Bill Cohen, Head of School-Elect

The school issued the following letter today:


February 24, 2009
30 Shevat 5769

Dear Friends,


On behalf of the Board of Trustees, it is our pleasure to announce that Kadima Hebrew
Academy has selected William B. Cohen as our new Head of School, beginning July 1,
2009. The Board’s decision was unanimous. It was based upon its own interview of Mr.
Cohen and the enthusiastic and equally unanimous decision of the Head of School Search
Committee. The Committee recognized that Bill’s demonstrated leadership success,
sophisticated educational philosophy, positive energy, deep managerial acumen, strong
character, and compelling vision will provide Kadima with the leadership it needs to
continue to establish itself as a locus for educational and academic excellence in the West
San Fernando Valley.

Bill comes to us with an impressive record of successfully leading, creating, and
developing educational programs and institutions. For nine years, Bill served as the Head
of School/Principal for Los Angeles Hebrew High School and transformed the institution
with remarkable results. During his tenure, Bill improved the school’s academic program
and image which led to renewed enthusiasm for the institution . The school experienced
an unprecedented surge in student population growth, with an increased student body of
approximately 70 percent. Moreover, Bill led the school to improve dramatically its
fundraising and financial prowess and success.

During the past year, Bill has served as an Assistant Head of School and Director of
Hebrew and Judaic Studies of the Abraham Joshua Heschel Day School, working closely
with the Rabbi, Hebrew Studies coordinators, and faculty. Bill chose to leave Heschel
solely because he views Kadima’s position as a unique opportunity to fulfill his dream of
serving as the Head of an independent Jewish Day School in Los Angeles. Finally, Bill
has, for seven years, served as a Lecturer in Education at the American Jewish University,
where he teaches graduate level courses in Educational Administration. With this
background, it is not surprising that the Committee heard Bill described by leaders and
educators in the Jewish community as “phenomenal”, a “mensch”, a “true leader”, “a
great motivator who gets things done,” and by a former President of Kadima who knew
well of Bill's work at Hebrew High, "perfect for the job."

Possessing remarkable energy, analytical skills, and most of all, menschlekeit, Bill
recognizes Jewish Day Schools succeed most when they successfully integrate Judaic and
General Studies. He is passionate in his belief that teachers are the “frontline” in
forwarding the school’s educational mission. Bill also understands that the Head of
School is the “guardian” for each of the school’s stakeholders, and is ultimately responsible for the school’s success. Perhaps most importantly, Bill recognizes that, in the end,
developing a community—of students, parents, and teachers--committed to active learning is
essential in the creation of a dynamic, effective, and successful Jewish Day School.
Bill joins us along with his wife, Cheryl, who is a teacher of Jewish Law at Milken Community
High School, as well as his children, Jonah (10), Ari (6), and Cayla (4), each of whom plans to
attend Kadima next year.

Upon accepting his appointment, Bill said, “It is an incredible honor and privilege to have been
selected as Kadima’s incoming Head of School. I have been highly impressed with both the
knowledge and character of the students, faculty, families and administration of Kadima
throughout my years in Los Angeles, and greatly look forward to joining the entire Kadima
community along with my family. This position is one which fulfills a dream, and I am both
humbled and exhilarated by the opportunity of leading Kadima to a bright and vibrant future.”

The Search Committee, consisting of Trustees, community and Rabbinic leaders, faculty, and
parent representatives, engaged in a national search for a new Head of School, seeking the best candidate to lead Kadima. The Committee received numerous resumes and applications, spoke to several Search Consultants and advisors, and conducted a variety of interviews. The
Committee also solicited and considered the input of parents, faculty members, and
administrators. Through this process the Committee, and the Board, concluded that Bill is the
best candidate to lead Kadima into the future.

Please join us in welcoming Bill, Cheryl, Jonah, Ari and Cayla to the Kadima community.

So now it's official. Bill Cohen will be our next "Great Leader" for Kadima Hebrew Academy. Let's all be sure to give Bill and his family an incredible welcome to Kadima.