This message was written by Isaac Sapoznik:
This is kind of hard for me to write correctly because I am out of the country on a blackberry.
First, I would like to thank everyone who came out to vote. Whether you voted for us or the other people is irrelevant. It is great to hear that soo many people came out to vote for our school.
That fact that I lost does not bother me. I will not take this personal and I hope that no one on our slate does either. This was not about us. This was about the school. The school came out and voted tonight. They heard what we all had to say and they voted and we must respect that.
On that note, just because we are not officially on the board does not mean we cannot help the school. I am 22 years old and this election was my first opportunity to help the school. No matter what, I will spend the rest of my life helping and shaping an institution that helped shaped my life.
We should all be proud of ourselves of the hard work that we put in. It has not gone unnoticed. I know that every year for every possible year, I will be trying to get on the board of governors. Even if it takes me 10 years, I will be helping the school in the meantime any which way I can. Why? Because that is how much dedication and care I have for this school. There is always work that needs to be done whether it be fundraising, a strong alumni association or programs for the school. It doesn’t matter what we personally think about anyone in the school. IT IS ABOUT THE KIDS AND THE FUTURE KIDS OF THE SCHOOL. I hope that this is just the beginning for other people also. I hope that just because we lost, the new slate and all the supporters never stop supporting the school. Moreover, we cannot tarnish the school by ruining its reputation. We cannot revenge the school and do things like call the IRS, the media, SACS or whatever other ways people were plotting. If people do that then we are left with nothing and then and ONLY THEN our hard work went for nothing and was simply a waste of our time.
I hope people will put there egos aside on our slate and the current board to be able to find a way to work together. This is the Hillel COMMUNITY day school. By definition, community includes all members of the community. No exceptions. That means that ina perfect world all members In a community should be involved and send their kids to this school. We have not achieved that but hopefully one day we will achieve that. We will never achieve that if we don’t keep on trying. Imagine if Michael Jordan gave up after he was cut by his High School team? On that note, I hope everyone keeps their enthusiasm up. We must respect the mandate of the school. If they were correct then the school will be better in the future. However, if they see they are wrong in the next few years, I hope they can admit to their mistakes and finally change their attitudes and work together with anyone who cares about this school.
Thank you for your support everyone. I hope that you continue to support us because the school needs people like us. Without us, they would be free to do whatever they want.
50 responses so far ↓
1 Anon // Jun 7, 2007 at 7:43 am
Judging by the comments in the “Endorsement” thread (ie: nananan heyhey goodbye, BURNED -the voices have been heard), Hillel needs us, isaac, but if these kids are anything like their parents, I don’t want to help them.
I suggest that every parent who still has morals takes their kid out of Hillel. I suggest that every teacher looks for options at the local schools in the area.
You have a good heart, Isaac, but Hillel has changed since it changed you. Picking up the pieces is near impossible at this point.
2 a former teacher // Jun 7, 2007 at 8:53 am
Issac,
I would like to applaud you on your very well written thank you and I do know that it is heartfelt. Although the “new slate” did not win a victory of changing the board, you really did win a tremendous victory in this community. As a teacher at Hillel for 11 years, I don’t remember a time when so many students, alumni, teachers, parents, etc. rallied together for the good of this school. A point was made, and the community needs to keep stressing that point — that you are closely watching, the board and the administration, in everything they do, and that you will be there when they step out of line. Please don’t fall into threats and intimidations– behavior that Dr. Holden and the rest of the administration seems to use freely — Hillel will be the better for it. Although I will no longer be teaching at Hillel, the school and the students — both past and present — will always remain close to my heart.
sincerely,
a former teacher
3 NonnyDonny // Jun 7, 2007 at 8:56 am
Wrong wrong wrong, I don’t like this!
Don’t sacrifice the kiddies over school politics! Leave that to the board! Those kids are cool!
Anonny–don’t be a Donny.
4 Anon // Jun 7, 2007 at 9:06 am
Nonny: Maybe you are right. But again, i said “if these kids are anything like their parents” or more accurately stated, “their parents, the voters.”
If this was a “fair” vote (irregardless of the private meetings held beforehand that completely discounted everyone on the proposed new slate), then the parents have said at this point that they don’t care about the quality of the education their children are getting.
It is a sad day that Hillel has come to this, and the recent comments have proven how sickening Hillel politics have b ecome.
5 another ex-exec board member // Jun 7, 2007 at 9:23 am
I commend all who were involved in last night’s elections. There was a process set into place and it worked. I wasnt at the meeting but heard that everyone handled themselves professionally and that is the best outcome. Hillel should be proud that so many people care about the school and the students have learned a valuable lesson in civil discourse.
