May 2013/Iyar 5773
ANNUAL REPORT Including a financial summary for academic year ending June 2012
Rosenbaum Yeshiva of North Jersey
Dear RYNJ Family, We are pleased to present you with the 2nd Annual Rosenbaum Yeshiva of North Jersey Annual Report for the academic year ending June 2013. The report reflects the many milestones achieved in our Yeshiva this year. We invite you to read it and experience the abundance of nachas that we are fortunate to share at RYNJ. The report represents a continued effort on the part of our administration and board towards transparency in our financials. Included is a financial summary reflecting our last audited academic year ending June 2012 as well as key fundraising and budget statistics from our 2012/2013 projections. You will learn how our finances are allocated and see how we are actively planning today for the continued financial security of the Yeshiva. RYNJ is proud to be a leader in the effort to contain the escalating cost of tuition. We are gratified that we have been able to maintain relatively flat tuition for the past six years. Our goal is to continue to provide excellence in all aspects of our Yeshiva without increasing tuition obligations for the foreseeable future. To that end, we are truly grateful for your generous consideration of RYNJ in your tzedakah giving.
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Wishing you a wonderful summer.
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Dear RYNJ Fam Rabbi Daniel Price Head of School rdprice@rynj.org
Rabbi Shmuel Goldstein Director of Religious and Academic Studies rsgoldstein@rynj.org
Azi Mandel Rabbi Yehuda Rosenbaum Allen Pfeiffer President Chairman of the Board Executive Vice President amandel@rynj.org ryrosenbaum@rynj.org allen.pfeiffer@rynj.org
Rosenbaum Yeshiva of North Jersey, 666 Kinderkamack Road, River Edge NJ 07661 • 201-986-1414 • www.rynj.org
Graphic Design: Julie Farkas • JulieFarkas.com
We have much to celebrate and our future is bright. As always, if you have any comments, ideas or questions, please reach out to us. Comments on the annual report may be sent to AnnualReport@rynj.org.
Table of Contents Letter 1 Table of Contents 2 Mission 3 Beliefs 4 Vision 5 Accomplishments 7 Striving Higher 9 Innovations 11 Financial Summary 17 Hakarat HaTov 24 Board Listing 25
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Our beautiful 7.8 acre campus includes two buildings, totaling over 130,000 square feet. Our facility includes a science lab, music room, 2 gyms, a multipurpose room, 2 computer labs, library, 61 classrooms and 11 auxiliary instruction rooms. This past summer we expanded our cafeteria to 4100 square feet in order to accommodate our growing student body. Our outdoor play area was upgraded with a new astroturf field for football and soccer and 3 new basketball courts with fiberglass backboards.
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THE RYNJ CAMPUS
AYeshiva with a
Mission R
osenbaum Yeshiva of North Jersey
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is an Orthodox Jewish day school
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dedicated to continuing our mesorah by nurturing the joyful pursuit of a Torah way of life in an atmosphere that promotes Torah scholarship and academic excellence. Our mission is to inspire our children intellectually, socially and morally to view themselves as essential and vital assets of our precious legacy from Sinai.
Beliefs
WE BELIEVE:
•E ach child should be imbued with a sense of yirat shamayim and be inspired to make a commitment to careful observance of the Torah. •E ach child should develop a spiritual bond with Eretz Yisrael and a sense of identification with Medinat Yisrael. •E ach student should be inspired to make a commitment to lifelong daily Torah learning and be provided with the Hebrew language and thinking skills required for such endeavors. •A ll practices of the school are to be consistent with halacha and when deemed necessary, in consultation with gedolei Torah. • J udaic Studies are to be taught in the morning by teachers who serve as role models for a Torah way of life. •S eparate classes are to be provided for boys and girls in grades 1-8. •A n appreciation and respect for the Torah leaders of past and present generations should be instilled in each student.
Our
•E ach child should value the accomplishments and sacrifices of previous generations.
• Children flourish in a child-centered atmosphere that praises each child’s accomplishments and values the talents, uniqueness and varied learning styles of each student. •A ll children can learn when they are provided with instructional support to develop their individual talents and address specific needs. •E ducational success involves the integration of cognitive, emotional and social growth and includes the nurturing of creativity. •E ach student should make a commitment to create quality work and strive for excellence. Accordingly, the school should be a model for the students by being committed to continuous self-improvement. • A healthy professional relationship with open lines of communication between the family and the school plays a central role in the successful education of our children. •S tudents should develop their critical thinking skills so that they not only learn to gather and incorporate information, but also to analyze what they learn and apply their knowledge.
• Th e development of fine character and self-esteem is an essential process requiring constant effort and patience, facilitated by the faculty in a caring, safe environment and internalized by the students. •S tudents should take responsibility for their actions and develop into good citizens. They should be imbued with an attitude of kavod habriot and strive to perform acts of chesed. • Th e school should be deeply committed to focusing its energies (e.g. curriculum development, instructional strategies, assessment practices, professional development, leadership) in support of student achievement of essential knowledge, skills for learning and character refinement.
