Head of School KEHILLAH JEWISH HIGH SCHOOL

Cal/West Educators Placement
Leadership Opportunity:
Head of School
KEHILLAH JEWISH HIGH SCHOOL
Palo Alto, California July 1, 2013
Values
Mission
Loving kindness (Chesed)
Kehillah Jewish High School provides its
students with an outstanding education
that is immersed in Jewish values. It
cultivates young adults who are self-reliant,
integrated, and critical thinkers, and who
will grow as responsible, committed
members of the Jewish community and the
world-at-large.
Ethical living (Mussar)
Truth (Emet)
Peoplehood (Achdut)
Obligations (Mitzvot)
Gratitude (Hakarat HaTov)
Action for Social Justice (Tikkun olam)
Kehillah promotes respect for the
diversity of its contemporary Jewish
community and each student’s place
in the modern world.
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Cal/West Educators Placement
Kehillah Jewish High School
Kehillah is a pluralistic community that welcomes the full diversity of the Silicon Valley’s community. A
growing independent college preparatory secondary school, Kehillah opened in 2002. Over the past ten years
the school has grown from its first 9th grade class of 33 students to 155 students in grades 9 through 12.
The campus is located in Palo Alto, California and boasts over
50,000 square feet of space. It includes state-of-the-art science
labs, computer labs, art studio, dance studio, music studio,
library, Beit Midrash, assembly room/cafeteria and "black box"
theater. The school’s new athletic facilities are located across
the street at the Taube Koret Campus for Jewish Life (TKCJL). The
gymnasium and pools are the home of the Kehillah Rams athletic
teams. All Kehillah students and faculty enjoy a complimentary
membership to the Oshman Family JCC, and students are able to
visit the campus during the school day to enjoy the JCC facilities
and outdoor space.
Kehillah, Hebrew for “community,” is built on a foundation of
academic excellence and attracts students and families from a
wide variety of Jewish and non-Jewish backgrounds. It is the
Silicon Valley’s only co-educational Jewish High School. Students
come to Kehillah from both public and private schools and 50% of
its students have not been to a Jewish independent school before
enrolling at Kehillah. Students come not only from the U.S. but
also internationally and live as far south as Morgan Hill, as far
north as Burlingame, and as far east as Castro Valley and Fremont.
The wide diversity of home locations and backgrounds creates a vibrant and energetic student body. The
school’s informal atmosphere and small community enable students to work closely with each other and with
the dedicated faculty, forming solid relationships in a welcoming and safe learning environment. Students
from Kehillah emerge as independent, critical thinkers meaningfully engaged in the Jewish community and
the world at large. Kehillah graduates attend the nation’s top colleges and universities as well as Israel gap
year programs.
Kehillah is a grateful beneficiary of the Levine-Lent Family
Foundation, Len and Vivian Lehmann, area Jewish
Community Federations, and the Jim Joseph
Foundation. Kehillah is fully accredited by both the
Western Association of Schools and Colleges and the
California Association of Independent Schools.
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Cal/West Educators Placement
Academic Programs
Kehillah students are active learners. In classes averaging 12 students, teachers engage students in
discussions and activities. Debate, dialogue, critical inquiry, and experimentation bring every class alive. Each
student is challenged, supported, and actively encouraged to reach his or her potential.
General Studies
At Kehillah, English, social studies, Jewish studies, math, science, and
the arts departments collaborate to ensure an integrated, cohesive
four-year curriculum. Students learn in a state-of-the-art environment
that includes science labs, art studio, computer labs, media lab, and
black box theater. All classrooms are equipped with interactive, touch
sensitive Smartboards, and students in math classes solve problems
on dry erase desktops. Kehillah offers rigorous academics, including
honors level and AP courses, in a supportive environment where study
is thoughtfully balanced with introspection and reflection.
Electives and Advisory
Students choose from a wide array of arts and elective courses including rock band, guitar, percussion, jazz
band, music theory, theater, photography, digital art, studio art, yoga, film review, fitness and more.
Languages offered include Spanish, French, modern Hebrew, Latin, and ancient Greek. Two times each week
students and teachers gather in advisory groups to share stories, laughter, concerns, and study skills. Each
advisory group becomes a close-knit and safe community for students to express concerns and
receive support.
Judaic Studies and Hebrew
Kehillah is a pluralistic educational community. Kehillah’s approach to teaching Judaism reinforces respect for
different ways of Jewish life and supports students as they consider their own beliefs and practices. Through
understanding and appreciation of the wisdom, spiritual depth, and
ethical guidance of Judaism, Kehillah’s staff encourages its students’
moral development.
Kehillah offers text-based courses in Torah, Talmud, Prophets, and
contemporary ethical issues. Students take two semesters of Jewish
Studies each year. After an introductory semester, students choose
from a wide array of Jewish Studies course offerings including Battles
of the Bible, Talmud (Hebrew intensive), Society and the Self (Pirkei
Avot), and Ethics of Life and Death. Kehillah offers every level of Hebrew, from beginning through literature
courses taught in Hebrew. Twice a week students engage in T'fillah (prayer), reflection, and spiritual
expression and choose from options such as traditional prayer, ethical discussion, meditation, and art.
