An anonymous writer writes in:
Unfortunately, this Website is a ‘closed discussion’, besides few active involved members, probably alumni, and passive viewers (faculty & board members). The site does NOT have enough exposure!
Parents don’t know even that the site exists! That’s why the petition is low on signatures.
Emails & letters need to be distributed to every parent! All parents’ class lists should be available to parents on Hillel’s web-site, I know as I used it to mail invitations for my son’s Bar-Mitzvah….
84 responses so far ↓
1 Anonymous // Apr 18, 2007 at 12:16 pm
Sounds like a plan. However, the website does not contain email addresses. Basically, the letter should provide the web address and speak about the current happenings and encourage them to become involved.
Good idea.
2 Anonymous // Apr 18, 2007 at 1:03 pm
The web site under Hillel family contains parent addresses.
You need a password to access it.
3 Aron Sotnikoff // Apr 18, 2007 at 1:26 pm
As I stated in my exchange with Concerned Citizen on the “So What Do We Want and What Do We Do Now?” thread, if someone gets me these address lists or a way to access them, I will be happy to get the ball rolling on a survey of parents about the direction of the school.
Best,
Aron
4 Anonymous // Apr 18, 2007 at 1:30 pm
You should include in that mailing not only a survey but also a letter stating the situation at Hillel now. Parents and students are under the impression that the crisis has been resolved now that the 3 teachers were reinstated.
5 anonymous // Apr 18, 2007 at 1:33 pm
More info:
The direct link on the Website
(to the hillel family link):
http://hillel-nmb.org/Hillel_Family/hillel_family.htm
username: hillel
password: [removed for security purposes]
all lower case.
every parent knows it!! [Editor’s note: If so, please get it from a parent. This is sensitive information that cannot be publicly displayed.]
send as many letters you can!!
6 Aron Sotnikoff // Apr 18, 2007 at 1:38 pm
I would be happy to do that. Unfortunately, the “talk much, do little” syndrome seems to be chronic among contributors to this blog. If someone would just get me those lists or access to them, I could actually get something done. My email address can be obtained from the site admin (with my advance permission).
7 Anonymous // Apr 18, 2007 at 1:45 pm
It appears that there are many more individuals providing input.
8 ANONYMOUS // Apr 18, 2007 at 1:55 pm
Dear Aron - you were provided with the link to the information - start working!
TEAM WORK!!
LETS GO!!
MARKETING IS THE MOST IMPORTANT THING TO OUR AGENDA !!
9 Involved Parent // Apr 18, 2007 at 2:19 pm
And all parents and qualified donors sign the petition — we want a meeting now!
10 Anonymous // Apr 18, 2007 at 2:37 pm
I just copied and saved the parent addresses from ECE to Grade 12 before they disappear.
I will make them available to the administrator of this site.
Someone needs to draft a letter and include the link for the petition so the parents can know how and where to sign.
11 Anonymous // Apr 18, 2007 at 2:56 pm
THE SECRET SOCIETY :
Past President: Ellis Sinyor
Current President: Rafael Russ
Vice-President of Education: Dr. Judy Dach – Selected the Dean
Vice-President of Personnel: Marty Scheck
Treasurer: David Wolf
Secretary: Diana Ben-Arie
Past Presidents: Austin Frye
Arthur Lipson
PARENT MEMBERS:
Michelle Amselem
Gil Bonwitt
Helena Broide
Michelle Diener
Rossana Franco
Anita Givner
Dr. Janet Mitrani
Jennifer Olemberg
Joanne Papir – selected the Dean
Raquel Rubin—might have also selected the Dean
Raquel Sapoznik
Tania Seidl
Mike Shalom
Jorge Woldenberg
NON-PARENT BOARD MEMBERS:
Wendy Kravitz
Anita Lapco
Rabbi Avrohom Lipszye
Sherri Niefeld
Rabbi Moshe Rothchild
Rhonda Schaeffer Schuval
Enid Weissman
Hedy Whitebook
NEXT BOARD MEETINGS: MAY 10, JUNE 7 ANNUAL MEMBERS MEETING
Amended and Restated BY-LAWS OF THE HILLEL COMMUNITY DAY SCHOOL, INC. Revised February 2003; Amended April 2004, March, 2006
ARTICLE I
Name, Purpose, Location and Fiscal Year
A. Name
The name of this corporation shall be HILLEL COMMUNITY DAY SCHOOL, INC., a/k/a The Samuel Scheck Hillel Community Day School and the Ben Lipson Hillel Community High School (hereinafter referred to as the “SCHOOL”).
B. Purpose
The purpose for which this SCHOOL is organized is to establish a Jewish Community Day School to service the South Florida area; to promote and teach traditional Jewish values and Torah observance; to maintain high standards of secular education dedicated to the highest ideals and standards of our American way of life; to remain unaffiliated with any national religious body; to accept and receive charitable donations, gifts and legacies for the purpose of aiding the SCHOOL in its endeavors; to buy, sell, lease, receive and encumber such real estate and personal property as may be necessary, advisable or beneficial for the carrying out of the purposes of this SCHOOL; and to do any and all things incident to or in connection with the carrying out of the purposes of this SCHOOL.
C. Location
The principal office of the SCHOOL shall be within the State of Florida.
D. Fiscal Year
The fiscal year of the SCHOOL (hereinafter referred to as the “YEAR”) shall end on June 30th of each year.
E. Nondiscrimination
The SCHOOL’s services shall be available to all persons of the Jewish faith, regardless of race, color, national origin, gender or disability, and the SCHOOL shall not discriminate against anyone on these grounds.
ARTICLE II
Members
A- Qualifications
The members of the SCHOOL shall be the following persons:
1. Parents
Parents (i.e., legal guardians) in good standing of children enrolled as students in the SCHOOL shall be Members of the SCHOOL. “Good Standing” shall be defined as being current in the payment of contributions, having no past due financial obligations to the SCHOOL and/or having otherwise made accepted accommodations for the payment of such financial obligations.
2. Contributors
Any person who has contributed $1000 or more to the SCHOOL for each of the preceding three years and expresses in writing an interest in membership shall be a Member of the SCHOOL for the current year. Any parent who was a Member for the preceding year shall remain a Member for each succeeding year in which he/she has made a contribution of $1000 prior to January 1st.
3. Committee Members
Any member in good standing of a Standing or Special Committee as set forth in Section VIII shall be a Member of the SCHOOL for the current year.
4. Voting
Parents of children enrolled in the SCHOOL and spouses of Contributors shall be considered a family unit for membership voting purposes and each family unit shall be entitled to only one vote, irrespective of whether a spouse qualifies independently for membership pursuant to any other provision hereunder. In the event parents of an enrolled child are separated or divorced, the custodial parent shall be entitled to vote. The Members shall elect the Board of Governors and Officers. Each member shall be entitled to one vote multiplied by the number of positions then being voted upon. Members shall be entitled to vote only once for any individual candidate for a position on the slate; a violation of this rule shall invalidate the ballot. Voting shall be non-cumulative.
5. Other Restrictions
Membership is open to members of the Jewish faith only.
B. Powers and Rights
The Members shall elect the members of the Board of Governors and Officers. They shall have such other powers and rights as the Board of Governors may designate or as may be specified elsewhere in these By-Laws or in the Articles of Incorporation.
ARTICLE III
Meetings
A. Annual Meeting
The Annual Meeting of Members shall be held on such date in June of each year, as may be determined by the Executive Board. At the Annual Meeting, the Members shall elect the Board of Governors and the Officers.
B. Special Meetings
Special Meetings of the Members may be called by the Chair, and must be called by the Chair on written request of not less than fifty (50) Members or as otherwise required by Law. No business shall be transacted at any special meeting unless such business is stated in the notice of the meeting as one of the purposes of that special meeting.
C. Notice
Written notice of the date, time and place of all meetings of the Members shall be given at least fourteen (14) days before the meeting. Such notice must specify the purpose of the meeting.
D. Quorum and Voting
1. Quorum
At any meeting of the Members, the lesser of fifty (50) voting Members or twenty-five (25) percent of the total voting membership, shall constitute a quorum.
2. Voting
When a quorum is present a majority of the votes properly cast by Members present in person shall decide any questions unless otherwise provided by law, by the Articles of Incorporation or these By-Laws. At any meeting a Member must be present to vote; no votes by proxy will be allowed either for the purpose of casting votes or for the purpose of establishing the presence of a quorum.
E. Availability of Membership List
At least ten (10) days before each meeting of Members, a complete list of the Members entitled to vote at such meeting or any adjournment thereof, with the address of each, shall be made available at the main facility of the SCHOOL. Any Member shall be entitled to inspect the list at any time during usual business hours within such ten (10) day period. The list shall also be produced and kept open at the time and place of the meeting and shall be subject to the inspection of any member at any time during the meeting. If the requirements of this Section have not been substantially complied with, the meeting, on demand of any Member in person, shall be adjourned until such time as the requirements have been met. If no such demand is made, failure to comply with the requirements of this Section shall not affect the validity of any action taken at such meeting.
ARTICLE IV
Board of Governors
A. Powers and Membership.
Management and control of the SCHOOL shall be vested in a Board of Governors which shall have the ultimate responsibility and authority for the establishment of policy in all of the SCHOOL’s affairs. It shall perform such duties as are imposed upon it by the Articles of Incorporation, these By-Laws and the Laws of the State of Florida and the United States.
1. Budget and Financial Operation
The Board of Governors shall approve an annual budget for the financial operation of the SCHOOL. It shall have the exclusive power to enter into contracts or other obligations on behalf of the SCHOOL, to authorize expenditures and investments, to encumber, sell or otherwise dispose of the property or other assets of the SCHOOL, and to borrow funds on behalf of the SCHOOL, except as herein otherwise specifically provided. The Board may delegate such powers to officers, employees and other representatives but shall retain overall supervision and responsibility. Any expenditure exceeding $10,000 not theretofore approved as part of the annual budget shall require approval by the Executive Board.
