June 2015/Sivan 5775
ANNUAL REPORT Including a financial summary for academic year ending June 2014
imbued with a sense of yirat shamayimand be inspired to make a commitment to careful observance of the Torah Each child should develop a spiritual bond with Eretz Yisrael and a sense of identification with Medinat Yisrael Each 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 All practices of the school are to be consistent with halacha and when deemed necessary, in consultation with Gedolei Torah Judaic Studies are to be taught in the morning by teachers who serve as role models for a Torah way of life Separate classesare to be provided for boys and girls in grades 1-8 An appreciation and respect for the Torah leaders of past and present generations should be instilled in each student Each 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 All children can learn when they are provided with instructional support to develop their individual talents and address specific needs Educational success involves the integration of cognitive, emotional and social growth and includes the nurturing of creativity Each 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 schoolplays a central role in the successful education of our children Students 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 Each child should be inspired to a lifetime love of the pursuit of knowledge The 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 Students 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 The 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. Each child should be
Table of Contents Table of Contents 1 Letter 2 Mission 3 Innovations 5 Financial Summary 14 Hakarat HaTov 21 Administration and Board Listing 22
Rosenbaum Yeshiva of North Jersey Annual Report - June 2015 I 1
Dear RYNJ Family, We are pleased to present you with the Fourth Rosenbaum Yeshiva of North Jersey Annual Report for the academic year ending June 2015. The report highlights the many milestones we have achieved this year and the great pride we have in our school, our students and our teachers. We invite you to read it and experience the abundance of nachas that we are fortunate to share at RYNJ. Included is a financial summary reflecting our last audited academic year ending June 2014 as well as key fundraising and budget statistics from our 2014/2015 projections. You will see how our finances are allocated and learn how we are actively planning today for the continued financial security and academic success of the Yeshiva. RYNJ is proud to be a leader in the effort to contain the escalating cost of tuition. Notwithstanding a significant rise in operating costs, tuition for the 2015-2016 year will be increased only by a 2.5% cost of living adjustment. This small increase comes after seven years of maintaining relatively flat tuition. The report shows how voluntary pledges to the Yeshiva throughout the year and as part of the scholarship campaign approximate the funds we allocate for scholarships. This means that the generous donations of RYNJ family and friends have ensured that tuition is not impacted by the scholarships given to our students. To that end, we are truly grateful for your generous consideration of RYNJ in your charitable giving. 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. Wishing you a wonderful summer.
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
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Graphic Design Š 2015 JulieFarkas.com
Dear RYNJ Fam
R
osenbaum Yeshiva of North Jersey is an Orthodox Jewish day school 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. 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 college-preparatory 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. 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.
Rosenbaum Yeshiva of North Jersey Annual Report - June 2015 I 3
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 handson 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.
‘‘
Our teachers ... devote themselves to the
’’
cognitive, emotional, and social growth of each child
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Innovations... What’s New?
Mrs. Wexler shares our belief that it is essential for a middle school to be
’’
a respectful, supportive, warm and caring learning environment
Mrs. Robin Wexler Named Middle School General Studies Principal Mrs. Wexler is an experienced and beloved administrator known for her dedication to her students, parents and faculty alike, as well as her ability to motivate and implement best practices and effective instruction. She comes to RYNJ with close to 20 years of administrative experience at The Moriah School, having served most recently as Middle School Associate Principal. Mrs. Wexler collaborates with her staff, encouraging them to innovate and incorporate new ideas into the classroom,
while appreciating the value of some more traditional pedagogical tools. She has coordinated new project based learning and blended learning initiatives and redesigned curricula to better meet current educational standards. Mrs. Wexler employs multiple assessment tools to accurately evaluate student performance and provide meaningful data and feedback. Professional development, teacher supervision and teamwork are priorities as Mrs. Wexler supports her staff in developing to their full potential. She has facilitated workshops in all areas of education, including differentiated instruction,
curriculum mapping, brain based learning and guided reading. She is committed to continually learning and growing and has participated in many professional conferences and associations. Along with Mrs. Wexler’s expertise, energy and motivation, she shares our belief that it is essential for a middle school to be a respectful, supportive, warm and caring learning environment. To that end, Mrs. Wexler works as an integral team member with teachers, support staff, parents and students to ensure the academic, social and emotional success of all of the students under her care.
