Bill Cohen, Head of School

Thank you for visiting Kadima Day School’s new website!  It has been built to give you some key information about the Kadima program.  However, if you REALLY WANT to understand what makes Kadima tick, what is the “essence” of Kadima, and what we have to offer as a school and community, you must schedule a visit and tour our school.  It has been called “a hidden gem” and  ”the best kept secret in the valley,”  and for good reason.

People send their children to Kadima for many reasons.  Outstanding general studies, small class size, focus on technology, art, critical thinking and differentiated instruction, meaningful and inspiring Judaic Studies and excellent Hebrew Studies.   Our faculty and administration are a dedicated, talented, and knowledgable team all focused on creating the best possible learning environment for our students.  Our facility is state of the art, roomy, bright and wonderful.

Again, there are MANY reasons to enroll in our Early Childhood Education Center, Elementary or Middle Schools, and to find out if we are the right match for your family, the most effective plan is to come and visit!

Please email or call our admissions team admissions@kadimaaacademy.net to set up a tour, or email bcohen@kadimaacademy.net or call (818)346-0849) me directly.  I love to spend time with our new families, and invite the opportunity to  personally explore Kadima with you if that is your preference.

We look forwards to meeting you, and wish you a fantastic 2009-2010/5770.

B’vrachah,

Bill Cohen, Head of School

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Spring 2009

Dear Friends:

On behalf of the Board of Trustees, it is our pleasure to announce that Kadima Hebrew Academy has selected William B. Cohen as our new Head of School, beginning July 1, 2009. The Board’s decision was unanimous; it was based upon the enthusiastic and equally unanimous decision of the Head of School Search Committee. The Committee recognized that Bill’s demonstrated leadership success, sophisticated educational philosophy, positive energy, deep managerial acumen, strong character, and compelling vision will provide Kadima with the leadership it needs to continue to establish itself as a locus for educational and academic excellence in the West San Fernando Valley.

Bill comes to us with an impressive record of successfully leading, creating, and developing educational programs and institutions. For nine years, Bill served as the Head of School/Principal for Los Angeles Hebrew High School, and transformed the institution. During his tenure, the school’s academic program improved and renewed enthusiasm was established throughout the institution. The results were remarkable. The school experienced an unprecedented surge in student population growth, with an increased student body of approximately 70 percent. Moreover, Bill led the school to dramatically improve its’ fundraising and financial prowess and success. During the past year, Bill has served as an Assistant Head of School and Director of Hebrew and Judaic Studies of the Abraham Joshua Heschel Day School, working closely with the school Rabbi, Hebrew Studies coordinators, and faculty. Bill chose to leave Heschel solely because he saw Kadima’s opening as a unique opportunity to fulfill his dream of serving as the Head of an independent Jewish Day School in Los Angeles. Finally, Bill has, for seven years, served as a Lecturer in Education at the American Jewish University, where he teaches graduate level courses in Educational Administration. With this background, it is not surprising that the Committee heard Bill described as “phenomenal”, ” a “mensch”, a “true leader”, “a great motivator who gets things done,” and ultimately, a former President of Kadima described Bill as “perfect for the job.”

Possessing remarkable energy, analytical skills, and most of all, menschelkeit, Bill recognizes Jewish Day Schools succeed most when they successfully integrate Judaic and General Studies. He is passionate in his belief that teachers are the “frontline” in forwarding the school’s educational mission. Bill understands that the Head of School is the “guardian” for each of the school’s stakeholders, and is ultimately responsible for the school’s success. Perhaps most importantly, Bill recognizes that, in the end, developing a community—of students, parents, and teachers–committed to active learning, is essential in the creation of a dynamic, effective, and successful Jewish Day School.

Bill joins us along with his wife, Cheryl , who is a teacher of Jewish Law at Milken Community High School, as well as his children, Jonah (10), Ari (6), and Cayla (4), each of whom plans to attend Kadima next year.

Upon accepting his appointment, Bill said, “It is an incredible honor and privilege to have been selected as Kadima’s incoming Head of School. I have been highly impressed with both the knowledge and character of the students, faculty, families and administration of Kadima throughout my years in Los Angeles, and greatly look forward to joining the entire Kadima community along with my family. This position is one which fulfills a dream, and I am both humbled and exhilarated by the opportunity of leading Kadima to a bright and vibrant future.”

The Search Committee, consisting of Trustees, community and Rabbinic leaders, faculty, and parent representatives, engaged in a national search, seeking the best candidate who could lead Kadima for the foreseeable future. The Committee received numerous resumes and applications, spoke to several Search Consultants and advisors, and conducted a variety of interviews. The Committee also solicited and considered the input of parents, faculty members, and administrators. Through this process, and a bit of luck, the Committee, and the Board, concluded that Bill is the best candidate to lead Kadima into the future.

Please join us in welcoming Bill, Cheryl, Jonah, Ari and Cayla to the Kadima community.

Very truly yours,

Shawn Evenhaim, President

 Jack Sholkoff, Search Committee Chair