2. Removal of Officers.
The Board of Governors shall have the power to remove an officer or Governor from office for malfeasance, misfeasance or nonfeasance; for violating the Articles of Incorporation or these Bylaws; or for acting in a manner that is detrimental to the good name or best interests of the SCHOOL. Such action shall require a vote of at least two-thirds of the Board . Before the Board shall vote such an action, the officer or Governor in question shall be given an opportunity to appear in person or to respond in writing to oppose such action.
3. Election of Executive Board Members
The Board of Governors shall elect three (3) of its Members to serve for one year as Executive Board members as provided for in Article VIA. Each member of the Board of Governors shall be entitled to three votes in the election of Executive Board members; however, only one vote may be cast per candidate. Any ballot violating this provision shall be invalid.
B. Meetings
1. Regular Meetings
There shall be no fewer than four (4) regular meetings during each year. The first such meeting shall take place on or before September 30 of each year.
2. Special Meetings
Special Meetings may be called by the Chair or upon a written request signed by twelve (12) members of the Board of Governors. Members shall be provided with not less than seven (7) days written notice of any Special Meeting called for pursuant to this section, which notice shall state the purpose for such Special Meeting.
3. Open Meetings
Meetings of the Board of Governors shall be open to all Members of the SCHOOL, provided, however, that the Board may meet in executive session and may exclude non-Board Members for any of the following purposes: (i)To discuss specific personnel matters; (ii)to receive legal advice or to discuss pending or potential litigation; (iii)to discuss individual salaries of the Head of the School, any faculty member or other employee of the SCHOOL, (iv)to discuss disciplinary matters; (v)to discuss the evaluation of the Head of the School, any faculty member or any other employee of the SCHOOL; or, (vi)to discuss any other matter that a majority of the Board determines to be confidential. Notwithstanding the foregoing, only members of the Board of Governors may speak and be recognized at such meetings.
C. Number
The Board of Governors shall consist of the Board Officers, the Immediate Past Chair, the President of the Parent-Teacher Organization and twenty-five (25) persons elected by the Membership.
D. Eligibility
Membership on the Board of Governors will be open to Members as defined in Article IIA. The Nominating Committee provided for in Article VII shall endeavor to provide that no more than thirteen (13) of the elected members of the Board of Governors shall be non-parent Members of the SCHOOL; but in no case shall fewer than ten(10) of the elected members of the Board of Governors be non-parent Members of the School.
E. Term of Service
Elected members of the Board of Governors (each member sometimes hereafter referred to as a ‘Governor’) who are not Officers, shall serve for two years. Members may be re-elected for a maximum of three consecutive two-year terms before being required to leave the Board for a minimum of one year, except in the case of officers, who may serve additionally as in Article V.
F. Quorum and Voting
1. Quorum
At any meeting of the Board of Governors, a majority of the elected Governors then in office shall constitute a quorum.
2. Voting
All matters voted by the Board of Governors shall be determined by a majority of those present at any meeting which there is a quorum, except where specified, otherwise, by Robert’s Rules of Order. The Chair shall not vote at any regular or special meeting of the Board of Governors, provided however, that in the event of a tie, the Chair shall cast the deciding vote. Meetings may be held telephonically.
G. Termination and Resignation
1. Termination
Any Governor absent from two (2) meetings in a year without tendering a valid excuse in advance to the Chair may have his or her position on the Board terminated by a majority vote of the Board upon recommendation by the Chair.
2. Resignation
Any Governor may resign at any time by filing a written statement of resignation with the Secretary or other Officer of the SCHOOL.
J. Vacancies
If a member of the Board of Governors is removed from office or resigns, that office shall be considered vacant and the Chair may appoint a replacement who will serve until the next Annual Meeting.
K. Annual Giving
On an annual basis each member of the Board of Governors and each member of the Executive Board shall donate to the school to the best of his or her ability. Minimum donation requirements may be set from time to time by majority vote of the Executive Board.
ARTICLE V Officers
A. Elective Officers
The following shall be the elected officers of the SCHOOL and their duties:
1. Chair
The Chair shall conduct the business of the SCHOOL as prescribed by the Articles of Incorporation and these By-Laws, preside at all meetings of Members and of the Board of Governors. Subject to any limitations set forth in these By-Laws, the Chair shall perform all duties and exercise such powers as may be necessary for the proper conduct of affairs of SCHOOL and that are not inconsistent with any provision of the Articles of Incorporation or these By-Laws, including but not limited to signing contracts and commitments on behalf of the SCHOOL; presenting an annual report on the condition of the SCHOOL at the annual meeting of Members, and preserving order and assuring that the Officers fulfill their duties properly. The Chair shall serve as an ex-officio member of all committees.
In order to qualify for election as Chair of the SCHOOL, a nominee shall have served on a standing committee for at least two years.
The Chair shall appoint the chairpersons of all non-standing committees unless otherwise set forth in these By-Laws, and shall appoint a Parliamentarian to carry out the duties contained in Article XII.
2. Vice Chair
The Vice Chair shall be charged with such duties and obligations as the Chair may from time to time determine. In the event that the Chair temporarily vacates the chair, is absent or unable to serve, the Vice Chair shall perform the duties and functions of the Chair.
In order to qualify for election as Vice Chair of the SCHOOL, a nominee shall have served on a standing committee for at least two years.
3. Secretary
The Secretary shall: (i) prepare or oversee the preparation of minutes and maintain a record of the proceedings of the meetings of the Board of Governors, Executive Board and the SCHOOL; (ii) maintain a record of the members of the SCHOOL; (iii) notify all Members of annual and special meetings and all members of the Board of Governors and the Executive Board of regular and special meetings; (iv) be responsible for the correspondence of the SCHOOL; and shall have custody of all valuable papers of the SCHOOL, which papers shall be kept at the SCHOOL.
4. Treasurer
The Treasurer shall serve as the Chairperson of the Budget and Finance Committee.
5. Head of School
The Head of School is an ex officio member of the Board. The Board delegates to the Head responsibility for all the day-to-day operations of the SCHOOL, including, but not limited to oversight of finances, admissions, financial aid, curriculum, discipline, scheduling, staff supervision, fundraising, and facilities.
In addition to the Head of School, the school shall employ an Associate Head who shall be responsible for Judaic and halakhic matters, both curricular and otherwise. The Associate Head shall report to the Head, and shall attend all Board of Governors and Executive Board meetings
.
B. Term Limits
No Officer other than the Chair and Vice Chair shall serve in the same office for more than two (2) consecutive terms. The Chair and Vice Chair shall serve no more than three (3) consecutive terms, or until successors are elected.
C. Vacancy
Any vacancy in an office shall be filled for the remainder of the term by nomination of the Nominating Committee and vote of the Board of Governors at any regular or special meeting of the Board following the occurrence of the vacancy.
ARTICLE VI
Executive Board
A. Membership
The Executive Board shall be comprised of the Officers of the SCHOOL, the Chairs of all standing committees, three (3) Members-at-Large nominated by the Committee on Trustees and elected by the Board of Governors, and the immediate past Chair. The Chair may invite any past Chairs to serve as non-voting members of the Executive Board. The Executive Board may, from time to time, invite a person or persons to advise it where it deems appropriate to fulfill its obligations.
B. Emergency
The Executive Board shall have full authority to act during an emergency, which shall be defined as the need for action within seven (7) or fewer days. Such authority must be exercised within the provisions of these By-Laws, and not in conflict with decisions, actions or policies established by the Board of Governors.
C. Meetings and Quorum
Meetings of the Executive Board shall be held monthly, however, Special Meetings may be convened by the Chair or Vice Chair, or at the written request of four (4) Executive Board members. Members of the Executive Board shall be provided with not less than twenty-four (24) hours notice of any Special Meeting called for pursuant to this section, which notice shall state the purpose for such Special Meeting. A majority of the members of the Executive Board shall constitute a quorum. Meetings may be held telephonically.
ARTICLE VII
Nominations and Elections
A. Nomination Process
The Committee on Trustees shall be composed of seven (7) members, all of whom shall be Members of the SCHOOL as defined in Article II. This shall be a standing committee composed as follows:
1. One member, who shall have a child in the Early Childhood or Elementary School, selected by the Executive Board
2. One member, who shall have a child in the Middle or High School, selected by the Executive Board
3. One member, who shall be a non-parent Member, selected by the Executive Board
4. The Chairperson of the on Trustees Committee, selected by the Board Chair .
5. Three at-large member selected by the Executive Board
B. Limitations on Nominations of Committee Members
In the event that a member of the Committee on Trustees or their spouse wishes to be considered as an Officer, that Committee Member shall resign from the Committee on Trustees. In the event that a Committee on Trustees Member shall resign, withdraw or otherwise be unable to serve, an alternate member shall be chosen from the same selection class as the withdrawing/resigning member. Members of the Committee on Trustees or their spouses, may, however, be nominated for the Board of Governors.
C. Duties of the Committee on Trustees
Not later than forty-five (45) days prior to the election, the Committee on Trustees shall submit a proposed slate of Officers and members of the Board of Governors to the Chair and Secretary of the SCHOOL. The Chair and Secretary shall jointly promulgate the slate to the Members by mail together with a Notice of the Annual meeting not later than thirty-five (35) days prior to the election.
D. Nominations by Petition
Nominations by petition may be submitted to the Chair or Secretary at least twenty-five (25) days prior to the Annual Meeting. The petition shall be signed by no fewer than twenty (20) Members in good standing and shall contain a statement by the nominee of his/her willingness to serve if elected. Nominees who shall submit valid petitions shall be added to the slate. An amended slate containing the names of nominees by petition shall be mailed to the Membership no later than fifteen (15) days prior to the election.
