PATRICIA SCHWARTZ

 

 

PJA leader leaves in June

By JEWISH REVIEW

article created on: 2009-01-01T00:00:00

After nearly 12 years with the Portland Jewish Academy, Head of School Patricia Schwartz will be leaving PJA at the end of the school year because her family may be moving out of state.

“After almost 12 wonderful years at PJA, my family is in the situation where we may be moving out of the state. PJA is a place I love and I know that the head of school must be truly committed to serving. Since I cannot make that commitment, I have decided to leave PJA at the end of the current school year, in June 2009. The timing of this decision allows the school to find a great new leader committed to building on all that my predecessors and I have accomplished” said Schwartz in a letter to PJA parents.

She went on to say, “My decision is tinged with pride, regret and excitement: pride for all that we have accomplished at PJA; regret that I will be leaving such a warm community and dedicated staff; and excitement for the future—for both me and PJA.”

“It has been a pleasure to have worked with Patricia and both I and our colleagues will miss her deep knowledge of education, love of Jewish learning and living, and quiet sense of humor.” says Lisa Horowitz, Chief Executive Officer of PJA and the MJCC’s combined campus, “Patricia has accomplished much in the last few years and she leaves PJA very well positioned for the future.”

Her capable leadership has resulted in a strong school, with dedicated staff, an excellent curriculum and a warm community of teachers, parents and students, according to Horowitz. Her legacy will be felt in many ways—as PJA implements the strategic plan she spearheaded; continues its transition to the International Baccalaureate curricular model; inaugurates the Taglit Winterim Discovery program for middle school; kicks off PJA’s first summer school sessions in 2009 and prepares for a successful 2009-10 school year.

Firm plans are in place to seek the best educator to lead PJA in the coming years and to ensure an orderly transition. Under the campus management structure, the Head of School reports to the CEO, Lisa Horowitz, who is responsible for hiring. Horowitz has presented to the PJA board a plan to establish a Search Advisory Committee to assist her in identifying and narrowing a deep pool of qualified candidates. The Search Advisory Committee will consist of board members, community leaders, donors, educators, PJA teachers, parents and other stakeholders and will begin its work shortly.

In addition, Horowitz has developed a Search Plan, which includes a national-level search that takes full advantage of the many resources at PJA’s disposal, including national and regional organizations such as the Pacific Northwest Association of Independent Schools; the Partnership for Excellence in Jewish Education; the National Association of Independent schools; local educator networks; RAVSAK/The Jewish Community Day School Network and the many schools of education and Jewish education across North America.

Parent observations, questions and suggestions are welcome by emailing lhorowitz@portlandjewishacademy.org or by attending one of two informal meetings at PJA: Jan. 7, 8-9 a.m. and 7-8:30 p.m.