The parents gave the administration a clear mandate to move forward and I wish them all the best. Stay involved and keep working to make Hillel a school of excellence.
Yasher Koach.
6 Anon // Jun 7, 2007 at 9:28 am
How is lying that Galitzer/Lefkowitz/Heber weren’t really fired “professional”???
exec board member- you, like the others who voted blindly, are not fully aware of what happened in that room or in the past several months at Hillel. It is a popularity contest at best.
7 isaac sapoznik // Jun 7, 2007 at 9:33 am
No one should take ther kids out of Hillel. That would defeat the whole purpose of everything we have worked hard to accomplish. Above all, a jewish education is more important than any of our personal feelings. A jewish education guided me through college safely and taught me morals. Moreover, it taught me how to be student. By abondoning hilllel now, we give up. I will not give up. I love this school and at the end of the day, it continues to provide a great jewish and secular education. Please, let’s not lose sight of what’s most important- the kids. As long as I am alive I will be fighting for them and making sure they can receive a jewish education. I cannot write in words what a jewish education has done for me. I can try to explain in person but it is stil very hard to explain. At the end of the day this school affects so many of the kids lives. That fact alone will never let me give up. Please, let’s put our egos aside and put the swords down. We all did a great job. Now its about the kids. Let’s work with them to make sure they get the education they deserve.
8 Anon // Jun 7, 2007 at 9:45 am
Isaac-again, I commend you for your high morals, but if their parents don’t want you to intervene, then “everything we worked hard to accomplish” is not an accomplishment at all. They don’t want that. They don’t want a Jewish education. I am happy that it shaped you as it did me, but hillel is governed by a different kind of people now, and what was once before no longer is. It is a sad day for hillel but I applaud your efforts and candor.
9 isaac sapoznik // Jun 7, 2007 at 10:20 am
There is 3 term limit for all board members. They will not be there forever. I know that I will be running to be on the board every year until I get on that board. I will not give up. Michael jordan did not give up when his high school basketball coach cut him. “If at first you don’t succeed, try again.” I wil never give up on this school. I hope none of you do either.
10 anonymous // Jun 7, 2007 at 10:32 am
You are correct! This is not about the individuals, it is about the school, it is about the children!
To our teachers, we love you and support you!
The board knows that people are watching. They welcomed the involvement of the parent body. If parents do not get involved, they have themselves to blame.
Yasher Koach to all of the individuals who ran - - thank you for taking your time on behalf of our children, our teachers, and our school.
11 Anon // Jun 7, 2007 at 10:34 am
I hope they are not there forever, but for now they are evil enough to post scathing comments on this blog to prove that they possess the maturity of two year olds who won this out of bribery, marketing (that’s where your Hillel dollars are going!), and a popularity contest.
I hope that the future brings better things to this school and that you are there to make it happen, Isaac. I hope you win eventually. But I think the tides have turned and that the Hillel vision you had onceseen has been replaced. If the voters’ habits show what hillel really wants, anyone looking to “save hillel” in the form of the mission of this site have ultimately failed. But I cannot say that you should not keep trying. I just don’t know if there’s any use in it.
If, however, you choose to keep trying, you’ll see more comments like those from Ellis Sinyor with “nananananana heyhey goodbye” and the other individual who has said that you have been burned. I hope those don’t get you down. Be strong.
As far as “parents” getting involved, we need more of those if change will ever happen.
12 anonymous // Jun 7, 2007 at 10:51 am
Interestingly enough - - everyone at teh meeting was cordial and professional. If, in fact, these individuals are rude and childish on the blog - - then they are cowards as individuals.
In life, there are always individuals who are jealous, childish, obnoxious, etc. The key is to ignore such behaviors and not give credence to their existence.
The victory last night was for our children! Let’s not lose site - - this is what it is all about. The board has witnessed and the community has spoken! Everyone now knows that people are watching!
Communication will be forthcoming.
All will be good - -
13 Anon // Jun 7, 2007 at 10:57 am
but how do you think the teachers feel now? they need motivation to teach the kids. their motivation was shattered last night.
14 NonnyDonny // Jun 7, 2007 at 11:16 am
Teach for the kids.
15 Anon // Jun 7, 2007 at 11:26 am
i’m not saying they shouldnt. But last night’s vote indicates that the majority of parents don’t care about their childrens’ futures.
It is sad when teachers cannot speak to tell the parents what is really going on.