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• Each child should be inspired to a lifetime love of the pursuit of knowledge.
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Vision
A Yeshiva with a
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Each of our students is encouraged to make a commitment to create quality work and to strive for excellence
Primacy of Torah The Yeshiva continually emphasizes that the highest form of human endeavor is the study of Torah. The beautiful sounds of Torah learning reverberate throughout the school’s hallways as enthusiastic teachers help children to cultivate the required skills for a lifetime of Torah study. The worldview created by the study of Torah directs the future attitudes and endeavors of the student, who learns to see the world through the prism of Torah.
Academic Excellence The Yeshiva’s skills based academic program prepares our students to attend a collegepreparatory high school. Each of our students is encouraged to make a commitment to create quality work and to strive for excellence. Students develop their critical thinking skills so they not only learn to gather and incorporate knowledge, but also to analyze what they learn and apply their knowledge. Many of the Yeshiva’s graduates have been chosen as the valedictorians and salutatorians of their high school classes. Today, many of our RYNJ alumni are leaders in their professions.
Love for Israel Love and support for the State of Israel are basic to the philosophy of the Yeshiva, which believes that our children must grow up feeling a sense of responsibility toward our brethren in the Holy Land. We are very proud that a large number of RYNJ families have made aliyah and are now raising their families in Israel. Yom Yerushalayim and Yom Ha’atzmaut are exciting days in the Yeshiva with carnivals, parades, Israeli-themed games and educational programs. Our children enthusiastically display their love for Israel each year at the Celebrate Israel Parade and have received many awards for their presentations.
Our staff actively seeks to develop an atmosphere that praises each child’s accomplishments and values the talents and special qualities of each student
Teachers Devoted to Teaching Children Our teachers, though masters at imparting skills and information, do not enter the classroom to merely teach a subject. They are trained to recognize the unique abilities, personalities, and needs of each of their students and devote themselves to the cognitive, emotional, and social growth of each child. Our staff actively seeks to develop an atmosphere that praises each child’s accomplishments and values the talents and special qualities of each student. The development of a positive self-image within each child is among our primary concerns. Enrichment and Support In each class, students are challenged with activities that develop their higher level thinking skills. Special projects stressing creativity, innovation and research capture the curiosity of students gifted in science, social studies and literature. Children gifted in math and Talmud have the opportunity to join enrichment classes and Middle School students with talents in science and math participate in a hands-on E2K program created by the Israel Arts and Science Academy. RYNJ maintains a resource room program for children who benefit from small group instruction focused on specific skill development, enabling classroom success. The Yeshiva also provides self-contained classes for students who are not yet ready for a traditional classroom setting. Specially trained teachers utilize varied techniques for the individual needs of the students. Many children mainstream in part or fully into regular classrooms. Through the efforts of this Transitional Program, the children are provided the opportunity to flourish within a yeshiva setting.
Separate Classes and Role Models The Yeshiva is committed to maintaining a learning environment that is founded upon the spirit of millennia of Torah study. In accordance with this time-honored tradition, the school maintains separate classes for boys and girls for both Judaic and secular studies. A highly positive Jewish environment is created where our teachers set the tone as magnificent role models for all of our students.
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A highly positive Jewish environment is created where our teachers set the tone as magnificent role models for all of our students
Emphasis on Character Development The Yeshiva’s children are taught that the human personality is the most sacred and precious trust we possess. The Yeshiva has been recognized by the Chofetz Chaim Heritage Foundation for its commitment to raising children who are devoted to treating parents, teachers and peers with respect and recognizing the spark of the Divine in every individual. The Yeshiva provides many opportunities for acts of chesed throughout the year. Our curriculum incorporates numerous formal and informal programs in middot development. The Counseling and Psychological Services Department presents a Social Skills Development Program from a Torah perspective. Issues such as sensitivity to others, self-respect and self-esteem and prevention of bullying are among topics that are emphasized.
A Yeshiva with GREAT
Accomplishments U.S. Department of Education Blue Ribbon School Of Excellence At an award ceremony in Washington, DC, RYNJ was recognized as one of a very elite group of outstanding schools and designated as a National Blue Ribbon School. From among over 100,000 public and private schools, fewer than 300 are recognized each year. The Council for American Private Education declared in a letter to RYNJ: “You and your staff, students, and parents should be proud and pleased that your efforts to deliver the highest quality education are not only successful, but are an example to others.”
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Torah Umesorah School of the Year The award recognized that “the Yeshiva provides an atmosphere where children achieve personal growth through love and knowledge of their sacred heritage. RYNJ is truly an inspiring model for American Torah Education.”
Accredited by the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools Rosenbaum Yeshiva of North Jersey is the only Orthodox regular elementary and middle school in Northern New Jersey that is accredited by the prestigious Middle States Association. Middle States Accreditation is only awarded after a very comprehensive study of the institution by recognized educational experts that confirms that the school has met 12 standards in such areas as educational programming, administration, instructional pedagogy, teaching staff, organizational design, technology, student life and activities, facilities, health and safety, and strategic planning. Most importantly, a Middle States Accredited School has specific plans that include strategies for anticipated events and goals towards even higher levels of quality.
