Rusonik will bid farewell

The Jewish Academy head of school, Alan Rusonik, recently informed the JAO Board of Directors of his decision to relocate and not to renew his contract with the school at the end of his contract, which coincides with the end of the academic year in 2021.

Under Rusonik's six-year leadership, JAO has flourished. School enrollment increased and several new faculty members were added to the staff. He created the whole-child curriculum and encouraged innovation at every turn. He helped make learning and attending school fun for the students.

During COVID, JAO successfully merged remote and in-person learning and protected the safety of the children and staff with Violet Defense, a patented germ-killing technology to fight COVID-19. The system was installed two years ago - long before COVID. For remote learning, the school invested in new technology so students and teachers would be prepared for any glitches in the system. Because of Rusonik, JAO was better prepared for the change to remote learning than most public schools.

"His leadership, personality and zeal in educating our children will be missed," said Rob Gebaide, president of the JAO Board of Directors.

The Board has begun to form a search committee for a successor. The committee will be comprised of current and past JAO parents, Board members, and community members. Gebaide hopes to have the search begin this month.

"The committee will develop the search timeline, market the position on targeted local and national platforms, advise our national education partners of the opening, and interview and recommend potential candidates," Gebaide said in the letter sent to all JAO families.

Gebaide concluded the letter inviting JAO families who have questions or suggestions, to contact him at rgebaide@bakerlaw.com.