Jewish Academy moves forward

By Kim Fischer

On Friday, May 17 former presidents of the Jewish Academy of Orlando and members of the community came together to hear from founder Dr. Edward Zissman. He announced to the people present that due to a very generous multi-year gift from Samra and Bernard Gotlib the school will be named “Gotlib Jewish Academy a Community Day School of excellence.

This endowment will serve the future needs of the school.

According to Samra Gotlib, “the base of your education is elementary school.

We are thrilled to share some incredibly exciting news that will undoubtedly shape the trajectory of our institution for years to come.

This transformation comes as a result of an extraordinarily generous gift from the Gotlibs, whose unwavering support and commitment to our school’s mission have been nothing short of inspirational in the last few years.

The Gotlib family’s contribution will enable the school to reaffirm its dedication to academic excellence and elevate the educational experience for every member of this community. With this significant gift, the school will be able to implement a series of transformative initiatives that will shape the future of our school in profound ways.

According to the Jewish Academy website, here are just a few highlights of what the Gotlib family’s generosity will make possible:

1. Enhanced Academic Programs: The school is committed to providing students with unparalleled opportunities for growth and achievement. This gift will further enrich academic programs, ensuring that every student receives a world-class education that prepares them for success in an ever-changing world.

2. Investment in Faculty: The teachers are the heart and soul of the school, and the leadership are deeply grateful for their dedication and passion. The Gotlib family’s gift will allow the school to increase teacher salaries, attracting and retaining the best educators in their fields and ensuring that the students benefit from the expertise of highly skilled professionals.

3. Tuition Assistance: The importance of making a Jewish education accessible to all families, regardless of financial circumstances. With this gift, the school will be able to expand the tuition assistance program, providing greater support to families in need and ensuring that every child has the opportunity to thrive at the Gotlib Jewish Academy.

4. Facility Improvements: The school facilities play a crucial role in creating a vibrant and inspiring learning environment. Thanks to the Gotlib family’s generosity, the school will be able to undertake extensive facility improvements that will enhance the overall experience for students, faculty, and staff.

According to Zissman, “as we embark on this exciting new chapter in our school’s history, we are also thrilled to announce that we are welcoming a large increase in enrollment and recruiting an incredible team of faculty members who share our commitment to excellence. Additionally, we have developed a comprehensive plan for increased professional development opportunities for our teachers, ensuring that they have the support and resources they need to continue growing and innovating in their practice.”

With this endowment, the future of the Gotlib Jewish Academy is brighter than ever before.