Torah Bowl Team 22-2 After Last Year’s 24-0 Regular Season The RYNJ Girls and Boys Torah Bowl Teams have a remarkable record of success, including several Metropolitan Area Championships. This year, the teams have won 22 of 24 regular season games, as they show their mastery of Sefer Devarim. Math and Science Competition Success During the last several years, RYNJ E2K teams have finished in 1st, 2nd and 3rd place in international competitions in math and science.
Average test scores are solidly above national percentiles on the Stanford Achievement tests
Outstanding Achievement On Standardized Testing Throughout the years, RYNJ students have performed strikingly well on standardized tests. Their average test scores are solidly above national percentiles on the Stanford Achievement tests in both verbal and math sections. More significantly, our 8th graders have had outstanding success on the Board of Jewish Education High School Entrance Examination. Boys And Girls Basketball Teams Reach Playoffs The school’s varsity basketball teams are enjoying very successful seasons with the boys going 8-2, and reaching the semi-finals and the girls going 7-3 and playing in the finals. While having a winning season makes us very proud, we are prouder yet of the winning middot our teams display both on and off the court.
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A Yeshiva always
Striving Higher Accreditation for Growth RYNJ is currently completing its Middle States reaccreditation process. Our application requires approximately 12 months of self reflection and reevaluation in all areas, including academics, philosophy and mission, vision, pedagogy, discipline, communication, religious values and student life. Our faculty, administration, lay leaders and members of the parent body are key, as this self-evaluation is dependent on their involvement and commitment.
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The reaccreditation process leads to school improvement and student growth. In fact, the protocol that RYNJ is employing during the 2013 school year is entitled Accreditation for Growth. This protocol seeks to focus on desired outputs in student performance. Through a comprehensive self-study, this rigorous and thorough process analyzes how our students presently perform and creates a meaningful improvement plan for the future. Rosenbaum Yeshiva of North Jersey is committed to a future-oriented and visionary process. We are an educational institution focused on reflection, analysis, and strategic planning. A vital part of this process involves including and incorporating parent feedback. During the summer of 2011, the parent body of RYNJ took part in a comprehensive survey to measure their appraisal of their children’s RYNJ education. Almost all survey answers indicated high satisfaction with academic, Judaic and spiritual education. The responses served as a basis for the implementation of further educational initiatives. Most markedly, 94% of the respondents indicated that they were very satisfied or satisfied with their decision to enroll their children at RYNJ. An additional parent survey was sent out in the fall of 2012. The survey reconfirmed a very high level of pride in the accomplishments of the school and the students.
Our Parent Body Identified the Following School Strengths in the May 2012 Survey: • Religious identity is reflected clearly in the school’s mission, belief and publications. • The school’s governance and leadership are good models of religious belief and values of the school. • The schools leaders ensure there is an atmosphere of mutual respect and purposeful effort of behalf of the students and their learning. • The school’s leadership assures that all school programs and activities are well planned, supervised, staffed with qualified personnel, and given appropriate resources. • The school’s facilities are healthy, safe and well maintained. • Staff members demonstrate they are committed to the school and committed to their work. • The school’s education program reflects an integrated approach to the children’s social, emotional, physical, cognitive and language development.
Looking Ahead: 10
• Students will demonstrate improvement in the critical thinking, reasoning and problem solving skills needed to become independent proactive lifelong learners. • Students will demonstrate an increased ability to take responsibility for their role as a member of the RYNJ community as demonstrated by their personal actions and adherence to moral, ethical and Torah values. • Students will demonstrate improvement in their technological skills.
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The survey reconfirmed a very high level of pride in the accomplishments of the school and the students
Our self-study has facilitated the identification of the following areas which we will focus on strengthening.
A Yeshiva with
Innovations
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Children learn and practice vital skills for listening and paying attention, empathizing, managing emotions, building friendships and problem solving with others
M.O.M. (Middah of the Month) The Department of Psychological and Counseling Services created and implemented a school-wide program for focusing on middot and character development. Each month, a new middah is chosen for the entire student body to focus on developing. Educational material about the middot are disseminated through weekly “Counseling Corner” articles, fliers throughout the building as well as classroom presentations. Parents are encouraged to “catch” their children exhibiting the middot. For example, after the students were taught the three steps to exercising empathy, parents were asked to e-mail momprogram@rynj.org, to share when their children demonstrated empathy for others. Thirty Nine Avot Melacha Come Alive Eighth graders are experiencing the forms of work prohibited on Shabbat. Many of these activities are outside the realm of twenty-first century suburbanites. Through the presentation of Rabbi Josh Rossman of the Torat Chaim Institute, our students have had the opportunity to thresh, winnow, make cheese, stomp grapes, spin thread, and more, thus strengthening their understanding of the Melachot. Positive Social Interactions and Classroom Readiness RYNJ has initiated the Second Step Social-Emotional Skills for Early Learning in the kindergarten and first grades.This program teaches skills to build self-regulation and social-emotional competence. Children learn and practice vital skills for listening and paying attention, empathizing, managing emotions, building friendships and problem solving with others. The enjoyable and effective classroom activities, which include the fun and engaging use of puppets as well as eye-catching photographs depicting social skills stories, are described in letters to parents, who are encouraged to reinforce the social skills at home.