E. Election Procedure
The election of Officers and Governors shall take place at the Annual Meeting. Elections shall be conducted in the following manner:
1. Right to Address the Membership
Nominees shall be allowed a brief time to speak in support of their nomination prior to a vote.
2. Voting Procedure
Voting for any office for which there is only one nominee may be conducted by a voice vote. If there is more than one nomination for any office, or if the number of Members nominated to be Governors exceeds the number of available positions on the Board, voting shall be taken by written ballot.
3. Ballots
The Nominating Committee shall prepare ballots and adopt election procedures such as verifying Members’ status, distributing ballots, counting votes, etc., which procedures shall be in accord with the compiled Laws of the State of Florida and the rules contained in Robert’s Rules of Order, latest edition.
ARTICLE VIII
Committees
A- Standing Committees
There shall be the following Standing Committees, all of whose Chairs shall be current members of the Board of Governors:
1. Budget and Finance Committee
The Budget and Finance Committee shall consist of no fewer than five (5) or more than nine (9) members, including the Chairperson. The Finance Committee shall: (i) monitor the financial condition of the SCHOOL; (ii) review its books and financial records, (iii) arrange for an annual compilation, review or audit of the financial statements of the SCHOOL, (iv) together with the Treasurer, and in consultation with the Head of the School, prepare an annual budget for the financial operation of the SCHOOL and submit said budget to the Board of Governors for approval; and (v) plan, supervise and conduct all short-term fund raising activities for the SCHOOL.
2. Development Committee
The Development Committee shall consist of no fewer than five (5) or more than fifteen (15) members, including the Chairperson. The Development Committee shall plan and supervise all capital campaigns and shall, in consultation with the Budget and Finance Committee, develop and implement all long-range fund raising efforts for the school and develop plans for the improvement, enlargement and replacement of the physical plant and facilities of the SCHOOL.
3. Committee on Trustees
The Committee on Trustees shall be composed of those members described in Article VII. In addition to the duties described in Article VII, the committee shall plan and organize all new trustee orientations, as well as all trustee self-evaluations and whatever additional trustee education shall be from time to time deemed necessary or desirable, including at least one annual Board of Governors retreat.
4. Strategic Planning Committee
The Strategic Planning Committee shall consist of no fewer than five nor more than ten members, including the Chairperson. It shall be responsible for monitoring the fulfillment of such goals and objectives as shall result from strategic planning processes undertaken by the school. It shall further be responsible for recommending to the Board of Governors the timing of new Strategic Planning efforts, and the size and composition of the ad hoc committee which shall undertake such periodic Strategic Planning efforts.
B. Special Committees
The Chair may establish Special Committees for specific or general purposes. The Chair shall designate a Chairperson of each Special Committee and shall determine the size of the committee. Each Chairperson shall select the committee members subject to the approval of the Chair. Any Special Committee shall be dissolved when the duties assigned to it are completed or its services are no longer needed. Special Committees shall submit an annual written report to the Board of Governors.
ARTICLE IX
Indemnification
The SCHOOL shall indemnify each present and future Member of the Board of Governors, Officer and Executive Board member of the SCHOOL against, and each Member of the Board of Governors, Officer and Executive Board member shall be entitled without further act to indemnity from the SCHOOL for all expenses (including the amount of judgments and the amount of reasonable settlements made with a view towards the curtailment of costs of litigation, other than amounts paid to the SCHOOL itself) reasonably incurred in connection with or arising out of any action, suit or proceeding in which such Member of the Board of Governors, Officer and Executive Board member may be involved by reason of being or having been a Member of the Board of Governors,, Officer and Executive Board member of the SCHOOL, whether or not such Member of the Board of Governors, Officer and Executive Board member continues to be a Member of the Board of Governors,, Officer and Executive Board member the time of incurring the expenses. However, indemnity hereunder shall not include any expense incurred by any Member of the Board of Governors, Officer and Executive Board member (a) in respect of matters as to which such Member of the Board of Governors, Officer and Executive Board member is finally adjudged to have been derelict in the performance of duty as a Member of the Board of Governors, Officer and Executive Board member, or (b) in respect of any matter in which any settlement is effected, to an amount in excess of the amount of expenses which might reasonably have been incurred by the Member of the Board of Governors, Officer and Executive Board member in conducting litigation to a final conclusion. In no event shall anything be construed as to protect, or to authorize the SCHOOL to indemnify, the Member of the Board of Governors, Officer and Executive Board member against any liability to the SCHOOL or to its members to which such Member of the Board of Governors, Officer and Executive Board member would otherwise be subject by reason of willful misfeasance, bad faith, gross negligence or reckless disregard of the duties involved in the conduct of the office as a Member of the Board of Governors, Officer and Executive Board member. The foregoing right of indemnification shall inure to the-benefit of the heirs, executors and administrators of each Member of the Board of Governors, Officer and Executive Board member and shall be in addition to all other rights to which the Member of the Board of Governors, Officer and Executive Board member may be entitled as a matter of law.
ARTICLE X
Conflicts of Interest
A. Duty to Disclose
Governors, Officers and Executive Board members shall disclose any existing or potential financial interests which impair or might reasonably appear to impair such Governor, Officer and Executive Board member’s independent unbiased judgment in the discharge of his/her responsibilities to the SCHOOL, including the fact that a member of his/her family (which, for purposes of this paragraph, shall be a spouse, parent or child) or any organization in which such Officer or Governor (or a member of his/her family) is an officer, director, employee, member, partner. No Governor, Officer or Executive Board member shall vote on any matter, under consideration of the Board or committee meeting, in which there is a real, potential or perceived conflict of interest. Any Governor, Officer or Executive Board member who is uncertain whether he/she has a conflict of interest in any matter may request the Board or committee to determine whether a conflict of interest exists, and the Board of Governors or Executive Board shall resolve the question by a majority vote.
B. Effect of Conflict of Interest
No contract or other transaction between the SCHOOL and one or more of its Governors, Officers and Executive Board members or any corporation, firm, association or entity in which one or more of its directors are directors or officers or are financially interested, shall be either void or voidable because of such relationship or interest or because such Governor, Officer and Executive Board members are present at the meeting of the body which authorizes, approves or ratifies such contract or transaction or because his/her votes are counted for such purpose, if: (a) the fact of such relationship or interest is disclosed or known to the body which authorizes, approves or ratifies the contract or transaction by a vote or consent sufficient for the purpose without counting the votes or consents of such interested Governor, Officer or Executive Board member; (b) the fact of such relationship or interest is disclosed or known to the members entitled to vote and they authorize, approve or ratify such contract or transaction; or (c) the contract or transaction is fair and reasonable to the SCHOOL at the time it is authorized. Common or interested Governor, Officer and Executive Board members may be counted in determining the presence of a quorum at a meeting of the body which authorizes approves or ratifies such contract or transaction.
ARTICLE XI Amendments
These By-Laws may be amended or repealed, in whole or in part, at a duly convened meeting of the Board of Governors by vote of two-thirds of the Governors present and voting, provided that notice of the proposed amendment or repeal shall have been given in the notice of such meeting in writing by first-class mail at least fourteen (14) days in advance of such meeting.
The By-Laws shall be reviewed annually by a Special Committee appointed by the Chair for that purpose. The Special Committee shall present their recommendations to the Executive Board; any recommendations approved by the Executive Board shall be presented for approval by the Board of Governors.
ARTICLE XII
Rules of Order
The rules contained Robert’s Rules of Order, latest edition, shall govern the SCHOOL in all cases to which they are applicable, and in which they are not inconsistent with any other provisions of these By-Laws or the Laws of the State of Florida.
ARTICLE XIII
Dissolution
The SCHOOL shall be dissolved upon a vote of three-fourths of the total membership of the Members in good standing. In the event of a dissolution or final liquidation of the SCHOOL, none of the property of the SCHOOL nor any of the proceeds thereof shall be distributed to or divided among any of the Boards of Members of the SCHOOL or inure to the benefit of any individual. After all liabilities and obligations of the SCHOOL have been paid, satisfied and discharged, or adequate provision has been made therefore, all remaining property and assets of the SCHOOL shall be distributed to one or more nonprofit organization which meet the following criteria:
1. Such organization shall be organized and operated exclusively for charitable, scientific, research or educational purposes;
2. Transfers of property to such organization shall, to the extent then permitted under the statutes of the United States, be exempt from Federal gift, succession, inheritance, estate or death taxes (by whatever name called);
3. Such organizations shall be exempt from Federal income taxes by reason of section 501(c)(3) of Internal Revenue Code of 1986 (or of the corresponding provision of any subsequent Federal tax law).
12 also concerned // Apr 18, 2007 at 3:48 pm
The letter should be brief and directly to the point. Only facts. No “bad mouthing.”
Just asking for sufficient number of signatures to have meeting with Board and Holden, etc.
And letters like the one from the rabbi who was only at school for a few months should be removed.
This site started off well, accomplished something good, but parents who are coming here for the first time do not want to be —SHOULD NOT BE– bogged down reading accusations, gossip, etc. They just need to know the facts.
13 Aron Sotnikoff // Apr 18, 2007 at 4:02 pm
I can assure you, having volunteered my valuable time and effort to organizing this letter/survey campaign, that any communications made to parents or others in the Hillel community will be strictly professional, straightforward, informative, and (hopefully) productive.
14 Anonymous // Apr 18, 2007 at 4:06 pm
I agree. Let’s get rid of the letter from that Rabbi. He does not reflect the situation or what Hillel is all about.
The letter needs to state why the board meeting is being called without calling anyone names.