16 anonymous // Jun 7, 2007 at 1:00 pm
The fact that so many people showed up is a testament that people are interested and are there for the children. They do care about their children.
If we unite as a community and become involved on committees and within the school, we will achieve. Divided we will fall and we will continue to demotivate the children and the students. Working side by side we will get there too.
We love our teachers and will not lose site of their needs.
17 Jessica Fishbein // Jun 7, 2007 at 1:11 pm
I would like to thank every parent and every alumnus who has stood up on behalf of their teachers. Your teachers last night conveyed to me personally their profoundest thanks for your efforts.
I have spoken to several teachers now in every division of the school with the exception of the ECE. They are quite devastated — but not surprised — by the election results.
Thank you Isaac and all parents who made a valiant attempt to care enough to support them in their dire time of need.
To quote from a book I have taught to hundreds of students now– Atticus Finch in To Kill A Mockingbird: ” COURAGE IS WHEN YOU KNOW YOU’RE LICKED BEFORE YOU BEGIN, BUT YOU BEGIN ANYWAY AND YOU SEE IT THROUGH NO MATTER WHAT!”
Thank you for your courage.
18 Hillel Parent // Jun 7, 2007 at 1:14 pm
Mazel Tov…the alternate slate going up against the full weight of the administration, marketing department(both in -house and consultants) current board, founding family( and in the eleventh hour, a misinformed local Rabbi) etc., etc., you managed to pick up 1/3 of the vote!!!!
In effect, there was a vote of ‘no-confidence’ in the leadership of the school on the part of 1/3 of the parents!!. That is significant. Any private enterprise would be panicked to learn of such a high disapproval rate amongst their customers.
19 FOJ // Jun 7, 2007 at 1:22 pm
Please keep campaigning - in two years - your 1/3 of the vote can grow - and then your voice will not just be heard - but effective. You should all be admired for challenging the existing board. They must listen to the parent body and make them happy - for if this continues - they will be gone. It must be up to you to stay passionate and committed to following the process through. May I also suggest a mailing with “Na na na na ” and ” Goodbye” sent around so the 2/3 can see for themselves the kind of people you had tried to work with. That response in of itself is enough to make anyone want to change the people in charge. Everyone needs to be an adult here.
20 Anonymous // Jun 7, 2007 at 2:36 pm
maybe Kansas can give us some tips on how they finally woke their board up
the vast majority of this board and their latin friend devotees are madly in love
welcome to the banana republic
21 NonnyDonny // Jun 7, 2007 at 3:02 pm
Please stop insulting our Latino friends.
Por favor–Anonny, don’t be a Donny.
22 Anonymous // Jun 7, 2007 at 4:13 pm
i am latin too but i am not easily manipulated by dictators like the majority seem to be
i hope you are not a board member because you sound like a 2 year old
even the latin crowd acts with more maturity than you do SAD SAD SAD
23 Icecube // Jun 7, 2007 at 4:27 pm
last one
I’m done
to those left behind…
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j6toyTNf-UM
to those responsible for this tragedy…
http://www.slack-time.com/music-videos/Country-Music/Dixie-Chicks/Not-Ready-To-Make-Nice.shtml
24 Anonymous // Jun 7, 2007 at 4:34 pm
I am a student at Hillel. Ever since all this ruckus has been going on at the school my parents have been trying to convince me to switch to a “Real” Jewish School. But i kept telling them that i love this school and don’t want to leave. The teachers here are amazing including the ones i had this year. So i just would like to thank everyone who has been a part of trying to make this school the best Jewish school it could be.
25 Baruch Landa // Jun 7, 2007 at 4:38 pm
Isaac — I am truly impressed with what you have been trying to do for the school. However, as time goes by and as each generation passes, the school becomes more and more secular (which is not bad, but this is at the expense of the Judaic studies). In the past 10-15 years, Hillel has seen a more than steady decline in religious affairs, events, and mostly students and parents. I highly doubt that what you are trying to do, though commendable, is not really going to pay off…
26 Mindy // Jun 7, 2007 at 4:55 pm
The teachers love your children, too!
I’m trying to sort this all out. A good point made re: 2/3 of the vote. Looking at the glass half-full instead of half-empty.
I see one of 2 possibilities at this time…teachers leaving during the summer (and perhaps some students, too) OR teachers willing to “give it a try.” Coming back…seeing how thing unfold…how they are treated, etc.
They need to know that if something does happen, they have people to whom they can turn…this is so very important.
I am concerned by comments Isaac made. I know his heart is completely in the right place, but he strongly suggests that we stay away from SACS and/or IRS. Nobody wants this, but if everything is on the up and up, then it should not matter. The point is IF either agency were brought in, no one would know about it UNLESS something is uncovered.
