Day Schools in a Changing Economy
In light of the economic situation, PEJE is compiling resources for Jewish day schools. You can find previous PEJE articles and links to other organizations, articles, and blogs here.
Conference Call Series
In early December, PEJE convened a conference call with leaders of the denominational networks and major Jewish organizations to serve as a think tank on the economic realities schools are facing. Out of this call grew the initiative for a series of field-wide conference calls to address crucial topics that schools are facing. The first two webinars have been scheduled:
Leadership in Tough Economic Times: Effective Communication
Jan 13, 2009, 1:00-2:00 pm Eastern
Featuring: Leonard A. Schlesinger, President of Babson College.
Projecting Enrollment Numbers, Including Financial Aid, in Tough Economic Times
Jan 28, 2009, 1:00-2:15 pm Eastern
Featuring: Rheua Stakely, PEJE Coach, Organizational Development Consultant, and Trainer
The two webinars will take place as both a conference call and an internet-based presentation.
For both calls, please RSVP to Kirk Tallman.
Get the Right People on Your Board
Mark your calendar now for "Getting the Right People on Your Board," a highly interactive, one-day conference designed to help school teams find the hard-working, enthusiastic, and capable trustees you need to get your Board where you want it to go in the next three years. Board leaders responsible for new member recruitment should attend with a Board or professional partner to seek and find the human resource talent to move your school forward.
Los Angeles, CA:
Sunday, January 11
Register to attend Los Angeles
Learn more >>
Schools and the Economy
In the latest installment of the PEJE Podcast, we talk to four school leaders about how their schools are managing the economic downturn. Listen to or download the podcast here.
2009 Benchmark Report Revision
PEJE and Measuring Success are revising the Benchmark Report, from the Day School Peer Yardstick® Suite of Tools. The Benchmark Report measures school performance and helps school leaders track progress toward enrollment growth and financial sustainability. After five successful years of data collection and benchmark generation, we are updating the Data Collection Form and associated Benchmark Report using past evaluation results and input from selected heads of school attending this winter's denominational regional conferences.
The goal of the revision is to increase ease of use in populating the Data Collection Form and in interpreting and applying the learning and recommendations generated in the associated Benchmark Report.
The revised Benchmark Report will be released and ready for data collection in late Spring 2009. Please contact benchmark@yardsticksuite.org with any questions.
Use the SFMT for Even More Benefit
The Strategic Financial Modeling Tool, developed in partnership by PEJE and Measuring Success, helps your school achieve its goal of financial sustainability. The SFMT provides stability in a changing economic climate, automatic feedback based on benchmark data, and much more. With the purchase of the SFMT, your school will receive the software, an extensive user guide, and an online Tool Library.
Schools that have already purchased the Strategic Financial Modeling Tool and completed one of the 2008 trainings are invited to purchase one of three Post-SFMT Coaching Packages.
Purchase the SFMT or a Post-SFMT Coaching Package by contacting Devorah at (617)367-0001 x 162.
Learn More >>
Newly Revised and Upgraded Admission Tracker Now Available for Purchase
The newly revised Admission Tracker, part of the Day School Peer Yardstick® Suite of Tools, will help your school organize the admission process and meet enrollment goals using simple software that is designed to support best practices in admission. The software is user-friendly and accessed online, helping your admissions staff easily collect and report data throughout the year.
Story: The Marketing Tool for Today Marketing Webinar
Did you miss the December 16 webinar? View the presentation and listen to the call at your convenience. Cosponsored by the Admission and Development Communities of Practice, the webinar featured Madelyn Blair, PhD, founder and president of Pelerei, Inc.
NAIS Board Self-Assessment Tool and Head Evaluation Tool Customized for Jewish Day Schools
The National Association of Independent Schools and PEJE have partnered to customize the NAIS Board Self-Assessment Tool and NAIS Head Evaluation Tool for Jewish day schools at a discounted rate.
The package includes:
- Survey Instrument
- Management of internet-based survey process by NAIS
- Confidential custom school report summarizing results
Special package for Jewish day schools:
Board Self-Assessment Tool* $450
Board Self-Assessment Tool / Head Evaluation Tool Package** $800
*NAIS members can purchase the Board Self-Assessment Tool for $250, but be sure to request the version customized for day schools.
**The Head Evaluation Tool will not be sold separately.
If you would like to participate or have questions, e-mail or call NAIS at 202-973-9700.
Advice from PEJE Leadership Line
Since PEJE began piloting Leadership Line, a range of day school leaders has received helpful, actionable advice on a variety of concerns and challenges. In a survey of Leadership Line participants, 100 percent of respondents reported that they were extremely satisfied with the recommendations or referrals they received, and 100 percent would recommend the resource to a colleague.
The Leadership Line is a free, (approximately) one-hour phone call with a PEJE coach who has broad and extensive expertise. To date, school leaders have dialed in regarding topics from board development to head support/evaluation to student recruitment/retention. Callers have included heads of school, board chairs, and development and admission officers. In some cases, two or more leaders have participated--for example, a board chair plus a head of school or a support and evaluation committee. Leadership Line callers say they've appreciated the practical advice and the opportunity to bring a fresh, expert perspective back to their schools.
To arrange a call, please email the leadershipline.
A PEJE coach will reply and schedule your call.
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Adelson Family Foundation
The AVI CHAI Foundation
The Beker Foundation
The Gottesman Fund
Paula and Jerry Gottesman
Harold Grinspoon Foundation
Dr. Lynne B Harrison
The Jesselson Family
Jim Joseph Foundation
Robin and Brad Klatt
George Krupp
Fran and Bobby Lent
Charles and Lynn Schusterman Family Foundation
Sheila Schwartz and Family
David and Fela Shapell
Family Foundation
The Steinhardt Foundation for
Jewish Life
Jeffrey and Deborah Swartz
UJA-Federation of New York
Harry & Jeanette Weinberg Foundation
Sustaining Partners
Edgar M. Bronfman
Leslie H. and Abigail S. Wexner
Deborah Cogen Swartz
Chair
Michael H. Steinhardt
Founding Chair