That means that the issue of leadership and who has appointed the current administration must be addressed with great diplomacy and tact.
15 Anonymous // Apr 18, 2007 at 4:09 pm
Thank you Aron for your efforts. They are greatly appreciated.
16 Hillel Parent // Apr 18, 2007 at 4:11 pm
This team effort is quite remarkable!!!
17 also concerned // Apr 18, 2007 at 4:24 pm
Anonymous: I assume the “leadership” you speak of includes the Board also, not just administration.
If the letter is asking the parents to come to this site to sign the petition, the petition should be highly visible– the first thing seen when logging on. There should be some words of welcome, a brief “something,” and a thank-you and the link.
This should not be replaced by other postings that come in. It needs to remain the first thing seen when loggging into this site.
18 also concerned // Apr 18, 2007 at 4:24 pm
Hillel Parent: You can even begin to talk to other parents now.
19 Anonymous // Apr 18, 2007 at 4:30 pm
Dear Aron Sotnikoff :
You are unofficially appointed to draft the letter:
Please confirm that you have the parent’s addresses / lists,
If not try to get the password removed by the admin from either the admin himself or one of the parents.
20 Anonymous // Apr 18, 2007 at 4:33 pm
Yes, the petition link needs to be much more visible.
21 Anonymous // Apr 18, 2007 at 4:34 pm
Aron is drafting.
22 Anonymous // Apr 18, 2007 at 4:39 pm
Aron has the addresses.
23 Anonymous // Apr 18, 2007 at 4:48 pm
To all readers :
Please also read all vital info, trails & responses posted today regarding:
” So What Do We Want and What Do We Do Now”
Thanks.
24 Anonymous // Apr 18, 2007 at 5:10 pm
To all current parents in good financial standing or donors of 1000k last year:
Petition link to meet with the board is posted at the top of this website.
25 Anonymous // Apr 18, 2007 at 6:33 pm
That list of the parent board is not current, appears to be last year’s. The officers are correct. Past president is not - - Sinyor is not listed.
26 also concerned // Apr 18, 2007 at 6:49 pm
I need some clarification. I believe that at one time the requirements for this position included being Jewish. Can anyone shed any light on this?
Head of School
The Head of School is an ex officio member of the Board. The Board delegates to the Head responsibility for all the day-to-day operations of the SCHOOL, including, but not limited to oversight of finances, admissions, financial aid, curriculum, discipline, scheduling, staff supervision, fundraising, and facilities.
In addition to the Head of School, the school shall employ an Associate Head who shall be responsible for Judaic and halakhic matters, both curricular and otherwise. The Associate Head shall report to the Head, and shall attend all Board of Governors and Executive Board meetings
.
27 also concerned // Apr 18, 2007 at 7:27 pm
stay focused. all those comments about degrees is off-topic.
we are talking about the operation of our school. our needs, goals, etc.
part of the “new hillel” includes grade six as part of middle school. See Duke University reseach report on grade 6–middle school vs. elementary school:
http://www.pubpol.duke.edu/research/papers/SAN07-01.pdf
28 anonymous // Apr 18, 2007 at 7:48 pm
Since when is the academic integrity of an accredited school and the administration of that school off topic? Do you think the professors who published the Duke report you are now citing earned their degrees from bogus, unaccredited universities? You wouldn’t even be reading this report if it came out of California Coast University.
29 anonymous // Apr 18, 2007 at 9:19 pm
That report is an incredible document and outstanding research. Obviously, this current research was not consulted or reviewed prior to the head of school school making this decision. Furthermore, it may have been decided that it would be easier for the new elementary school principal who possesses NO elementary teaching or principal experience.
However, it is worthwhile to ask the basis for the decision to move 6 grade to the middle school and what research and justification for such a change was used as a basis for the decision.
Excellent observation!
30 Anonymous // Apr 18, 2007 at 9:42 pm
anonymous with an underline–
I wish you were the one in charge of Education at our school.
Your research abilities and knowledge of up-to-the-minute educational findings are far more impressive than those possessed by the people now in charge.
31 admin // Apr 18, 2007 at 10:28 pm
Someone wrote in to say the following:
The board list that was posted is an old list. The officers and several of the Board members are not correct. This isn’t fair to people whose names appear on that list who ARE NO LONGER members of the board!
I just want to say that the inaccuracy of the Board members was already pointed out on this site, and further, an old list was already posted in the past. If any member is not a current member of the board and would like his/her name removed, please email me through the contact form and I will be happy to remove it so as not to report any inaccuracies.
This “current” board list filed with the Florida Division of Corporations is not accurate either because it appears that Hillel did not file the updated documentation.
32 Anonymous // Apr 18, 2007 at 10:31 pm
The list of Board members here is an old one.
It is the one that the official Hillel website has posted up.
Some of the names on the list no longer sit on the board. Several do.
33 admin // Apr 18, 2007 at 10:32 pm
This is fair. Please tell me what names to remove and I will do so.
34 Anonymous // Apr 18, 2007 at 10:38 pm
I believe the current President is Rafael Russ.
35 admin // Apr 18, 2007 at 10:44 pm
Changes have been made. Additional changes will be made as requested. I have already removed names that are not accurate.
36 Anonymous // Apr 18, 2007 at 10:52 pm
Thank you for all your responsible and hard work admin!
37 Anonymous // Apr 19, 2007 at 2:39 am
The word on the street is that the board met tonight. Maybe they’re starting to wake up!
38 Anonymous // Apr 19, 2007 at 2:31 pm
SHOULDN’T WE BE ENCOURAGING “MEMBERS” TO ATTEND THE ANNUAL JUNE 7TH MEETING WHEN BOARD MEMBERS ARE VOTED IN FOR NEXT YEAR?
“Secretary
The Secretary shall: (iii) notify all Members of annual and special meetings and all members of the Board of Governors and the Executive Board of regular and special meetings;”
It is, therefore, the SECRETARY’S DUTY TO INFORM THE MEMBERS WHERE AND WHEN the June 7th Annual meeting will take place–the current Secretary, according to the Jewish Florida News article, is Judy Dach.
That means JUDY DACH should be forthcoming with information as to how the MEMBERS can attend the upcoming JUNE 7th MEETING so that they can VOTE IN NEXT YEAR’S BOARD .
“Election Procedure
The election of Officers and Governors shall take place at the Annual Meeting”
“Voting
PARENTS of children enrolled in the school and spouses of CONTRIBUTORS shall be considered a family unit for membership voting purposes and each family unit SHALL BE ENTITLED TO only ONE VOTE.”
WHO QUALIFIES:
“PARENTS in good standing shall be defined as being current in the payment of contributions, having no past due financial obligations to the school ”
“CONTRIBUTORS Any person who has contributed $1000 or more to the school for EACH OF THE PRECEDING 3 YEARS –AND– EXPRESSES IN WRITING in membership shall be a Member of the SCHOOL for the current year.”
“At least ten (10) days before each meeting of Members, a complete list of the Members entitled to vote at such meeting or any adjournment thereof, with the address of each, shall be made available at the main facility of the SCHOOL”
**I think this information needs to be included in the letter being mailed to parents. **
THEY NEED TO SHOW UP TO THE ANNUAL BOARD MEETING ON JUNE 7TH TO VOTE.
39 anonymous // Apr 19, 2007 at 3:17 pm
Does anyone know what they met about? Was it the whole board or only those who are officers?
Insight would be appreciated.
40 Anonymous // Apr 19, 2007 at 4:02 pm
In order to qualify to vote in the annual board meeting on June 7th if I’m interpreting the above correctly:
Parents are those who are current parents in good financial standing.
Contributors are those who have contributed a minimum of $1,000 for the past 3 years in a row.
Contributors must express in writing their desire to do so.
WHAT EXACTLY DO THEY EXPRESS IN WRITING? WHERE ARE THEY SUPPOSED TO SUBMIT THIS?
Anyone who can answer this question can help us better disseminate the information to parents in the mailing as they are being intentionally left uninformed.
41 Anonymous // Apr 19, 2007 at 4:20 pm
The survey and letter to parents are well on their way to completion.
The alumni is already well aware of all matters discussed on this site.
We need some input about the types of issues or questions you would like to see asked on the survey specifically regarding the ECE, Elementary School, and/or Middle School.
We need prompt responses. Time is of the essence. Thank you.
42 anonymous // Apr 19, 2007 at 8:38 pm
This information can be found on this website. I have read multiple posts on the issues related to the middle and elementary school. Many related to the principal issue and qualifications, reasons why the 6th grade was moved to the middle school, etc. Other issues may include the lack of formal handwriting, reading, phonics, and math instruction beginning in preschool.
Parents are encouraged to voice their concerns.
43 Anonymous // Apr 19, 2007 at 9:06 pm
Ok.
So is this accurate?
1. “New elementary school principal possesses NO elementary teaching or principal experience.”
2. 6th Grade is about to moved into the Middle School and research from Duke University asserts that such a move is educationally unsound.
3. The new High School Principal has NO high school administrative experience but began as a coach and ELEMENTARY school principal. Running an Elementary and High School are 2 very different ball games .
___________________________
“The Preschool does not teach formal handwriting, reading, phonics, and math instruction beginning in preschool. ”
What is meant by “formal”? Are you sure about this? This statement sounds very questionable to me, especially considering that older students are well prepared–someone is teaching them something…
What else?
44 anonymous // Apr 19, 2007 at 10:33 pm
#1 is incorrect - it should read elementary principal experience - she does have principal experience just not in the correct area.
#2 Additionally, it should be added that no transition plan has been provided and the children are not appropriately prepared for this transition.
#3 Further, why is Rabbi Kaplan not being considered for the permanent role since he obviously has appropriate qualifications, internal intrinsic school value, and is a qualified teacher, well respected JEWISH administrator.