27 Anon // Jun 7, 2007 at 4:59 pm
Bottom line you all have to be happy. Your dream came true. Your board stayed the same. Now you just have to make the best out of it. We wish the school will understand parent’s and teachers more. That the adminstrators will respect there teacher’s better. Bottom line we need good teachers to teach our children. Good luck we hope to hear good news from now on. Don’t worry with Jill Schokett on board she will help make the change. Yeah Jill.
28 Anon // Jun 7, 2007 at 5:41 pm
Teachers have given it a try for several years.
This is the thing about “abusive relationships” in marriage or dedicated partnerships. The abused partner stays in the relationship because she/he thinks that it will improve in the future. IF it’s not getting better and there are no promises that your situations will improve, don’t expect it.
Don’t be another victim of an abusive relationship.
29 Anonymous // Jun 7, 2007 at 5:52 pm
“Anon // Jun 7, 2007 at 11:26 am
i’m not saying they shouldnt. But last night’s vote indicates that the majority of parents don’t care about their childrens’ futures.
It is sad when teachers cannot speak to tell the parents what is really going on.”
THIS IS THE BIGGEST TRAGEDY OF ALL.
30 FOJ // Jun 7, 2007 at 5:54 pm
I have a real problem with nonnydonny’s comments that teachers should just teach for the kids. Obviously teachers are seen as a generous group who is altrustic in their endeavors - but be real for a moment. Teaching is a profession - how many doctors disregard their pay, job security and impact on work environment - to just “doctor for the sick”! Teachers have a right to teach in a positive environment - the board and the administrators and parents - have an obligation to provide a place where teachers are partners in the decision making process. Seriously, run like a business - model yourselves against any successful business of late (i.e. UPS) where employee input and profit sharing, etc. made it one of the most viable companies around. Everyone needs to focus on working together to involve all parties - and CLEARLY allow for better communication. Small steps - eventually Mt. Everest is climbed.
31 Anonymous // Jun 7, 2007 at 5:55 pm
Teachers should not stand for abuse
They should blow the whistle
32 FOJ // Jun 7, 2007 at 5:57 pm
They are not being abused and that term should not be thrown around lightly. The teachers may be bullied, but abuse is far more agregious than this.
33 Mindy // Jun 7, 2007 at 5:57 pm
No yarmulkes were provided to the men as they entered the cafeteria. This seems to support comment #25. In the past, Hillel always had yarmulkes–for the men who did not have their own.
When– and IF– genuine respect –shown in actions, not by words–is shown to the teachers, I think we can begin to mend. The environmnet needs to be a healthy one, not a repressive one.
34 Anon // Jun 7, 2007 at 5:58 pm
The concept of “abuse” in my context is the same. Would you remain in a relationship where you were being buillied on a consistent basis?
35 FOJ // Jun 7, 2007 at 6:01 pm
No and I wouldn’t stay in a relationship where I am being abused either. But there is a difference between the two. PS - I support you totally - just disagree on the language.
36 Anon // Jun 7, 2007 at 6:03 pm
Mazel Tov Jill on becoming a new board member. You deserve to be on this board. Hillel needs you more than ever.We know you will do what is best for the school .So Board Member’s we hope you listen to Jill.
37 Anonymous // Jun 7, 2007 at 6:04 pm
They are being verbally, mentally, and emotionally abused. Walk in our shoes and you will know.
38 FOJ // Jun 7, 2007 at 6:26 pm
I have walked in those shoes - I do know. If you feel that it is genuine abuse - document it and sue. Don’t get me wrong - bullying is not ok either. Obviously the environment is unhealthy - and teachers need respect period. I commend all your efforts in making this a better place for everyone - Kol Hakovod!
39 NonnyDonny // Jun 7, 2007 at 7:21 pm
Donny Anonny…
I am most certainly not a board member. But I am most certainly not what I used to be.
I have many friends in school. I love them a lot. I am so sad for them. I am the Ophelia of this web site: royalty to insanity. Formerly Don, now Non. Maybe I will get my sanity back before the river comes calling.
Hey Nonny Donny…
Or, you could push me in. Then, I will be gone forever. You will be free to charge ahead to the Great Swordfight, where everyone is poisoned from the inside out, and the House of Hillel comes to a bloody end.
Hey Donny Nonny…
Time for a bath…
40 Good Wolf // Jun 7, 2007 at 7:33 pm
Teaching was wonderful…the teachers fabulous…I will miss them.
