Debt Restructuring and Donations Put Norwood Jewish Day School on Firm Financial Footing Stronger Kehillah Schechter Academy Ready to Begin Second Quarter Century

Through a combination of resourceful negotiations with and cooperation from lenders, extraordinary generosity of major donors, and bold steps to lower the cost of Jewish day school education, the Board of Trustees of the Kehillah Schechter Academy (KSA) has successfully completed the transformation of the School into a financially viable, stable and secure institution.

Dr. Michael Agus, Director of the Medicine Critical Care Program at Boston Children’s Hospital and KSA President, said, “Our school has reduced its debt from $11 million to $1.7 million. Now that we have a strong financial foundation, we can focus all our efforts on the School’s mission to inspire and empower our students to become thoughtful, collaborative, compassionate Jewish learners who skillfully solve problems, resolve conflict and excel as Jewish citizens of the world.”

Dr. Agus added, “At the heart of KSA’s success are its pedagogical leadership and vision. While the Board focused on financial sustainability, Co-Heads Dr. Nitzan Resnick and Rabbi David Paskin have been busy reinforcing the historic strengths of the school by focusing on its three Guiding Principles: personalized learning, collaborative partnerships, and Jewish identity and heritage. They have introduced a unique system of personalized goals for each and every student, bringing the concept of differentiation to a new level that personalizes curriculum for all. The Co-Heads have also embraced the latest educational technology, implementing a 1 to 1 Chromebook program for every student in grades 6-8 and embracing the use of laptops, tablets, smartboards and other appropriate technologies in K-5 ensuring that the School is second to none in educational excellence.”

Incoming President Gregg Rubenstein, an attorney and partner at Nixon Peabody, said, "At the end of the day parents seek to send their children to a school committed to academic excellence, a warm, nurturing community of teachers and learners, and to teaching the Jewish values essential to success in our ever-challenging world. With Dr. Resnick and Rabbi David at the helm and a stable and secure financial future, the school can reach even greater heights of Jewish programming, excellence in STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts, math) essential for tomorrow’s leaders and child-centered learning that has defined the School for the past 25 years."

Rubenstein added, “Academic excellence, cutting-edge curriculum and innovative Jewish learning, however, are no longer sufficient. KSA is also committed to addressing the cost of Jewish day school education, as demonstrated by our tuition freeze for next year. We owe it to our current families, our future families and our community to do everything possible to manage costs and, more importantly, ensure that we provide true value for the sacrifices families make to fund tuition.”

KSA (formerly the South Area Solomon Schechter Day School) this year marks its 25th anniversary. For 18 years, the school was located in Stoughton. In 2007, KSA moved to its new 5-acre campus that includes a state-of-the-art 50,000 square-foot building just off Route 1. It draws about 170 boys and girls from 30 communities in Massachusetts and Rhode Island.

Accredited by the Association of Independent Schools in New England (AISNE), Kehillah Schechter Academy has earned a national reputation for excellence in Judaic and General Studies, including its strong science and math program.

Dr. Agus invites parents of pre-K – 8th grade children to contact the school’s Admissions office as soon as possible while there is space in all grades for 2013-14. Financial assistance may be available. For enrollment information, contact Sandi Morgan Dunn: 781-769-5555, or emailsmorgan@ksa-ne.org.org. For donor information, contact Sara Ades Goodwin: sgoodwin@ksa-ne.org /781-769-9400. The school’s website is www.ksa-ne.org.