As I am aware, there is NO formal (taught) handwriting instruction. This year was the very first year that any formal reading took place. here are no texts for the children as there are in kindergarten in public schools.
Ask the first grade teachers and you will learn that they first learn how to sit in a classroom setting.
45 Anonymous // Apr 19, 2007 at 10:39 pm
We are well aware of issues concerning #3, the Dean, the nepotism, affiliation etc. Those are being addressed.
We need elementary and ECE parents to start posting here anonymously now if they hope to get their issues onto a formal survey. Spread the word.
What experience does the elementary school principal have exactly…a copy of her resume would be greatly appreciated..Digger, are you still out there?
“no transition plan has been provided and the children are not appropriately prepared for this transition”
Which transition do you refer to? Are elementary school children usually transitioned before they get a new principal. How so? Please educate us as to what should be happening because we are not familiar with this age group.
Your input is greatly appreciated in ensuring that our survey is comprehensive and touches on issues that affect all levels of the school.
Thank you.
46 anonymous // Apr 19, 2007 at 11:00 pm
I believe there should be a transition plan for the current 5th graders who are approx. 11 years old into the middle school environment currently for 12, 13, and 14 year olds. These kids had another year of elementary to go and now are being told they will go directly to middle school - they never had an opportunity to be the oldest in the elementary and will now be the youngest in the middle school.
That is the transition being referred to. One cannot transition for new leadership.
47 Anonymous // Apr 19, 2007 at 11:08 pm
I understand now about the transition. 7th graders are still babies and need transitioning from elementary to middle school. 6th grade sounds too young for this type of jump.
Is this inclusion of 6th grade into the middle school considered a fait accompli?
Are the 6th graders being moved into the same building as the middle school/high school?
Are the subjects now going to be departmentalized–are 6th graders going to change teachers and subjects every hour?
Are the 6th graders going to learn from the same teachers that the 7th and 8th graders take or the same ones that have always taught 6th grade?
I have not yet read the Duke findings but this decision sounds extremely problematic. I will have to read the article later to gather more support for our position.
48 also concerned // Apr 19, 2007 at 11:26 pm
I’m sure you have done this, but just to confirm…addressing lack of Jewish administration in a JEWISH DAY SCHOOL.
Do you think we are taking on too much…now …by including preschool and elementary?
Be prepared…Duke research is obviously well grounded (I am the one who posted it here), but the faculty was told this restructuring is taking place because it is the structure of many other fine schools.
I believe I heard that the in-coming NON-JEWISH high school principal had middle school administrative experience. I do not know if this is correct.
Please clarify for me: Alumini aware of what you are doing. What does this mean?
My hat off to you, Aron Sotnikoff and all of you for taking words to actions! Thank-you!
49 Warning // Apr 19, 2007 at 11:39 pm
I have on very good authority that Holden’s M.O. is to incorporate a non-disclosure agreement (gag order) into the contract parents sign when they register their kids next year. He did it between his 1st and 2nd year in Kansas City. Don’t be surprised if he does it here too. Parents need to be made aware to go over every document very carefully and NOT to sign if there is a non-disclosure. Technically, this could cause children to be bounced out of school if it is discovered that their parent posted on this web site.
50 anonymous // Apr 19, 2007 at 11:42 pm
Are the 6th graders being moved into the same building as the middle school/high school? Believe so.
Are the subjects now going to be departmentalized–are 6th graders going to change teachers and subjects every hour? Believe so as that is how the middle school functions.
Are the 6th graders going to learn from the same teachers that the 7th and 8th graders take or the same ones that have always taught 6th grade? Some of the faculty that currently teach 6th grade subjects are moving up and others are NOT.
This information has been obtained from parents who have children affected by this. This does not come from personal knowledge.
Furthermore, other than being told that the 6th grade is moving up, no further communication has been provided and no transition plan or informtion has been disseminated.
51 also concerned // Apr 19, 2007 at 11:50 pm
To clarify my own question: What is role of alumni in this new action plan?
Does anyone have data on non-Jewish administrators in other Jewish Day Schools? Does anyone have time to research this—sorry, I do not. Such data may help support our position.
52 A concerned Student // Apr 20, 2007 at 12:20 am
Dear Admin:
Though you may choose not to publicly post this, I would like to convey my message to you so that you can understand the negative effects of this website, and how really, instead of saving Hillel you’re speeding up its downfall.
Firstly, your board list is outdated; so stop sending out WRONG information.
Now that that has been established I will make this point: Dr. Holden is caring man who should not be bashed for his religion. Rabbi Chananiah, if you’re all about “tolerance” shouldn’t you respect the Head of School and address him by his proper title? His degree was incredibly valid and if people are jealous of his success as a soccer player as well they should learn self control. The bashings of his wife and children are absolutely DISGUSTING. We as Jews are supposed to preach and PRACTICE tolerance; not promote anti-Semitism by making ourselves look bad infront of other religions.
Additionally, you do NOT EVEN KNOW his family! How can you make such assumptions? And how do you know what goes on in the board meetings? You don’t live here! How can you assume the task of posting correct information, when really a lot of it is false.
Concerning the fired teachers, each of those teachers was put through a lengthy process after which they were told their contracts would be renewed if they worked with the school. Only after refusing to do this, and taking the immature apporach and “appealing” to the board, were they readmitted. At first I was on the teachers’ side; but I have come to lose much respect for him.
Additionally, the meetings concerning teachers and administration should remain professionally confidential; how can you expect to be treated respectively if you do not even give the school itself the respect it deserves and is trying to earn?
The school is heading in the right direction, so please stop harming the students by discouraging potential teachers to apply for jobs for a better education, and allowing colleges to view how disgusting our alumni can become.
Please stop hurting us; the students. Just stop this, please.
- A concerned student.
53 anonymous // Apr 20, 2007 at 12:48 am
I find it amazing that a student would be privy to regarding the lengthy process prior to contract renewal. Obviously it was not “professionally confidential” as you describe.
You point of view is appreciated, however perhaps you are not tuned into the larger picture which is the school at large. You are only focused on the area in which you are a student. However, there are other areas and issues that do not affect you but affect other students, divisions, faculty, and parents.
Please explain how this is hurting the students - this is unclear from the text of your email. Are you being punished due to things being conveyed on this site? Why do you feel you are being hurt?
Additional info: the board info was updated; as far as what you reference as the immature approach taken by the teachers, unfortunately, you have never been in this type of situation so it may be difficult for you to understand, however, it was appropriate to notify the board of any issues related to these contracts. Ultimately a board is responsible for the actions of a corporation.
Please explain how the students are being hurt.
Thank you.
54 anonymous // Apr 20, 2007 at 12:50 am
Contracts for this year have been signed and were due in January. All of this has taken place subsequent - I would doubt such verbiage was included this year.
Thanks for the heads-up!
Someone should review…….
55 admin // Apr 20, 2007 at 1:00 am
Dear “student” (who strangely seems to know way too much about the “lengthy process” that the teachers were put through):
You addressed me directly, and I did choose to post this. Why? Because it seems there is a big concern that is consistently discussed within the Hillel Board about the “bashing” of Holden’s wife and children. Are there any mentions on this website about Holden’s wife and children? If so, please point them out to me and they will be addressed.
I am going to provide you with some links. I would like for you and anyone who has expressed similar sentiment to weigh in on what’s currently on this website.
First, please read the particular post that has been in question from the start. That post is here. Look for any comments about Holden’s children or wife in that post. Look again. Tell me when you find it.
Yes, there was a questionable comment on that post. That comment was removed. In fact, someone who had a printout of the site was disgusted in the comment, just like you are. In fact, he/she said the following here:
Who ever wrote this is very cruel. I understand that you do not agree with what he did as do I. But use some derech eretz! You should not bring his wife or kids into this story. Dr. Holden is a human. I agree that its sad that he fired the best teachers but who ever wrote this is harassing him.
I noticed that comment and responded accordingly, because by the time that comment was made, that questionable comment was gone:
To “a student”: I am not sure what copy you are responding to but any statements referencing Holden’s personal affairs were removed over 12 hours ago.
I have no desire to pass personal judgment on Dr. Holden and found that while this simply was a repetition of the “rumor” that surrounds his departure from his old school, like you, it does not belong on this site. We are here to Save Hillel, not to impart judgment on administrators behind the decisions.
Please be advised that the content you are referring to is long gone, and I appreciate your feedback.
Great. However, you and others with a very similar agenda have come to me in the past 4 days with major concerns regarding the original comment that was posted to this site on 3/24 and which was subsequently addressed on 3/25. The questionable content was removed. Today is 4/20. It’s been almost a month and that comment has been gone for 26 days. It was not accessible via any means once deleted. That leads me to believe that you have a printout of the older content, as I know for certain that the Hillel Board possessed printouts of the site and referred to them in panel discussions. However, that means that only a select few individuals have access to that questionable content, especially given the short duration that it existed on the site and considering that only a handful of visitors were coming to the site at the time. (For the record, this site was launched on 3/23.)
Regarding the Board Member list: I am aware that the information is not accurate. Please see comment #31 on this page, or you can just click on the link here. I am open to editing the Board list to be more accurate, but I will not remove it as it is public record.
If you are addressing me directly, I already provided my two cents in yet another comment (click here).
I will reiterate that the comments on this website are not mine. I said it before, and I’ll say it again:
…while many of these views are being reposted by me, they are not representative of how I feel about the situation.