Puppets, tangible objects and pictures, colorful letters, and student-created projects assembled in a photo album all facilitate the young students’ mastery of the first building blocks of the language of the Jewish people
A World of First Class Middot In partnership with the Chofetz Chaim Heritage Foundation, RYNJ has initiated several exciting middot tovot programs for various grade levels. Our third and fourth grades participate in the Konei Olam Program, where they experience the sights and sounds of eight fascinating countries through stories filled with adventure and important lessons. In each country, they explore valuable middot and learn how to bring the middot into their lives in a meaningful way. Each child receives his or her own passport which is stamped at the end of each visit to reflect the middah learned and the location visited. Inculcating the Aleph Bet, Exciting Letter by Exciting Letter The Pre-K children are engaged in a new hands-on interactive approach to learning the Hebrew alphabet. Puppets, tangible objects and pictures, colorful letters, and student-created projects assembled in a photo album all facilitate the young students’ mastery of the first building blocks of the language of the Jewish people.
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Mitzvah Clowns and Mitzvah Magician Programs In a unique combination of chesed and fun for the Bar and Bat Mitzvah age students, the “Mitzvah Clown” Program for the 7th grade girls and the “Mitzvah Magician” program for the 7th grade boys continues to be a big hit with the students, staff and the recipients of RYNJ chesed. The Department of Psychological and Counseling Services has coordinated clowning and magician training sessions for the 7th graders, and then organized field trips for the students to implement their newfound skills to provide cheer for groups of elderly individuals. The bonding between our young people and the residents was real, deeply appreciated and heart-warming to watch. The experiences are a win-win for all.
Bnei Akiva Creates Bridge Between RYNJ and Eretz Yisrael Bnei Akiva is presenting captivating programs this year in the RYNJ Beit Medrash. At a recent program, our middle school students were greeted by Bnei Akiva representatives at stations representing different time periods in the history of Yerushalayim: Avraham and Akaidat Yitzchak, the Periods of the Beit Hamikdash, the Churban, the War of Independence, the Six Day War and contemporary Yerushalayim.
Students are developing decoding, reading comprehension and effective writing skills through a highly impressive methodology
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Prominent Educational Consultants Guide Teachers in the Implementation of Balanced Literacy Program Our exciting new reading curriculum, Balanced Literacy, integrates the reading and writing skills of our students within a very effective structure. The program emphasizes formative assessment and differential instruction. This year, our second and third grade students are developing decoding, reading comprehension and effective writing skills through a highly impressive methodology. Two specialized consultants, Elliot Koreman and Barbara Boriotti, are guiding and mentoring the RYNJ staff on the curricular methodology of this exciting new program. Mr. Koreman has supervised eight districts in New York City, served as a school principal in New York City and Westchester County and is an instructor of Teaching Literacy Methodologies at Stern College. Ms. Boriotti is a prominent Educational Consultant. Preschool teachers and assistant teachers have also benefited from the professional development series in Balanced Literacy. The program is incorporated within and enhancing the Yeshiva’s Early Childhood Treasures reading series.
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This initiative will enhance our assessment abilities and allow us to continually create a more effective curriculum and lessons focused on skill development
Ilana Schwartz a”h Memorial Shiur by Mrs. Chani Juravel Inspires Eighth Graders The eighth grade banot, classmates of Ilana Schwartz a”h, joined their mothers for a fascinating lecture by famed educator and speaker, Chani Juravel. Mrs. Juravel presented tefillah as a means of initiating self growth during times of happiness, challenges and sadness. Connecting the students’ knowledge of Avraham, Yitzchak, and Yaakov to the emotions and experiences of their lives, she demonstrated the great value of sincere prayer. The topic selection was motivated by Ilana a”h’s inspiring devotion to tefillah that characterized her life. This shiur, along with other illuminating parenting workshops from speakers including Rabbi Yaakov Horowitz and Dr. David Pelcovitz, is available for viewing on our website. Destination Estimation The intuitive understanding of numbers by our preschoolers is being enhanced by the Estimation Station that greets everyone at the entrance to the preschool. Since all RYNJ students, teachers, and parents pass the display, we have all joined in on the estimating fun! This year’s collections of crayons, fall leaves, flags, dreidels, styrofoam snowballs, Purim masks, and other seasonal items have been prominently and colorfully displayed in a plastic case. Preschool students have been challenged to guess the correct number of each new item.
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Middle School Judaic Studies Assessment Initiative Working with our faculty, the administration created a series of formal assessment measures in Chumash, Mishna and Gemara. This initiative will enhance our assessment abilities and allow us to continually create a more effective curriculum and lessons focused on skill development. These assessment tools are unique in their scope and sequence and serve as a model for other schools.
