THE ALEPH BET JEWISH DAY SCHOOL BOARD OF TRUSTEES

Parents sometimes wonder, what exactly is the role of the Board and who are the Trustees?  I thought it would be helpful to update you and share some information.

The Board’s role is fiduciary and strategic.  The Board’s fiduciary role includes responsibility for the school including its policies and bylaws, as well as responsibility for the school’s financial resources.  The strategic role of the Board includes approval of the school’s mission statement and development and oversight of the school’s strategic plan. 

Although the Board and Head of School work closely together in partnership, they have very different roles.  The Board establishes the mission, sets policies, approves the budget, raises funds, sets the tuition, and formulates the strategic plan – all with an eye toward ensuring the long-range well being and success of Alpeh Bet.  The Head of School essentially works as the school’s CEO and is responsible for implementing the mission, policies, budget, and strategic plans of the board – and this includes authority for managing Aleph Bet’s day to day operations including the enrollment of students, hiring and supervision of teachers and staff, and development of the curriculum.

 When parents have a question about issues that involve day-to-day management of Aleph Bet- the curriculum, faculty, student performance- they should direct those questions to the Head of School.   Board members intentionally stay out of these kinds of matters.  If parents have suggestions or questions about the school’s mission, policies, fundraising, or strategic objectives, however, please contact me, or any of the trustees.

 Parents also may be interested in knowing more about the individuals who serve on the Board.  The Board is comprised of members who are alumni parents, community members, and current parents.  Each of the Rabbis of our sponsoring congregations is also included on our Board as a non-voting member.  A term is two years and trustees are  nominated for membership by the Board’s Committee on Trustees.  All Board members serve on at least one committee – such as Finance, Community Relations, Development, or Building and Grounds.  These committees also welcome parent members.  Although not part of Aleph Bet’s PTO, the committees sometimes collaborate with the PTO to accomplish projects together.   Serving on a committee is an excellent way to learn about the work of the Board and to satisfy your volunteer hours!  

 In addition to maintaining its commitment to the high quality of education, you’ve come to expect from Aleph Bet, the Board’s most important goals this year have been retention and enrollment and moving forward with our Capital Campaign to build our new facility; growing our school and growing our community!  The application for our grading permit has been completed and is undergoing the final stages of review by the City authorities, realistically meaning we plan to break ground during this school year. 

 Here is a list of the current Board members:  Dore Lebowitz (President); Ken Wasch (Vice President); Mark Krushat (Treasurer); Lucy Johnson (Secretary); Mike Adelstein, Paula Carrigan, Aloys Evers, Jackie Ginsburg, Nancie Ann Moebius, John Paliga, Naomi Proshan, Barnett Rattner, Adrienne Roth, Amy Webb, Greg Weinman (Immediate Past President), Larry Wilner.

 We look forward to continuing to expand your knowledge and understanding of the Board of Trustees and its role at Aleph Bet in the future.

Sincerely yours,

Dore Lebowitz