41 Anonymous // Jun 7, 2007 at 11:07 pm
Re post #33:
The board showed exactly what they value by standing for Holden when he got up to speak (twice) and not for any of the Rabbis (not that the Rabbis who spoke deserved much respect as their comments were nasty and inappropriate).
42 anonymous // Jun 7, 2007 at 11:45 pm
Unfortunately, the school has lost its Derech Eretz - - for itself, its teachers, its administrators, its students and its parents.
This was evident last night - - there were no Kippot handed out to the men who were disrespectful enough to enter the Jewish House of Torah without one.
There was little to no comments regarding the teachers.
Ladies and Gentlemen:
Whether a parent, student, teacher, board member, alumni, or administrator - - the way to return the ruach and love to our school is to establish RESPECT. Without re-establishing Derech Eretz (which was being done in the elementary school - so I’ve been told) we cannot move forward in a positive constructive manner.
Unless we begin to respect each other as people, parents, teachers, administrators, students, alumni or others - we will continue to have issues.
The time is now - - let’s establish respect for each other’s feelings, thoughts, children, decisions, or lack thereof.
Speak up - - -but do so in a respectful manner. You get more with honey than you do with vinegar. Practice such actions and things will change.
Our actions and involvement will speak louder than our words. Words are meaningless without action. If you want to make a difference - - take action. If you want bring light to an issue - - do so with respect and try and offer a feasible solution.
Working together in a respectful way - we can make a difference. The more involved you get, the better chance you have of being nominated or petitioning for nomination - - the tides will change - - however, you must do these things with respect and good action.
Forge ahead - - the message board of the school has listed the committees and the individuals to contact if you wish to be involved.
Let’s get going to make change.
43 Another Teacher // Jun 8, 2007 at 6:58 am
To Nonny Donny:
Ophelia committed suicide. I hope you are not in a state of depression and anywhere near ready to do something that drastic.
The situation at Hillel is indeed abysmal and tragic but not tragic enough to do something stupid.
If you are in such a frame of mind, I am very, very concerned for you and would like you to go talk to someone right now!
44 Another Teacher // Jun 8, 2007 at 7:04 am
It is indeed a depressing day when teachers must sit and watch a board who has no regard for their teachers get voted in and cheered on.
To witness give Adam Holden a standing ovation, to hear them, Rosanna Franco, and others walk around saying that the 3 teachers were “never fired in the first place” - - just asked to improve and show their credentials - - and to hear all of the other lies being spewed is quite troubling.
The derech eretz for teachers clearly does not exist. It is more important to this parent body that their best friends remain in power. Teachers have some very important decisions to make. Of course, the older ones feel that they are stuck with nowhere to go.
45 Another Teacher // Jun 8, 2007 at 7:45 am
I also can’t understand how they have the audacity to get up in front of more than 500 people and say that for the FIRST TIME in Hillel’s history, Hillel will have an athletic director.
Coach Kaplan gave 30 years of his life to this instiution in this capacity.
Shame on them !
46 Anonymous // Jun 8, 2007 at 8:31 am
SHAME ON THEM again and again for all their lies and disrespect to anyone other than their inner circle.
The more I think about it, the more I realize what a TREMENDOUS victory we won Wednesday night.
Think about it - we put the board and administration on notice that there are OVER 100 FAMILIES in the school who are very very unhappy and angry, are watching and scrutinizing their every move, and will not let up the pressure. Even though they won their seats this time, we have a whole year now to work on getting them out.
Also, when the ECE teachers get a dose of Holden that the high school teachers had this year, then the ECE parents will be on board too.
47 Anonymous // Jun 8, 2007 at 8:33 am
Re post #45 and Coach Kaplan:
One of the true mentches in the school.
Anyone teacher of value at Hillel doesn’t stand a chance in this new regime. They will tear down the best of them. Already have. Disgusting.
48 Anonymous // Jun 8, 2007 at 10:23 am
We have indeed put them on notice. It was a bigger victory than you might imagine. The community IS watching. They cand dismiss the comments on the blog all they want but by now they should realize that they are not being made by renegades but by parents, teachers, students, and alumni who care a great deal and wish they would stop just for one second and LISTEN!!
49 Anon // Jun 8, 2007 at 4:34 pm
“Also, when the ECE teachers get a dose of Holden that the high school teachers had this year, then the ECE parents will be on board too.”
Some of the ECE parents have just been alerted–the trickle down effect will have ripples–the trickles are only now beginning to make small waves.
50 Good Wolf // Jun 9, 2007 at 8:30 pm
Oh, no!
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