Creative lessons and worksheets are ideal for differential instruction as they target different modalities and stress varied skills
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L’havin U’lehaskil Expands to Fourth Grade: RYNJ Serves as National Model Our new Chumash Curriculum that is revolutionizing the development of Chumash skills, now extends to fourth grade. The comprehensive, researchbased program developed by educational pioneer, Mrs. Tamar Nussbaum, incorporates colorful and extensive workbooks for students and intensive teacher guides. Creative lessons and worksheets are ideal for differential instruction as they target different modalities and stress varied skills. The program comes complete with Smartboard ready lessons for each unit, interactive songs, beautiful charts, posters and flash cards for each student. Mrs. Nussbaum meets regularly with the RYNJ faculty and incorporates input from Rabbi Horn and our faculty into new material that is now being used nationwide in select schools. Early Childhood Assistant Director RYNJ is proud to welcome Morah Aviva Vogel as our new Early Childhood Assistant Director. Morah Aviva has been an educator for the past 11 years working both as a teacher and curriculum coordinator. Morah Aviva is wellversed in many preschool and grade school educational programs including: Writers’ Workshop, Foss Science Module, Everyday Mathematics, DRA (Directive Reading Assessment), Guided Reading, PAF/Orton Gillingham and Handwriting Without Tears and has trained teachers in many of these programs. As Assistant Preschool Director, Morah Aviva works with preschool teachers on curriculum development and classroom management. She observes and mentors teachers as well as monitors student progress and development in the classroom.
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Middle School Ruach The Middle School Talmidim began the year on a positive note with class barbeques and then a lively Simchat Bait Hashoeva, setting the tone for positive spirit throughout the school year. On many Fridays, the rebbeim and students welcome the coming Shabbat through enjoyable moments of spontaneous ruach. They are joined by our three YU Kollel members who have created a special connection with the boys. The ruach was also palpable at the eighth grade boys Shabbaton and during the wonderful father-son kumsitz that followed on Motza’ei Shabbat. The Eighth Grade Girls Shabbaton was a total experience in camaraderie and singing. The ruach hardly stopped from the moment Shabbat arrived until Havdalah. The eighth graders’ great enthusiasm was particularly prominent during Color War as the sixth and seventh grades joined them in filling their activities with spirited (and sometimes spiritual) singing. This year, our 6th grade boys and 6th grade girls planned our middle school orientation for 5th grade boys and 5th grade girls, respectively, showing leadership and creativity.
The banot participated in fascinating workshops that encouraged them to perform hands-on activities demonstrating a specific learning challenge. For example, they experienced fine motor challenges by wearing gloves and attempting to manipulate items, they took a spelling test presented in “Deaf Speech,” and they looked through various materials to see how vision can be restricted. The challenges were fascinating and enlightening. Tefillah Power; Praying with Fire RYNJ middle school students receive copies of a wonderful publication, “Tefillah Power,” a weekly colorful newsletter based on the work of Rabbi Heshie Kleinman, author of Praying with Fire. Stories and activities bring the prayers to life. Rabbi Kleinman, an inspirational speaker, recently met with our Middle School students. Rabbi Kleinman spoke of the precious power of prayer that we all possess; but all too often fail to tap into. He illustrated his concepts through stories that related to the lives of the students. The newsletter and shiur are helping students learn to make a personal connection to various tefillot as they gain an understanding of the themes, concepts, and key words of central prayers.
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The program enables the students to develop a new understanding, greater sensitivity and increased patience with those who are challenged by disabilities
Developing Sensitivity To Those With Special Needs The RYNJ Middle School Girls participated in North American Inclusion Month through a wonderful program conducted by YACHAD, the OU’s National Council for Disabilities. The program enables the students to develop a new understanding, greater sensitivity, and increased patience with those who are challenged by disabilities. The banot were truly inspired as they listened to Ilana Bravman who spoke through her communication device and helped everyone understand how we all share the same hopes, dreams and challenges. Our differences are really minimal from the perspective of a shared humanity.
