Naomi Reem, the head of Milton Gottesman Jewish Day School of the Nation’s Capital, formally announced on Jan. 8 that she would step down at the end of the 2019-2020 school year.
The school began searching for a successor last year, after Reem told the school board that she planned to leave, said board president Steve Laufer.
Reem said that after 15 years leading the school, “it’s a good time to look for new professional opportunities.” And in 2020, the school’s inaugural middle school class will graduate.
The school hired the firm DRG Search to assist in searching for a head, Laufer said.
In addition, the school formed a nine-person search committee composed of parents and alumni. The head of the committee is Helaine Greenfeld, mother of two alumni, Laufer said.
Both the committee and DRG will seek info from the school community about what they want in a head.
“I’s really important that we find someone who fits with the school’s values: we’re a pluralistic, warm and welcoming community where students are excited about learning,” he said.
In the school’s 30 years, Reem was only its second head. Laufer said school leaders want to hire someone who will have similar longevity.
Reem said her future is open.
“I’m not sure where I’m going. I am planning on staying in the community,” she said. “I love it here. And I’m really focused on doing the best I can in running the school for the next 18 months.”
