This episode of the Independent School Moonshot Podcast is sponsored by Blackbaud.

Blackbaud helps independent schools unify admissions, advancement, academics, and finance so leaders spend less time chasing data and more time leading. Visit blackbaud.com to learn more.

In this episode, we go inside the successful merger that created Steamboat Mountain School, the only K–12 day and boarding school in Colorado.

Head of School Samantha Coyne Donnel and Board Chair Mona Gibson share the story of how a collaborative relationship between two small schools grew into a complete merger during the height of COVID.

They reveal the trust-building steps, governance decisions, and cultural commitments that allowed them to unify without losing the identity, traditions, or strengths of either campus.

For school leaders curious about mergers, this conversation offers a rare look at the process from first conversation to ongoing cultural integration, and the leadership mindset that makes it possible.

What You'll Learn from Samantha Coyne Donnel and Mona Gibson:

• Start with collaboration, not the merger question. A shared services mindset (like combining business office functions) can lay the groundwork for trust and bigger possibilities.
• Mission alignment is non-negotiable. Similar values and educational philosophies made unification feasible without sacrificing core programs.
• Transparency builds trust. Both boards shared complete financial and operational data early, with outside consultants helping test assumptions.
• Culture is the hardest—and most important—work. Program continuity, branding choices, and new traditions all helped knit the community together.
• Be patient and nimble. The school took time to define core principles and rebrand thoughtfully, rather than forcing quick decisions that might not stick.

Recommended Next Steps

• Audit potential shared services with nearby schools to explore efficiencies before broaching a merger.
• Form a joint task force with clear decision-making frameworks for collaboration and possible merger exploration.
• Engage outside experts to review finances, governance, and programmatic fit without bias.
• Define cultural priorities and design principles before tackling branding or structure changes.
• Communicate in stages. Announce the merger, then involve the community in shaping the unified school’s future.