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Financial Summary This report outlines the key financial and operating data for the Rosenbaum Yeshiva of North Jersey. A summary of the financial results for the 2011/2012 academic year appears at the end of this report. Our Yeshiva’s financial statements are audited every year by an independent auditor. The 2011/2012 figures discussed in this section summarize some of the important metrics contained in those audited financial statements. Enrollment and Class Sizes Enrollment for the 2012/2013 academic year stands at 1,049 students in Nursery through 8th grade, an over 3% increase from a total enrollment of 1,015 students in 2011/2012, representing the highest enrollment in the history of the Yeshiva. We continue to experience growth in our early childhood program and have enrolled new students into our elementary school, helping to fill classes without incurring significant additional expenses. We had six full Kindergarten classes in each of the last seven years leading each year to increased enrollment in the elementary school. Our classes entering kindergarten and first grade have been larger than our graduating eighth grade. Our Kindergarten through sixth grades average approximately 110 students. We remain focused on recruiting and currently project increased enrollment to approximately 1,070 students, a 2% increase for 2013/2014. For the 2013/2014 school year, we will have 11 Preschool classes, 31 Lower School (grades 1 -5) classes, 16 Middle School (grades 6-8) classes, and 5 classes for our Transitional Program. Student enrollment at RYNJ
families
1049 students 492 families (2012/2013)
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students
430 students 224 families (1989/1990)
Our class size is an average of 18.5 students (less if our Transitional Program is factored into the average). Our overall ratio of students to professionals (classroom teachers, assistants, specialty professionals and administrators) is approximately 5:1, allowing us to provide large school resources in a small school environment. This ratio compares favorably to those reported by other yeshiva day schools in the area. We are confident that we can provide the same quality education should enrollment increase moderately. With the completion of our new building in 2010, we have the capacity to educate a growing number of students in state-of-the-art facilities in addition to the four Sinai classes housed at RYNJ. This allows us to spread our fixed costs over a larger tuition base without diminishing the individual attention provided to students.
Tu itio n ola rsh ip
Ne t
Sch
Tuition and Scholarships Our primary source of income is tuition. Our “net� tuition (tuition income net of financial aid scholarship awards) was approximately $11.7 million for the 2011/2012 academic year and is projected to be approximately $12.5 million for the 2012/2013 academic year. Gross tuition revenue was approximately 10.4% $13.1 million for the 2010/2011 academic year and is projected to be approximately $13.7 million for the 2012/2013 academic year. Tuition has remained flat, at rougly $13,000 on average per student 89.6% for the past 6 years, and will not be increased for the 2013/2014 academic year. Accordingly, the increase in gross revenue on a year over year basis is attributable to increased enrollment. With inflation fluctuating around 2% for the past few years, our efforts to keep Scholarship ($1.4 million) Net Tuition ($11.7 million) tuition flat has the impact of effectively lowering tuition costs for our families each year. Additionally, 2012/2013 tuition included all trip and incidental fees that had previously been charged to parents separately. This effectively lowers the cost per student even more. Need-based financial aid scholarship grants total approximately $1.4 million. That amount has been relatively consistent in each of the last few years, accounting for approximately 10% of gross tuition revenue. Approximately 24% of children of RYNJ families received financial aid of some amount with a financial aid median grant of approximately $4,900 per child. As shown above, financial aid of $1.4 million was granted through our financial aid scholarship program and the Yeshiva raised approximately $1.2 million in voluntary contributions. The remaining $200,000 provided in financial aid had a net impact on total parent tuition-related obligations of approximately $200 per child. 18
Other Sources of Revenue (not including Building Fund and Building Contributions) 2%
13% 11%
11.5%
11%
6% 19%
87%
$1.7 million 88.5%
38%
13%
UJA Scholarship Reception ($655K) General Contributions Dinner Journal ($217K) NNJ NNJKIDS ($109K) Scholarship General Contributions ($181K) Journal UJA ($31K) Dinner
Parent Dinner Obligations Scrip ($323K) Scrip ($192K) Other Sources of Revenue ($1.7 million) Net Tuition ($11.7 million)
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We remain committed to providing tuition assistance to all families in need. We are confident that our scholarship process is discreet, compassionate and fair. We are working actively with JEFG and the other local schools to streamline the process and ensure consistency.
Total Scholarship Reception Pledges
2012
$710,000 (2013)
$92,000 (2002)201220122012201220122012201220122012201220122012
Fundraising and Contributions We rely on donations and fundraisers for a significant portion of our revenue. Over the past few years, we have increasingly benefitted from the success of our Annual Dinner, our Scholarship Reception and NNJKIDS. Charitable contributions received in the 2011/2012 academic year included the scholarship reception which raised a record of $655,000 (and even greater $710,000 in academic year 2012/2013), the dinner which grossed $540,000 ($323,000 dinner parent obligation and $217,000 in additional dinner journal ad revenue), and other contributions (such as Parnas Hayom) of $181,000. In addition, we received $109,000 from NNJKIDS, $31,000 from the UJA Federation and net revenue from our scrip program was $192,000. In total, our non-tuition based income for the 2011/2012 academic year was over $1.7 million, $1.2 million of which was voluntary contributions to our annual operating budget. Total 2001 Number of Scholarship Campaign Donors 19
Over 1000
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2002 2002
42
143
Over 1000
2003 2003
50
144
Over 500
2004 2004
71
2005 2005
Over 500
190
up to 500
69 188
2006 2006
63
up to 500
181
2007 2007
77 213
2008 2008
65
2009 2009
223
73 213
2010 2010
88
212
2011 2011
108 286
2012 2012
120 287
2013
0
50
$499 and below
100
$500-$999
150
200
$1,000 and above
250 136
279300
The contribution amounts referenced do not include parent building fund obligations or amounts donated to offset the building of our facility and capital commitments. In the academic year 2011/2012, we collected $343,000 from parent building fund obligations and an additional $220,000 from pledges. In addition, we had interest income and other income related to the building of $126,000. While the overall level of contributions is comparable to that of many of our peer schools, we believe there is still a significant opportunity for us to grow our revenue in this area. We have begun to expand fundraising efforts beyond our parent body, focusing on cultivating relationships with alumni, alumni parents, grandparents and community leaders. We are underway with a strategic effort to build a sustainable “development� program with the goal of raising fundraising levels for years to come and paying down our debt.