I will also note what goals I have for this site in the future once these concerns are sufficiently addressed (and I say that not because I personally am looking for the same goals as the rest of the community but because I don’t want other public affairs to diminish the positive efforts that I aim to achieve on this site):
I am consistently being approached by the “opposition” as if the ball is in my court as the site administrator. That is the farthest thing from the truth. This is just a website. It currently talks about the way the school is being managed. If the management problem was fixed, the website would focus on other emails I’ve been approached with: highlighting faculty and administration who are well-loved by the Hillel community, focusing on building the Hillel Alumni Association, etc. The site was originally created to honor our teachers, which was well-intentioned. The community ran into some “bumps on the road” that have been highlighted. I want to iron out those bumps and focus on those other wonderful things at Hillel.
Thus, as far as “dragging down Hillel more and more by pointing out his faults,” you might be addressing me directly, but my goals are very different.
I hope this is clear. I am consistently defending this perspective and I will continue to do so if necessary.
56 admin // Apr 20, 2007 at 1:50 am
By the way, I missed something else that you said:
And how do you know what goes on in the board meetings? You don’t live here!
When did I write anything about what has gone on during any board meeting? I naturally cannot comment on issues that I do not know anything about. Those comments, obviously, were not made by me. If I personally commented on these affairs that I don’t know about, I would appear to be biased, right? I am a site moderator who definitely did not like the direction Hillel took when they fired the teachers, but I don’t know anything else regarding Hillel politics. Therefore, any statements from me about such issues would not be accurate and I would not post them as that would be a completely unprofessional thing for a site moderator to do.
There are people here, however, who are bothered by Hillel’s direction. I am simply facilitating the discussion and ensuring that comments made are within proper boundaries. Your comments are in the proper boundaries, so they were posted. I am disturbed by the consistent belief that I condone and believe everything that is being said on this site. As site moderator, I have an obligation to be fair even if I do not see eye to eye with people who have posted here.
For the umpteenth time: the comments on this website are not my own nor do they have necessarily have my stamp of approval on them. These comments are from concerned members in the Hillel community. I started this website for three very special teachers (and I did not have any knowledge of any of these other developments when I created the site). That is all.
57 Shlomo Bolts // Apr 20, 2007 at 3:14 am
Concerned student,
Thanks for posting. You claim that being on the ground, at Hillel, you know what has been going on in board meetings. I find this highly intriguing, as I have been contemplating for a month now what occurs at board meetings, and for the life of me I just can not figure it out. Would you mind telling us? Do you know why all the teachers were fired, and why all at once, and why now? What were they thinking? What were they planning to do on Yossi Heber day?
This site is here in large part because the board seems to be stonewalling. Given that they have not moved beyond vague platitudes in addressing our questions and concerns, we have no choice but to engage in conjecture. I have no facts, so I speculate. If you can, please tell the board that if they do not like my speculations, they should tell the truth. Also, I imagine I speak for everyone on this website when I say that if you have updated facts, we would appreciate if you shared them.
As somewhat of an aside, who is your favorite teacher? And how would you feel if he/she was fired? Because given that, at the moment, I have no idea why any of the teachers were fired, I assume that any one of my favorite teachers will be the next to go. That’s a large reason why I’m here, anyways.
58 Anonymous // Apr 20, 2007 at 7:41 am
Concerned Student,
You are clearly the Board and not a Concerned Student and EVERYONE can see through your false persona.
Start posting as ANONYMOUS BOARD MEMBER and you will gain more respect. You are concerned with presenting the truth so you should begin by presenting the truth.
No one on the board has been forthcoming about the truth yet.
You are privy to WAY too much information to be a student. That is obvious to all.
WHO ARE YOUR SOURCES OF INFORMATION? You have relied on very few sources for your information–probably one other board member — and at most 5 administrators.
If you would take the time to talk to the teachers, you would understand how they were evaluated and that the way they were evaluated is harassment. NOT ONE INSTITUTION OF LEARNING IN THIS COUNTRY USES SUCH AN UNCONSCIONABLE METHOD OF EVALUATION. Many posts also stated this. You may have not bothered to read them.
If we are leading to the unraveling of the school, let the board come forth and stop it already. FACE TO FACE–not by HARASSING people connected to the site.
Also board member, learn how to read.
Many accusations you make against the site are simply unfounded:
1. Objectionable material and conjecture about Holden’s wife was removed ONE MONTH AGO.
2. It’s BEEN STATED THREE TIMES IN THREE PLACES that the Board list is OLD.
3. The ADMIN. does not post his or her OWN opinion. He or she merely ALLOWS US to post opinions provided we follow the guidelines on the COMMENT policy. Why can’t you understand that?
I only re-hash all of this because I see YOU DON’T READ and, therefore, probably didn’t take the time to read the ADMIN’S LENGTH EXPLANATION HERE. The Admin has written this SEVERAL TIMES BEFORE.
So here is the Cliffs Notes Abridged Version.
Hope you understand what’s going on now.
This site is striving to be accurate and responsible.
Are you?
59 Anonymous // Apr 20, 2007 at 7:47 am
also concerned: Alumni working on this project are comprised of students who attended top universities, most of them Ivy League, in the country.
They are drafting a letter stating the situation on the ground now in as diplomatic a way as they can.
All of the issues you mention above have been incorporated.
We have been closely monitoring this site from the beginning and we are well aware of almost every discussion that has taken place.
I’m only asking questions about issues where we need further clarification.
A survey is also being created.
You are in good hands. When we are done, we will not only mail out this information, we will post it to the site.
60 Michael Newman // Apr 20, 2007 at 8:29 am
Dear Board Member/Administrator writing under the auspices of a “concerned student:”
I find it quite telling that you do not even have to fortitude to tell everyone who you really are. Like the people who posted before me said, you are not helping your cause by making that phony post.
By the way, you claim that:
“the meetings concerning teachers and administration should remain professionally confidential; how can you expect to be treated respectively if you do not even give the school itself the respect it deserves and is trying to earn?”
Why is it that they need to be confidential? Here’s a writing tip: When you make a claim, it needs to be supported by evidence and examples.
You say the alumni of the school are “disgusting.”
First of all, at least I am an alumni of a University rather than trying to accumulate degrees as easy as possible through the internet.
Second, calling alumni “disgusting” is a fantastic strategy for fundraising.
Maybe at this next presidential election will the nominees start addressing the public interest groups as “disgusting” for fundraising purposes.
Saying something like that evidences that whoever wrote it does not belong in any position at Hillel.
61 Anonymous // Apr 20, 2007 at 9:29 am
Board Member,
You sound very much like Ellis Sinyor.
You and Judy Dach have a lot of explaining to do both to the Board and to the Entire School.
You have let your fellow board members down.
You have let everyone else down too and are responsible for the horrific decisions that are destroying this school.
Start getting your defense ready now because the day of your reckoning is quickly approaching.
62 Anonymous // Apr 20, 2007 at 10:35 am
If the board would like to provide a current and updated list of their names, I’m sure it would be no problem to put it up.
63 Anonymous // Apr 20, 2007 at 6:44 pm
The board is now in high gear trying to do damage control before the mailing campaign begins.
They are trying to pre-empt our efforts.
Good luck to them.
64 Concerned Student // Apr 20, 2007 at 7:07 pm
Firstly, I do not appreciate being attacked by all of the above comments. I am NOT a board member and if you think that I get my information from “board meetings” then you are incorrect. I am genuinely a concerned student. So please stop the accusations against Ellis Sinyor. This is how rumors start
About a month ago, I met with Dr. Holden and Mrs. Kohl to discuss the possibility of rehiring the teachers. I wanted ALL of them to return.They explained to me that each teacher was reviewed by 12 DIFFERENT PEOPLE. Of these twelve, a majority vote was taken to see whose contracts would be renewed. After the votes were tallied, all 11 teachers who were not going to get their contracts renewed, were given the opportunity to work with the school and improve their curriculums to renew their contracts. 3/11 teachers showed up; none of whom were Mrs. Heber, Mrs. Galitzer, or Rabbi Lefkowitz. That is how I received my information; not from a board meeting.
Additionally, though I know the comments were removed, the damage has already been done. How is Dr. Holden supposed to explain to his 12 year old daughter why she was harrassed on the internet? Or to his wife at the dinner table? How do you expect Dr. Holden to do a good job on the school when he is too busily concerned with this website?
Moreover, I will address the issue on how this website is hurting the students. As stated before, I PERSONALLY KNOW OF a couple of teachers who were thinking of teaching at the school. After finding this website, these teachers WERE DISGUSTED AT THE BASHING OF THE SCHOOL AND ITS HEADMASTER and were hired elsewhere. So thanks for preventing possibly good teachers from coming to the school.
I did not post this message to be attacked. I posted this because no one else was standing up for the right thing; so I took it upon myself to do so. Though I do not personally agree with all of Dr. Holden’s policies, I still pay him due respect.
Furthermore, Shlomo Bolts, I never claimed to know everything about the school just because I attend Hillel. And why are you standing up for Mrs. Galitzer? Were you not the person who threw a book at her because she taught material about Jesus Christ and you did not want to take the final? So don’t talk about how you ardently support the teachers, because in truth you do not.
So you all want evidence of teachers revealing the information about what happened in the meetings? I was personally confronted by a teacher who revealed ALL OF THE CONTENTS of his/her meeting. That information should remain confidential! Why? To preserve the integrity of the school and not biasedly make it out to be some horrible place.
As I believe that I addressed the above issue, I close on one last note. Shut down the website for your own good, and stop trying to Save Hillel. Oh and I almost forgot. You claim that the school needs a Jewish head of school? How many people do you see going into Administration that are Jews? NOT TOO MANY. So how can you expect to find a perfect Jewish candidate if there are SO FEW JEWISH CANDIDATES?! The Board chose the candidate they thought would do the best job at Hillel, and as far as I am concerned, no one had any problems with Holden until the teachers were fired.