Experiential Learning
Kehillah’s service learning program is rooted in the richness of the Jewish concept of tikkun olam - repairing the
world. Students learn to connect their Jewish learning to active service in their community and to the world at
large. They complete 80 hours of community service during their time at Kehillah. In addition, grade level field
trips provide opportunities for students to experience history, culture, and the issues affecting the world
together in life-changing ways. Each year, 11th graders travel together throughout Israel for a 2-3 week
educational program.
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Cal/West Educators Placement
Kehillah at a Glance
Founded: 2002
Current Student Enrollment: 155
Total Faculty
Accreditations
25
20 full-time
5 part-time
(over 90% hold advanced degrees)
Western Association of Schools
and Colleges
California Association of
Independent Schools
Advancement 2011-2012
Athletics
Annual Giving and Events:
$416, 431
Jewish Community Federation:
$87, 458
Grants, major gifts, misc:
$2,474,243
Total:
$2,978,132
Cross country, soccer, golf, boys
basketball, girls basketball,
volleyball, JV volleyball, club
swimming, tennis, ultimate frisbee
Tuition 2012-2013
$33,650
Average SAT scores
Reading comprehension: 608
Math: 597
Writing: 609
Extra-Curricular Activities
Yearbook, chess club, speech &
debate, improvisational comedy,
dance, student government, gaystraight alliance, S.O.A.P (save our
awesome planet), Israel club,
adventure club, drama, and more.
School Mascot
The Ram
Financial Aid 2012-2013
Honors and AP Courses
55% of student body
10 honors
10 AP
Colleges and Universities
Selected list of colleges acceptances from the fist six graduating classes:
UC and Cal State Schools
Brandeis University
Yale University
Berklee College of Music
Landmark College
Emory University
Occidental College
McGill University
Oberlin College
Harvard University
Columbia University
Washington University in St Louis
Yeshiva University
Young Judaea (Israel Program)
Sarah Lawrence College
University of Southern California
Stanford University
Tufts University
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Cal/West Educators Placement
Leadership Responsibilities
Vision
The Head of School clearly articulates a strong vision for Kehillah as an academically excellent independent
Jewish Day School and possesses the tenacity, energy, and charismatic leadership to bring this vision to
reality. The Head embodies the school’s pluralistic values and builds relationships within the school
community and the Bay Area community to execute goals in areas including enrollment, marketing,
fundraising, program innovation, future visioning, and financial sustainability.
Operations
The Head of School is responsible for developing, overseeing, and implementing school goals and objectives,
evaluating the organizational structure, and for guiding and evaluating program effectiveness. The Head
collaborates with the administrative team in shaping the curriculum and communicating with faculty and
staff, maintains a strong presence with current and prospective families, and works in concert with the Board
of Trustees in overseeing the business and financial affairs of the school. The Head excels in taking on
challenges to keep Kehillah at the forefront of superior teaching and learning.
Faculty
Excellent teachers are at the core of Kehillah and the Head of School is a visible role model for faculty.
Sensitive to the demands and challenges of Jewish education, in conjunction with the Heads of Academics,
s/he supports effective teaching through recruiting and retaining highly qualified faculty, providing
professional development opportunities, and overseeing faculty observation and evaluation.
Students and Families
The Head of School has a genuine affection for high school students. The Head is an engaged and welcoming
presence on campus. The Head takes the time to know the parents and families and welcomes their
participation in school and community programs. S/he is an effective listener and communicates with grace
and sensitivity. The Head facilitates collaboration and is open to dialogue, conversation, and input.
Board of Trustees
Reporting to the Board of Trustees, the Head of School is the Chief Executive Officer of the school and is
ultimately accountable for all functions and programs. The Head makes recommendations, nominations,
reports, and proposals and creates a strong strategic partnership with the Board. The Head is dedicated to
working with the Board to establish Kehillah as a pre-eminent educational institution supported by the
surrounding community.
Desired Expertise & Experience
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Charismatic communicator and leader with the ability to network and form relationships both within
the school community and in the community-at-large
Master’s or Doctorate Degree, preferably in education
Senior administrative experience (preferably 5+ years) in an independent school
Proven record of successful leadership and record of strong financial management oversight of a school
Experience in marketing, branding, and recruitment
Successful fundraising experience including enlargement of the major donor base
Passion and appreciation for the importance of Jewish education
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Cal/West Educators Placement
Challenges & Opportunities
Academic Vision
The next Head has the opportunity to establish Kehillah as a unique, independent Jewish
High School and the school of choice for high school students. In concert with the Heads of
Academics, the next Head has the opportunity to continue to develop, direct, and guide
programs and provide professional development opportunities for faculty. With strong
leadership and in the spirit of collaboration, the next leader will identify areas of growth in
curriculum, assess programs, and make changes that align with the mission of the school for
the academic and social benefit of students. The next Head will define and develop roles for
all constituents and refine the school’s hiring and evaluation process for faculty.