Professional Compensation Our teachers and professionals are the heart and soul of RYNJ. It is their dedication to academic excellence and their devotion to our children that make RYNJ one of the leading day schools in the country. We devote significant resources to attract, retain and properly compensate our quality faculty and administration. As with most other schools, approximately 88.5% of the budget, or $11 million, accounts for salaries and all related benefits.
In our recently approved budget for 2013/2014, we continue to include an increased allocation for teacher training, professional development and continuing education programs. We have also maintained our pension contribution at 6%, a level comparable to other schools in our area, while providing for a modest salary increase for our valuable and dedicated staff. We employ 221 total employees (many of whom are part-time employees). Over the years, as new programs have been introduced and/or additional administrative needs have arisen, we have asked existing teaching faculty to take on additional responsibilities. This allows us to keep costs low and provides a growth opportunity for teaching staff who would like to expand their skills. We have continually benchmarked our staffing and administrative costs to ensure consistency with other schools of our size and have found our cost structure to be quite efficient.
20 I Rosenbaum Yeshiva of North Jersey
Our total professional compensation has risen slightly as we add new classes to accommodate higher enrollment, but at a relatively modest increase given the growth in enrollment (an approximate 2% net increase in payroll with an over 3% growth in enrollment). We continue to seek ways to reduce our annual budget, but not at the expense of a quality educational experience for our RYNJ children. We plan to continue to increase the use of technology to improve educational efficiencies as much as possible where appropriate.
Operating and Other Expenses Our total expenses for textbooks, educational materials, and supplies were approximately $525,000. Our facilities expenses, which include the expense of our maintenance staff, repair and cleaning costs and security, were approximately $443,000. Our utilities expenses were approximately $268,000. Insurance costs were approximately $128,000 and our special event programming costs were approximately $40,000. In addition, we have allocated $30,000 to cover potential bad debt. Adding all these categories, our total additional operating expenses were approximately $1.4 million, a decline of approximately $200,000 over the prior year.
Operating Expenses
Delayed Tuition Dinner and Special Event
Salaries and Benefits (88.5%) Utilities (2.2%)
Educational Materials/Supplies
Insurance (1.0%)
Building Maintenance/Security
Building Maintenance and Security (3.5%)
Educational Materials, Insurance Supplies and other (4.2%) Dinner and Special Events (0.3%) Utilities Bad Debts (0.2%)
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Salaries and Benefits
I Annual Report
Balance Sheet and Mortgage Amortization The Yeshiva aims to maintain a healthy balance sheet and is well-positioned to meet all of its financial obligations. Over the past decade, we have maintained a responsible debt level while dramatically increasing the size and quality of our facilities. We have received new building commitments in the last few years totaling approximately $2.1 million. As of the end of June 2012, we had approximately $527,000 of outstanding building and other pledges.
Our net debt balance (bank debt net of unrestricted cash held in bank accounts) at the end of June 2012 was brought down to approximately $7.1 million. Our goal is to bring our net debt balance below $6 million before the end of June 2014 through normal mortgage amortization and additional allocations to pay down principal. Beyond the mortgage, the Yeshiva maintains a line of credit to cover cash requirements over the summer or other periods when expenses exceed cash on hand. We have managed our finances very successfully in recent years and have not found it necessary to use the line of credit. It currently has a zero balance. Building/Financing: Net Debt, Beginning of Fiscal year
2010-11 2011-12 $9,099,325
$8,185,037
Interest Income and Building Income
123,973
126,217
Mortgage Principal Payments
397,763
378,343
Building Fund Parent Obligation
347,299
342,539
Additional Building Donations Collected
363,365
219,796
Fiscal Year Debt Paydown
Net Debt Reduction
1,232,400 1,066,895
Net Debt, End of Fiscal Year
7,866,925
7,118,142
318,112
0
$8,185,037
$7,118,142
Adjustment for interest rate contingent liability and prepaid tuition Adjusted Net Debt, End of Fiscal Year
PLEASE HELP US ACHIEVE OUR GOALS by considering RYNJ in your tzedakah giving. Contributions of any amount are welcomed and encouraged. FOR INFORMATION ON AVAILABLE BUILDING DEDICATIONS, please contact Laizer Kornwasser at laizerk@yahoo.com
22 I Rosenbaum Yeshiva of North Jersey
Summary and Outlook Overall, as a result of increased enrollment, the success of our fundraising programs and other non-tuition income, we have been able to balance our budget and maintain relatively flat tuition for the last six years with some tuition decreases in select programs, despite increases in our operating expenses. Our goal is to continue to ensure we provide excellence in all aspects of our Yeshiva without increasing tuition obligations for the foreseeable future. To meet this goal, we will need to continue to look for ways to control our expenses, bring our fundraising to a higher level and attract students consistent with our enrollment targets.