- A Concerned Student
(Yes, notice the word STUDENT. Please)
65 admin // Apr 20, 2007 at 7:20 pm
The problem is, Concerned Student, that the source of that that questionable information is not from the Internet. The source of that information comes from someone who expressed their concern about the school’s current leadership. The only testament to the “damage being done” is the fact that people continue to walk around with outdated printouts. Shred them and work with what the public is seeing. This website had a spike of visitors AFTER the questionable content was removed, not before.
If you continue to dwell on it, it continues to be damaging. Just be advised that the source of that information at present is not this website.
66 Anonymous // Apr 20, 2007 at 7:38 pm
STUDENT,
I am sorry but you are privy to way too much information to be a student.
Mrs. Kohl and Mr. Holden have not told PARENTS why those teachers were fired and you want us to believe that they told YOU, A STUDENT.
And if you are a student, then they gave you some spin as they are great spin doctors.
And I see you’ve bought it. Hook, line, and sinker.
Student,
Here’s what you need to know.
Everything they told you was a lie.
That’s why one of them was non-renewed. That’s why the other one would be non-renewed if we could legally break his contract.
What they also didn’t tell you is that the comprehensive evaluation process they used is NOT used IN A SINGLE SCHOOL OR UNIVERSITY IN THIS ENTIRE UNITED STATES because it is UNETHICAL.
(For those who wish to understand what the “comprehensive evaluation process” involves please read the response posted on “To the Board of Governors” in the Archives)
Shame on them for lying to students and board members alike!!
67 Anonymous // Apr 20, 2007 at 7:59 pm
Student,
Do you really believe this too?
“How many people do you see going into Administration that are Jews? NOT TOO MANY. So how can you expect to find a perfect Jewish candidate if there are SO FEW JEWISH CANDIDATES?! ”
We’ve got a whole school full of top notch qualified Jewish educators who submitted applications for administrative positions that the board ignored.
Furthermore, if the board did not wish to recruit from within, there are tons of qualified Jews elsewhere they could have found who were suitable for the position.
Do you know how many Jews in this country hold advanced degrees and are in academia? Tons!!!!
They could sell you the Brooklyn Bridge too, I’ll bet.
Shame on them for taking advantage of innocent and naive children!
As for your comments about Shlomo Bolts and Mrs. Galitzer, this issue was also addressed on this website in the archives under “Planning For the Future”. Mrs. Galitzer and Shlomo cleared the air a long time ago. If you don’t believe that call her for yourself and find out. The fact that this administration used a trivial incident with a student as one of the excuses to fire a teacher is beyond reprehensible. This issue was already addressed here.
Last, your claim that “no one had any problems with Holden until the teachers were fired”.
My dear, that is PRECISELY the problem.
Did you not read what the student Nathan Lipsky from Hyman Brand Hebrew Academy wrote in today about Holden”Stop Him Before It’s Too Late”? Did you not read the “Florida Jewish News Letter” in the archives from a parent at that school, Ed Fried, warning us? Did you not read all of the comments from people in Kansas who claim that HOLDEN DESTROYED THEIR SCHOOL TOO?????
What motive do they have to lie?????
Are you willing to gamble the future of Hillel on this administration’s lies?
_____________
Post Script:
SEE COMMENT 5 ON THIS THREAD:
(For those who wish to understand what the “comprehensive evaluation process” involves please read the response posted on “To the Board of Governors” in the Archives)
68 Concerned Student // Apr 20, 2007 at 8:01 pm
Please clarify what you mean about the lies they told me. I really don’t understand the whole renewed non renewed thing.
Thanks.
69 Anonymous // Apr 20, 2007 at 8:27 pm
STUDENT,
I do believe you are a student. I believe you are a child of a board member.
70 Anonymous // Apr 20, 2007 at 8:43 pm
BOARD MEMBERS:
STOP TALKING THROUGH YOUR CHILDREN. Post for yourselves!
STOP BELIEVING ALL THE LIES YOU’RE BEING FED.
OPEN YOUR EYES BEFORE IT’S TOO LATE.
71 Anonymous // Apr 20, 2007 at 10:27 pm
The methods the administrators used to evaluate the teachers do not follow the guidelines ENDORSED BY BEST PRACTICES ACCORDING TO RESEARCHERS AND THE US DEPARMENT OF EDUCATION.
http://saskschoolboards.ca/research/instruction/95-04.htm#m
This is one of many sources that cite similar findings.
The SSTA Research Centre grants permission to reproduce up to three copies of each report for personal use.
INEFFECTIVE TEACHER EVALUATION SYSTEMS ARE MORE COSTLY THAN EFFECTIVE ONES. Shoddy teacher evaluation programs, because they neither improve teachers’ instructional skills nor permit the dismissal of incompetent teachers, rob children of the achievements, when well-taught, they have the potential to obtain (Stanley & Popham, 1988). CONVENTIONAL TEACHER EVALUATION, WARNS BARTH (1990), OFTEN RESEMBLES A MEANINGLESS RITUAL. “OR EVEN WORSE, IT BECOMES A RECURRING OCCASION TO HEIGHTEN ANXIETY AND DISTANCE BETWEEN TEACHER AND ADMINISTRATOR, AND COMPETITION BETWEEN TEACHER AND TEACHER” (P. 56).
IN SHORT, IT MINIMIZES DIALOGUE, REINFORCES INSTITUTIONAL HIERARCHIES, AND RISKS POISONING OTHERWISE PRODUCTIVE WORKING RELATIONSHIPS AMONG SCHOOL PROFESSIONALS.
The appraisal of teaching performance is as old as the education profession (Rehore, 1991). Few issues in education have the potential to generate as much heat for educators as the evaluation of teachers (Gitlin & Smyth, 1989). These points bring into clear perspective the need for effective teacher evaluation policy, and the need for boards and administrators to examine policies with a view to improving learning opportunities in their various classrooms. This document provides a summary of the research literature associated with teacher evaluation[…]
Since teachers deal with complex problems, they should be evaluated as professionals which means that THEIR STANDARDS SHOULD BE DEVELOPED BY THEIR PEERS AND THEIR EVALUATION SHOULD FOCUS ON THE DEGREE TO WHICH THEY SOLVE PROFESSIONAL PROBLEMS competently (Soar, Medley, dk Coker, 1983).
The emphasis of their evaluation should be on their teaching and not on them as individuals (Findley & Estabrook, 1991) and take into consideration the involvement and responsiveness of others involved in the education process (Weade & Evertson, 1991).
The evaluation process usually involves preparation, observation, data collection, reporting, and follow-up. Data collection normally entails A FORMAL
OBSERVATION WHICH IS PRECEDED BY A PRE-CONFERENCE AND FOLLOWED BY A POST- CONFERENCE.
[My note: NOT 15 CONSECUTIVE OBSERVATIONS!!!!!]
The utilization of formal observations does not mean informal observations are ignored. Many unannounced visits usually prove to be more effective than a few announced visits.
**HOWEVER, THERE ARE LIMITATIONS TO CLASSROOM OBSERVATIONS AS AN ASSESSMENT METHOD.
DarlinB-Hammond, in Mitchell, Wise, & Plake (1990), warns: ***They reveal little about the coherence of the curriculum, the depth and breadth of content covered, the range of teaching techniques used, the quality and variety of materials employed, the types and frequency of students ‘ assignments, the quality of instruments used for student assessment, the kinds of feedback students receive an their work, or the appropriateness of any of these things for individual students and for the classroom context as a whole. (p. 158) *****
TEACHER EVALUATION SHOULD BE A SMALL BUT SIGNIFICANT PART OF THE LARGER STRATEGY FOR SCHOOL IMPROVEMENT (Mitchell et al., 1990) which would see staff development take place PRIOR TO evaluations (Wood & Lease, 1987).
Teacher evaluations should be DIALOGICAL RATHER THAN HIERARCHICAL (Gitlin & Smyth, 1989). The division of labour between those who determine what is to
be taught and when and how it is to be taught and those who teach must be
addressed, because teacher-proofing curriculum and instructional strategies is in
direct opposition to treating teachers as professionals. EVALUATORS SHOULD KNOW THE SUBJECT MATTER, pedagogy, and classroom characteristics of the teacher being
evaluated (McGeachy, 1992), as well as take into consideration the fact that
experienced and excellent teachers ARE CAPABLE OF PEDAGOGICAL PERFORMANCES THAT EDUCATIONAL THEORY AND RESEARCH CAN NEITHER EXPLAIN NOR PREDICT (Shulman, 1987).
[My note: MOST OF THE ADMINISTRATORS CONDUCTING THE EVALUATIONS DO NOT KNOW THE SUBJECT MATTER OF THE TEACHERS THEY EVALUATED!!!!!!!!!!]
THESE RISK-TAKERS AND INNOVATORS MUST BE ENCOURAGED NOT STIFLED. Consequently, any effort to define standards for teaching and to operationalize them in an evaluation must reach beyond the judgment of academic experts. Therefore, we need a form of evaluation that will reflect a more enlightened view of teaching, that will inspire teacher educators to aim higher in creating their
curricula and designing their programs, and that will, in the very process of being implemented through supervised residencies in the schools, introduce new forms of mentoring,
collaboration, and collegiality. (Shulman, 1987, p.44)
Also not evident in Hillel’s evaluative process:
Train evaluators - Evaluators need preservice training opportunities to conduct more accurate and effective teacher assessments. Training might focus on skills such as analyzing effective teaching practice, determining a teacher’s impact on student learning, and providing leadership for professional development and remedial assistance.
**Broaden participation in evaluation design - *
POLICYMAKERS MUST REACH OUT TO ALL EDUCATION STAKEHOLDERS, INCLUDING TEACHERS* AND ADMINISTRATORS, TO DESIGN A TEACHER EVALUATION SYSTEM. Educators and school officials MUST HAVE CONFIDENCE IN AND AN UNDERSTANDING* OF EVALUATION - PRIOR TO AND DURING IMPLEMENTATION - TO ENSURE ITS LONG-TERM SUSTAINABILITY.