Rosenbaum Yeshiva of North Jersey Annual Report - June 2015 I 5
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Rabbi Bernstein will be instrumental in developing programs and creating an atmosphere
’’
in our Middle School that
will best promote the core values of our Yeshiva
Rabbi Avi Bernstein Named Dean of Students Rabbi Bernstein is an experienced, knowledgeable and talented educator who forms a strong bond with each of his students and has earned the adoration of his colleagues. He possesses the skills necessary to inspire both students and teachers to set their goals high and work to achieve them. Rabbi Bernstein comes to RYNJ from The Moriah School where he served in the Middle School as a teacher, Mashgiach Ruchani, Technology Coordinator and most recently as Middle School Judaic Studies Assistant Principal. A native of Bergen County, Rabbi Bernstein grew up in Bergenfield. Among his
many qualifications, he holds a Master’s Degree in Education with a specific focus on Special Education, has extensive training in educational technology, is a member of the YU Lead Program, was an Avi Chai Foundation Technology Grant winner and has been a member of the Consortium of Jewish Day Schools Principal Training Initiative. Rabbi Bernstein is known as a creative and innovative educator with the ability and experience to motivate his students. Rabbi Bernstein will collaborate with teachers, administrators and parents to create a learning environment that infuses in each student an enjoyment of both Limudei Kodesh and Limudei Chol, compassion for every member of the school community and beyond, and a love for Am Yisrael, Eretz
6 I Rosenbaum Yeshiva of North Jersey Annual Report - June 2015
Yisrael and Torat Yisrael. As Dean of Students, Rabbi Bernstein will work alongside Rabbi Kaminetsky, Mrs. Wexler, Morah Zucker and our guidance team led by Dr. Frohlich. He will focus on successfully building strong relationships with the middle school boys and also serve as the primary administrator to encourage behaviors that are consistent with the value system that our Yeshiva is known for. As both classroom management and instruction directly impact discipline, Rabbi Bernstein will spend meaningful time in the classrooms guiding teachers, in addition to interacting directly with students. He will be instrumental in developing programs and creating an atmosphere in our Middle School that will best promote the core values of our Yeshiva.
Middle School Girls Wing Dedicated in Memory of Alisa Flatow, HY’D The Alisa M. Flatow Girls Middle School Wing was dedicated this past October by RYNJ parents, Francine and Adam Mermelstein in loving memory of Francine’s sister, Alisa Flatow H”YD. In 1995, Alisa was in Israel, studying Torah and living among the Jewish people in the land that she loved, when
she died al Kiddush Hashem at the hand of Palestinian terrorists. In her 20 short years, Alisa introduced the ideals of Torah, the beauty of mitzvot, and the importance of the land of Israel to those around her. She was the epitome of a baalat chen and baalat middot tovot. It is our hope that the learning of our RYNJ talmidot will always give true testimony to her shining legacy. The Mermelstein family commissioned a beautiful mural at the entrance to the Alisa M. Flatow Wing celebrating exceptional Jewish women throughout history.
Tehila Kornwasser International Chidon HaTanach Finalist in Jerusalem
One of only a few middle school students competing primarily against high schools students, RYNJ eighth grader Tehila Kornwasser placed 10th in the International Chidon HaTanach in Jerusalem, held on Yom Ha’atzmaut. The road to the competition began last year when Tehila won first place in the Jewish Agency’s US Chidon in New York, giving her the opportunity to represent the US in Israel. Over 70 students from all over the world took part in the competition, joined by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Natan Sharansky, Chairman of the Jewish Agency. As part of the competition, the students traveled around Israel together. Tehila credits the support of her morot, her friends and the staff at RYNJ with helping her succeed.
Rosenbaum Yeshiva of North Jersey Annual Report - June 2015 I 7
Annual Scholarship Reception In our largest and most successful fundraiser to date, we were privileged to have a keynote address by US Senator Cory Booker as we paid tribute to 13 RYNJ alumni who are current faculty members. Addressing a crowd of over 350 RYNJ supporters, Senator Booker spoke about the importance of striving
to achieve excellence in education in conjunction with values-based education and commended RYNJ for our successes. The scholarship campaign raised a record $766,000 for RYNJ scholarships. This campaign, along with other fundraising initiatives, fully fund financial aid at RYNJ. Sinai at RYNJ This year, RYNJ and SINAI Schools entered into a long-term lease renewal agreement, cementing the relationship between the two schools, and ensuring that elementary school students with significant or complex special needs will continue
‘‘
to be able to receive a topquality education within a Bergen County Yeshiva. RYNJ does not merely host SINAI classrooms; we share the fabric of school life with SINAI. At RYNJ, we do everything we can to make sure that the SINAI students and staff consider themselves part of our larger community, and we always welcome the opportunity for SINAI students to join into RYNJ classes or activities. This lease agreement ensures that the next generation of children will continue to be imbued with values of acceptance and love for others.
