends, cell phone policies, student development, and why boarding schools may become even more valuable in an age where information is instantly available. If you're interested in leadership, education, and what schools need to do to prepare students for the future, this episode is worth the listen.

Show notes:

00:00 — Welcome + Susan Baldridge introduction

03:00 — Is the traditional boarding school model changing?

07:30 — Staff wellness, burnout, and workforce expectations

13:00 — Professionalizing residential life

18:55 — AI, human connection, and the boarding school advantage

24:40 — The "drawbridge" approach to AI in schools

27:10 — Cell phones, self-discipline, and student development

37:45 — Enrollment trends and international recruitment

44:25 — The challenges facing smaller schools

48:25 — Why Susan remains hopeful about education

Learn more about TABS and Susan Baldridge: https://www.tabs.org/new-executive-director/