Communications
The school’s diverse community of constituents presents both an opportunity and a
challenge in terms of effective communication. The next Head must be adept at managing
the expectations of constituents and communicating the vision of the school while moving
the community toward defined goals. As the leader of the school, the Head models the
values of the school. S/he will be accessible to students, parents, and faculty and be a visible
and likeable presence in the life of the school. The Head has the opportunity to strengthen
communications, both internally and externally. Through collaboration with parents,
students, faculty, administrators, and the Board of Trustees, the Head will ensure that a
clear vision of the school’s academic and Jewish values is effectively communicated to both
the school community and the community-at-large.
Culture & Jewish Identity
The leader of Kehillah has a unique opportunity to engage the community in dialogue and
reflection about diversity within the community, the role and place of Israel within the
school, and how the school can best continue its powerful pluralistic mission. The Head
models the values of the school to its constituents and to the community-at-large, and
accepts all expressions of Judaism represented at the school.
Personal Qualities
Collaborative
Honest
Team-Builder
Inspirational
Sense of Humor
Integrity
Respectful
Self-confident
Curious
Open-minded
Accessible
Flexible
Creative
Visionary
Fundraising
The next leader will be a dynamic spokesperson for the school with the ability to build longterm relationships with individuals and organizations and expand support from third-party
sources as well as from Kehillah families. The next Head will work strategically to cultivate
relationships with donors and work in partnership with the Board to build and implement a
sustainable fundraising plan including annual giving, major-gift cultivation, capital giving and
endowments, and foster a school-wide culture of support and giving.
Marketing, Branding, and Enrollment
Kehillah has a strong record of enrollment as it continues to grow to capacity. The next Head
will have the opportunity to continue the growth of the school. The Head, in collaboration
with the Admissions Director, must continue to effectively market the school’s program to
ensure that prospective families are being appropriately identified and reached. Strong
publicity and marketing skills are needed to link the academic and Jewish vision of Kehillah
to the greater community.
Strong
communicator
Good listener
Decisive
Nurturing
Approachable
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Cal/West Educators Placement
Palo Alto, Silicon Valley, and The Bay Area
The city of Palo Alto is located in the northwest corner of Santa Clara County in the San Francisco Bay Area of
California, United States. The city shares its borders with East Palo Alto, Mountain View, Los Altos, Los Altos
Hills, Stanford, Portola Valley, and Menlo Park. Located within the southern part of the San Francisco Bay
area, the region is referred to as Silicon Valley. The area is the acknowledged birthplace of the biotech and
semiconductor industries and recognized for its
innovative technology as well as its astonishing level of
entrepreneurial activity and the world-renowned
Stanford University.
Palo Alto is headquarters to a number of Silicon
Valley high-technology companies, including HewlettPackard, VMware, Tesla Motors, Ning, IDEO,
and Palantir Technologies, and has served as an
incubator to several other high-technology companies
such as Google, Facebook, Logitech, Intuit, Sun
Microsystems, and PayPal.
As of the 2010 census, the city had a total population of
64,403 residents. According to a 2007 estimate, the
median income for a household in the city was
$119,046, and the median income for a family was
$153,197.
Kehillah is the only Jewish high school located between
San Francisco and Los Angeles. Kehillah’s immediate
service area, San Jose through Burlingame and east to
Fremont, hosts approximately 160,000 Jews and four
established K-8 Jewish day schools. There are more than
twenty congregations in the Silicon Valley.
Area Resources:
City of Palo Alto
www.cityofpaloalto.org
Jewish Federation of Silicon Valley
www.jvalley.org
Jewish Federation of Geater San Francisco
www.jewishfed.org
San Francisco Area Jewish Demographics Study
www.sfjcf.org/aboutjcf/localcommunity/study/
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Cal/West Educators Placement
Additional Information
School Website:
www.kehillah.org
Oshman Family JCC Website:
www.paloaltojcc.org
Application Procedure
Cal/West Educators Placement is assisting in this search. For initial consideration, please e-mail a resume,
cover letter, Education Philosophy, Statement of Leadership, and a list of 3-5 references (with e-mails and
phone numbers) to [email protected]. Please reference “Kehillah” in the subject line.
Search Consultants:
Lee Miller, President, Cal/West Educators Placement
Amy Sloboda, Search Consultant, Cal/West Educators Placement
Kehillah is an equal opportunity employer. We evaluate all applicants without consideration of race, color,
religion, gender, national origin, age, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, veteran status or any other
characteristic protected by applicable law.
Dedicated to Creating “The Perfect Match!”
17141 Ventura Blvd. Suite 206 Encino, California 91316
www.CalWestEducators.com (818) 906.2972
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