It has been a profound honour to serve as President of the Board of Directors at TanenbaumCHAT over the past two years. I feel incredibly fortunate to have played a role in fostering the growth and vitality of our Jewish community, as I firmly believe that education is fundamental to preserving our heritage and sustaining our traditions. From the moment I accepted the presidency, this belief was at the heart of my decision. When asked why I took on this responsibility and time commitment, my answer was always clear: to ensure our educational institution thrives so that it can continue to uphold and advance the values that bind us together.
But, as I reflect on the past year, it’s clear that my initial motivation was just the beginning. This past year has underscored the importance of TanenbaumCHAT as a Jewish high school that provides a vital space where students not only receive an outstanding education, but also feel emotionally and physically safe. A sense of identity, belonging, and security is more crucial than ever in today’s climate.
I take great pride in several key accomplishments of the school and the Board over the course of my term: opening the new wing to accommodate an expanding student body, enhancing physical security, working diligently to maintain tuition accessibility for families, and shaping the school’s strategic direction guided by the values described above.
The Board, comprised of passionate and intelligent individuals, collaborated with the school’s dedicated administration to craft a strategic vision that will guide the school from 2025 to 2030. I am excited to share the pillars of this new plan, and I encourage you to explore more about it at tanenbaumchatstrategicplan.com.
The plan is built around four central pillars: Academic Excellence, Jewish Literacy and Commitment to the State of Israel, Financial Sustainability and Tuition Accessibility, and An Outstanding Student Experience. Each pillar includes specific goals, strategic levers to achieve the goals, and metrics to measure progress.
A key aspect emphasized in the strategic plan is that TanenbaumCHAT is a Jewish school, not just a school for Jewish students. This distinction is central to the mission. As I prepare to pass the baton to my capable successor, I feel immense pride knowing that the school will continue to grow and thrive in this direction.