’’
This campaign, along with other fundraising initiatives, fully fund financial aid at RYNJ
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Building Expansion Students returned from winter break this year to a grand event celebrating the long awaited opening of our new gym and classrooms. The main building was expanded out 50 feet towards Kinderkamack Road, with 7 new classrooms, 3 offices and a large resource room. In addition, the gym was increased by 30% with retractable court curtains added allowing the gym to be separated into 3 smaller gyms with enough space to safely and comfortably serve 3 individual classes each period. Bleachers and boys
and girls rest rooms were added on either side. A dedicated entrance from the outside was built providing an opportunity for us to rent out the gym without allowing access to other areas of our buildings. The expanded gym features a large portable stage and new audio and video equipment. Students, staff and parents are enjoying our new space. The first grade chumash plays, kindergarten siddur plays, Scholarship Reception and 8th grade graduations were beautifully hosted in the gym.
Beijing Educators Visit RYNJ The American Liaison to the Beijing Institute of Education, Doris Pokras, visited RYNJ along with 17 of Beijing’s top science teachers. Lower School General Studies Principal, Mrs. Jenni Levy, coordinated their visits to Bergen County schools. RYNJ was honored to be included in their four-week tour of best schools in the United States. Mrs. Levy, together with our science coordinator, Penina Richman and educational technologists, Rabbi Efrayim Clair and Rabbi Dov Hochbaum, coordinated a one-day science conference
Rosenbaum Yeshiva of North Jersey Annual Report - June 2015 I 9
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This instrument has enhanced
’’
our assessment abilities and will continue to allow us to create
even more effective curriculum
for the visiting educators with RYNJ lower school staff and representatives from the Fair Lawn school district. Teachers attended joint sessions and engaged in collaborative workshops where they explored innovative concepts and methodologies in science education. During session groups, RYNJ, Fair Lawn and Beijing teachers discussed the implementation of new science techniques in classrooms both here and in Beijing. We are so proud of our 8th grade boys who spoke to the Beijing teachers in Chinese at the conclusion of their visit! It was another great day of learning and a wonderful experience for all involved.
Middle School Limudei Kodesh Curriculum Assessments Three years ago, together with the Middle School rabbeim and morot, an assessment tool was developed to monitor skill acquisition by the students in Chumash, Gemara and Mishna. This instrument has enhanced our assessment abilities and will continue to allow us to create even more effective curriculum and lessons focused on skill development. We believe this type of standardized test to be unique in its scope and function within Jewish schools that are similar to our yeshiva.
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The Science of Shmittah Under the guidance of Lower School General Studies Principal, Mrs. Jenni Levy and Science Coordinator Penina Richman, RYNJ created an innovative interdisciplinary program to teach our students about shmittah. Committees of Judaic studies and general studies teachers collaborated to provide active learning experiences in both Judaic and general studies classes. Through scientific inquiry based projects, experiments, laboratory writing and ancient sources, students delved into the halachic, philosophical, agricultural and scientific aspects of the mitzvah and halachot of shmittah. Each grade conducted experiments, wrote complex laboratory reports and engaged in meaningful activities using the concepts of shmittah.
