Who Runs the School?

With so many rumors running about, we realize that maybe we haven't been completely clear about our understanding of the role of the Head of School, and in particular, how we see our new Head of School.

We want to be clear. We are looking for a Head of School who will examine every facet of Kadima's program and environment, and will, exercising the Head's knowledge, skill and leadership, ensure that Kadima's program thrives into the future as the preeminent Jewish Day School in our area. As Board members, we have a generalized vision for Kadima--that it be a locus for serious Jewish education in our community--but that vision will gradually change as the new Head learns more about Kadima and works with the Board to grow Kadima for the future. Kadima, after the Head starts, will ultimately reflect the shared vision of the new Head and the Board.

We also want to be clear that we are looking for a strong Head; we are looking for someone who will recognize what works and will not hesitate to fix what does not. We want someone who will be unafraid to make necessary change; we are not looking for sychophant. Within the general ambit of being a Jewish Day School, we have no sacred cows. Granted, before making wholesale changes, the Head will need to lead the Board to a shared vision and wisdom supporting those changes--otherwise any suggested changes will fail. But the Board intends to hire a Head that will look at everything. This means that everything will be up for discussion, but in the end, in certain fields--staffing, curriculum, management--the Head will have complete carte blanche to make whatever changes the Head wants, provided it meets the Board's and the Head's shared vision for the school.

This is why getting the right Head of School is so important. Our Board does not run the school; the Head of School runs the school. And we are fully prepared to support the new Head's efforts to make our school better.

This is all very exciting. Some of it may be difficult, but change is hard. But in the end, if we do it right, Kadima--and all it has stood for during the past 40 years--will thrive.