Reflections of a Board Meeting.

Every now and then there are ads, usually for cars or some other large product, in which the product is shown only behind a curtain or under a drop cloth. The advertisement essentially says that something new is coming, and well, we're not going to tell you what it is.

The other night, Kadima's board, after a spirited discussion and ultimately a vote, decided to change the school's name. But I can't tell you what it is. It's not a hard and fast secret, but we want to have a big roll out, and we can't do that just yet.

But the new name (don't worry, it has Kadima in it) represents an opportunity for the school to reintroduce itself to the community. This has been a year of changes for the school (new Head of School, new President, new Board members, new principal, etc.) and soon a new name. In making these changes, the leadership is acutely aware of Kadima's traditions, but also aware that certain changes and course corrections are necessary to assure the school's future success. The name is part of making clear that this is a new Kadima; a school that stands on the shoulders of its forty years of accomplishments, but now will reach even higher levels of achievement.

The meeting was also significant--at least for me--because it was the second Board meeting in which we talked seriously and effectively about school issues. Virtually everyone in the meeting participated and provided important contributions to the discussion, whether it was about finances, marketing, or recent school events. I have served on a variety of boards in the past, and I have always believed that by providing Board members with information, by inviting them to participate in the process, and by encouraging spirited, but reasoned and respectful debate, the board can work better and more effectively. I have been on too many Boards where the only information is that "everything is fine" or "there is a car wash fundraiser this weekend" and little of substance. Such bland meetings usually drive out the best board members, because smart and committed leaders usually have better things to do than listen to trivialities. As President, I am constantly working to try and present an agenda for our meetings that provides critical information to our members, and invites the Board to make important decisions for the school. Moreover, we've been very open and honest with our Board members about the school's strengths and weaknesses, and through their hard work, Board members are exemplifying the belief that an open, informed, and collaborative Board works best.

Our Board meetings are open, and I urge members of our community to attend. They are worthwhile and interesting.

One final, and probably the most important point. At the meeting, it was announced that the entire Executive Committee, for the first time, made their pledges to the annual campaign before the official rolling out of the campaign. I am honored to serve with ECOM members who have agreed to make their gifts before the campaign actually begins. Their gifts demonstrate their commitment to and their leadership of the Kadima community. Most of all, their decision to make their pledges now exemplifies the leadership's belief that Kadima's future remains bright and vibrant.

Shabbat Shalom.