The Blue Print to “Excellence” fails to mention that the “comprehensive” evaluative process used at Hillel GOES AGAINST what is endorsed in terms of Best Practices in the US , and, furthermore, was UNETHICAL .
DICTATORSHIP AT ALL LEVELS MUST COME TO AN END NOW.
72 Michael Newman // Apr 21, 2007 at 12:08 am
It’s funny. Parents don’t know what is going on, teachers don’t know what is going on, alumni are completely clueless, the board and administration are hiding from this website (since they never have posted anything under their own names), yet this students knows everything.
WOW!
And you know there were no other Jewish candidates for the headmaster position because…
73 Anonymous // Apr 21, 2007 at 2:27 am
“They explained to me that each teacher was reviewed by 12 DIFFERENT PEOPLE. Of these twelve, a majority vote was taken to see whose contracts would be renewed. After the votes were tallied, all 11 teachers who were not going to get their contracts renewed, were given the opportunity to work with the school and improve their curriculums to renew their contracts. 3/11 teachers showed up; none of whom were Mrs. Heber, Mrs. Galitzer, or Rabbi Lefkowitz.”
1. Since when do teachers get contracts renewed based on a majority vote? That’s a new one!
2. Since when do teachers get observed by 12 different people in 15 days? Name one other reputable institution in this country that evaluates teachers that way!
3. 12 observers:
(1) Mr. Holden - holds a doctorate from a university that is not recgonized by the US Dept. of Ed. at the time of his matriculation, a university that came under fire at US Congressional hearings for granting bogus degrees. All of his degrees are in education and not in the SUBJECT matter of the teachers he evaluated.
(2) Chaye Kohl - nonrenewed at the time she was conducting evaluations. Enough Said.
(3) Beverly Buncher - removed from her position as High School Principal. Enough said.
(4) Frumma Rosenberg- removed from her position as Middle School Principal at the time of the evaluations. Enough said.
(5) Rabbi Druin - allegedly unliked by his employees. Word on the street: he’s being pressured to step down but refuses to.
(6) Nick Henrichsen - the most kosher of the group.
(7-12???) I didn’t know we had that many administrators???????? I have counted 6 not 12.
Who else gets included in the vote? We are entitled to know.
When you consider who was doing the evaluating, the sources, with the exception of one person, were not credible.
3. If the 3 (of the 11 non-renewed) teachers- who showed up to beg for a chance to grovel and prove that they “improved” and “renewed” their curricula-were not Galitzer, Heber, or Lefkowitz-then why in the world would the school ever re-hire them??? Either they can teach or they can’t. Either they’ve “improved” or they haven’t.
What changed?????????
I will tell you what changed: When the public caught wind of the malicious injustice being done, they opened their mouths and put a stop to it.
I guess the “12″ who voted the teachers out were not in the majority after all. Is anyone here surprised?
74 Anonymous // Apr 21, 2007 at 10:40 am
WARNING :
About non-disclosure, gag order..
Noted. Thank you.
75 Juno // Apr 21, 2007 at 10:47 am
What meeting? There was a meeting? Why did I not know about this meeting?
No one bothered to tell me!
When was the meeting?
No one said anything to me.
Teacher evaluations are in a public school conducted quarterly. I know, I have my excellent public school evals.
Generally a good eval is about 30 minutes long and includes a check list.
These evals done were about 3-5 minutes long and there were supposed to be 15 (I had 8 plus two of the proper length in the fall). There, in public school is always a meeting about the evaluaation afterwards and there is always a meeting about the eval prior to the eval. You always have your plan book out and the attendance book and the grade book should be within a week. That’s what public school do.
I once had the experience in an obervation for evaluation where my Principal liked the lesson so much (it was right up his alley, he’s done his thesis on it) that after 20 minutes he raised his hand and said do you want to sign your contract now for next year or we could do it later…I want to do the next part of the lesson with them!” Dr. White was a great administrator! When he retired his shoes were impossible to fill (inner city school…).
That was over 20 years ago.
76 Anonymous // Apr 21, 2007 at 2:29 pm
“After the votes were tallied, all 11 teachers who were not going to get their contracts renewed, were given the opportunity to work with the school and improve their curriculums to renew their contracts. 3/11 teachers showed up; none of whom were Mrs. Heber, Mrs. Galitzer, or Rabbi Lefkowitz. That is how I received my information; not from a board meeting.”
I have now heard this from several parents who are being told this by other parents who were initially told this by BOARD MEMBERS.
In the ABSENCE OF ACCURATE INFORMATION, many parents now believe the above to be true without having any understanding that those TEACHERS WERE NEVER IN NEED OF REMEDIATION IN THE FIRST PLACE!!!
Therefore, parents I’ve spoken to now believe that the adminstrators were justified for wrongful firings.
Many parents now believe that the administration gave the teachers a chance “to improve” which they didn’t seize. Hence, what happened to the teachers was ALL THEIR faults and not the fault of the people who did the firing.
What is unbelievable here is that The Board is so SELF RIGHTEOUS in worrying that we are spreading lies and defaming people’s characters, when in actuality, IT IS THEY, who are ENGAGING IN LASHON HaRAH AND IN DEFAMING PEOPLE’S PROFESSIONAL REPUTATIONS.
Their behavior is a classic illustration of FREUDIAN PROJECTION–in other words, they accuse others of what THEY THEMSELVES ARE GUILTY OF DOING and of what they CONTINUE to do as you are reading these very words.
Classic!! Textbook!!
THE HYPOCRISY IS MIND BOGGLING!!!!
77 mindy // Apr 21, 2007 at 8:51 pm
The problem did NOT start when the wonderful teachers’ contracts were not renewed. This was the point when things came out in the open. Teacher morale was down long before this time, etc, etc, etc.
Perhaps our blessing in disguise… so we do not end up like Kansas.
78 Anonymous // Apr 21, 2007 at 10:43 pm
Concerned Student,
Thank you for caring and taking the time to write in, investigate, and further try to make sense of what you’re being told.
Non-renewed is a nice way of saying that these administrators themselves were not given contracts to come back for the following year. (In other words, they let people who were either here for ONLY 1 YEAR OR were essentially fired or demoted themselves–see one of the posts above for the list of who did the evaluating– evaluate the teachers. It is unheard of to let people in such positions walk around and “fire” others) Does this make sense to you? This doesn’t happen in a single other business or school that I’m aware of.
The administrators who primarily did the firing–Kohl and Druin–never expected anyone to care about the teachers they fired. Never in their wildest dreams did they expect this type of backlash. They are new to the school. They, therefore, had to come up quickly with explanations to justify the wrongful firings.
THE LIES THEY SPREAD:
They said teachers were late, never showed up to class, couldn’t get along with specific students, did not fit in with the vision of the school, were bad teachers who did not update their lesson plans, methodology, or course syllabi when none of this was true. This is what we call “defamation of character”. It happens to be a crime.
THE OTHER BIG LIE: These 3 teachers never showed up to a meeting when they were given the chance to “improve” so that that perhaps, possibly, they might, just maybe, if they’re good and lucky, get reinstated.
The fired English teacher going by the name Juno, aka Edy Wild, just claimed above that SHE WAS NEVER INFORMED that the teachers were given a chance to meet so that they could try to “improve” and possibly be rehired:
Here are her exact words:
“What meeting? There was a meeting? Why did I not know about this meeting?
No one bothered to tell me!
When was the meeting?
No one said anything to me.”
SO I ASK YOU: WHO IS LYING TO WHOM?
The dean is at fault because he allowed them these administrators to make the wrongful firings. He believed what the principals told him because he was new to the school and did not know who was who.
All he cared about was cutting the budget as parents at the last school can attest to. (See “Attention Administration” in the archives discusses how money is the bottom line and why this is a big mistake. The firings are about reducing the budget. If you fire older teachers who cost a lot of money, you can hire new inexperienced ones for half the price and cut the spending down.)
Because the dean is so nice and charismatic it’s hard to get upset at him for his bad decisions.
The thing is that in Businesses it’s considered an extremely unwise to walk in somewhere when you’re brand new and fire 14 people the first year there.
Not to mention, it may be that the other teachers, Elbaz etc, were also wrongfully fired. They’re not being renewed they have no alumni yet to write in on their behalf.
Think about what you want to do if you discover you have been lied to.
We, over here, could really use your help.
Thank you for being Concerned, Student.
79 Anonymous // Apr 21, 2007 at 11:07 pm
Lies ? Sure!
You can review Holdens repution far away from Kansas….
http://www.ratemyteachers.com/schools/kansas/overland_park/hyman_brand_hebrew_academy/adam__holden
80 Ivory Tower // Apr 21, 2007 at 11:59 pm
Whisper: Juno is Juno…
81 Aaron // Apr 22, 2007 at 9:12 am
I am sure that if anything major happens (good or bad) or any new news comes to light (good or bad) it will be posted with the proper prominence
82 Anonymous // Apr 23, 2007 at 7:42 pm
It appears that the person who’s been the Headmaster of Pinecrest for the past 15 years is a Jew.
So much for their being no qualified JEWS out there to serve as heads of schools - even selection committees in non-parochial schools seem to have no problems finding qualified Jews to do a great job leading one the premier schools of South Florida. How ironic!!
83 Emrys // Apr 23, 2007 at 8:56 pm
There are QUALIFIED persons out there of all stripes. I do agree that the head of a Jewish school should be Jewish. When serving in a parochial school be it Jewish or whatever, the mission of the school comes first, qv, when in Rome shoot Roman candles not your collegues!
84 Juno // Apr 25, 2007 at 6:06 pm
I was not ever told about a meeting. Period.
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