12 Month Operating Income and Expenses for the School Year Ending June 30, 2012 Operating Revenue:
2010-11
2011-12
Tuition Obligations
$12,934,535
$13,067,082
Less Financial Aid Scholarships
- 1,339,941
-1,359,329
Net Tuition Income
11,594,594
11,707,753
Parent Dinner Obligations
319,675
323,400
Scrip Sales
194,861
191,708
12,109,130
12,222,861
Scholarship Fundraising
513,877
655,472
Additional Dinner Journal and Chinese Auction
226,746
216,519
General Contributions
103,853
180,537
NNJKids
129,253 108,821
UJA Federation
28,980
31,150
1,002,709
1,192,499
$13,111,839
$13,415,360
$10,780,534
$11,043,521
Educational Materials, Supplies and Other
445,451
525,078
Building Maintenance and Security
424,218
442,775
Utilities
299,348 268,469
Insurance
131,029 127,943
Parent Tuition Obligations
Total Parent Tuition Obligations Annual Fundraising
Total Annual Fundraising Total Annual Operating Revenues Operating Expenses: Salaries and Benefits Other Expenses 23 I Annual Report
Dinner and Special Event Expenses
45,496
40,473
300,000
30,062
1,645,542
1,434,800
12,426,076
12,478,321
Mortgage Interest
288,000
468,663
Required Mortgage Principal
236,000
321,335
12,950,076
13,268,319
161,763
57,008
N/A
90,033
$13,111,839
$13,415,360
Provisions for bad debt* Total Other Expenses Subtotal/Pre Mortgage Expense Obligations
Total Annual Operating Expenses Additional Mortgage Principal Capital Expenditures Total Uses of Revenue
* Provision for bad debts was a significantly higher expense during the 2010-2011 period (on a non-recurring basis) due to the adoption of accrual based accounting.
A Yeshiva expressing
Hakarat HaTov Thank you to our generous 2011/12 donors. Listed are the categories of those who have
voluntarily contributed to RYNJ in academic year 2011/12, including the Annual Dinner, Scholarship Reception, program sponsorships, general donations and building commitments. Thank you for including RYNJ in your charitable giving this year.
Thank You! Greater than $50,000 3 families
$10,000 to $25,000 22 families $5,000 to $10,000 32 families $1,000 to $5,000 117 families $500 to $1,000 82 families $100 to $500 272 families
I Rosenbaum Yeshiva of North Jersey
$25,000 to $50,000 8 families
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President Azi Mandel Chairman of the Board Rabbi Yehuda Rosenbaum* Executive Vice President Allen Pfeiffer* Vice President, Finance Jonathan Silver Vice President, Administrative Rachelle Mandelbaum Vice President, Development Mordy Rothberg Laizer Kornwasser Vice President, Communications Dr. Michael Wiederkehr Treasurer Jonathan Neiss Secretary Adina Wiener
Board of Governors David Carmel Jack Eizikovitz Jackie Feigenbaum* Phil Heimowitz* Dr. Arthur Kook Jeffrey Mayer* Henry Orlinsky Elliot Small Yitz Stern Dr. Stanley Waintraub Eli Weber* Hillel Weinberger Harvey Wrubel
Board of Directors Bryan Alter Jonathan Baron Judah Eizikovitz Carl Guzman Shira Isenberg Uri Jacobs Dr. Shimmy Kanarek Dr. Philip Kazlow Rabbi Howard Komendant Yoni Lieber Donny Rosenberg Naomi Schiff Moshe Skoczylas Rachel Wertentheil
Head of School Rabbi Daniel Price
Trustees Dr. Saul Lejtman Adeena Mayerfeld Glenn Pfeiffer Nomi Rotblat Yossie Rubin Menachem Schechter Barry Sklar
PTA Presidium Miriam Warburg Becky Neugroschl
Associate Principal, General Studies Ann Robbins
Honorary Trustees Rabbi Abe Kramer Hy Nutkis Milton Polevoy Dr. Belle Rosenbaum Anne Senter Bernard Struhl A�H
Director of Religious and Academic Studies Rabbi Shmuel Goldstein Principal, Judaic Studies Rabbi Dr. Harvey Horn Principal, General Studies Arlene Libman Associate Principal Rabbi David Kaminetsky
Early Childhood Director Fran Mermelstein Early Childhood Assistant Director Aviva Vogel Director of Special Services Helen Adler Director of Transitional Program Barbara Goldstein Mashgicha Ruchanit Cindy Zucker
*Past President
Business Director, Controller Sandra Steinberg 25 I Annual Report
Rosenbaum Yeshiva of North Jersey, 666 Kinderkamack Road, River Edge NJ 07661 201-986-1414 • www.rynj.org