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’’
Technology is an integral part
of learning in our classrooms
Educational Technology RYNJ’s Educational Technology Department was expanded this year with the addition of Educational Technologists, Rabbi Efrayim Clair and Rabbi Dov Hochbaum. Technology is an integral part of learning in our classrooms. From chromebooks to smartboards to self-grading Google Forms to digital presentations, our teachers are using technological tools as extensions of classroom learning. A highlight this year was the live streaming of Prime Minister Netanyahu’s speech to Congress on Iran into the classrooms. A new level of excitement is created as students have
innovative ways to exhibit their knowledge in creative and individualized ways. The Ed Tech department has had a strong presence in the overall culture of the school. School events including the Spelling Bee and Middle School plays have been live streamed so that parents and grandparents who are not able to attend can participate. This school year, the department directed a successful workshop for parents on internet safety and presented each child from grades 3-8 with an “Hour of Code”, exposing every student to the language of computer coding. Rabbi Clair and Rabbi Hochbaum have worked
to reach every teacher to engage them in meaningful professional development. Formal and informal opportunities for growth in the area of technology are now available for teachers of all grades and subjects. Teachers have become more comfortable incorporating new technologies into their classrooms and have taken important steps to ensure that their students learn important 21st century skills.
Rosenbaum Yeshiva of North Jersey Annual Report - June 2015 I 11
Lower School Curriculum Development A huge focus this year has been helping students improve their reading fluency and comprehension skills by creating a framework to align our reading instruction to standards of excellence. In order to accomplish this, we have spent a great deal of time working with teachers on best practices in balanced literacy. Faculty members visited other schools to watch balanced literacy in action. Our staff was trained in the administration of reading assessments that help determine every child’s “just right” level. All students in grades 2-5 exited this
year having been tested to determine their reading levels using this tool. In addition, this spring the 2nd grade boys piloted an online interactive learning tool, Headsprout, to help assist them in advancing their reading comprehension skills. All students in grades 1-5 were assessed in writing. The data is astounding and the growth is tremendous. The results will help us reflect on and improve our already stellar writing curriculum and align it with our reading curriculum. We hope to roll this program out to the entire 2nd grade next year. Beginning to focus on more 21st century scientific
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applications and inquiry based learning experiences, our school embarked on introducing engineering to the science curriculum. The 5th grade engaged in a satellite project where they learned how GPS systems worked, used online software to create 3D images and built satellites using Little Bits and electric circuits. We are excited by this new approach to learning and look forward to developing more projects in science that enable students to think like engineers.
The results will help us reflect on
’’
and improve our already stellar
writing curriculum and align it with our reading curriculum
12 I Rosenbaum Yeshiva of North Jersey Annual Report - June 2015
participating in the pre-game High Five line for player introductions and were able to stand on the court for the national anthem alongside the players.
Torah Bowl The boys’ and girls’ Torah Bowl teams were very successful in the 2014/2015 season. The students worked diligently with their coaches to master each Pasuk and Rashi in Sefer Shmot. The boys’ team performed very well during the regular season but lost the division semifinals in overtime by one point. The girls’ team won their division finals and placed second in the championships. We are very proud of their accomplishments.
RYNJ Basketball Team Plays Half Time Show at Barclays Center Tuesday March 10 was RYNJ Night at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn. More than 200 RYNJ fans were in attendance for the Nets vs. Pelicans game. The fans were most impressed with the 13 RYNJ 8th grade boys who played a game center stage for the halftime show. It was a great Kiddush Hashem as the boys shared the stage with their teammates, made sure almost every player had a chance to score, and proudly displayed their kippot. Ten RYNJ boys also had the privilege of
RYNJ Jaguars 2014/2015 was another strong year for the RYNJ Jaguar teams. The girls’ team and the 8th grade boys’ posted identical 8-2 records, but both had their quest for the championships end in the semifinals. The seventh grade boys lost a thriller in the quarter finals. The sixth grade boys Jaguars had a great season, that unfortunately came to an end in the semifinals. This year’s hockey team was the first RYNJ Hockey team to reach the finals, with a 9-0-1 record in the regular season. The championship game was attended by hundreds of cheering fans. The boys played well and fought valiantly, but lost in overtime.
Rosenbaum Yeshiva of North Jersey Annual Report - June 2015 I 13
Financial Summary This section outlines the key financial and operating data for the Rosenbaum Yeshiva of North Jersey. A summary of the financial results for the 2013/2014 academic year appears at the end of this report. Our Yeshiva’s financial statements are audited by an independent auditor. The 2013/2014 figures discussed in this section summarize some of the important metrics contained in the audited financial statements. Enrollment and Class Sizes Enrollment for the 2014/2015 academic year stands at 1,115 students in Nursery through 8th grade, an increase of over 3% from our 2013/2014 enrollment of 1,080 students, representing the highest enrollment in the history of the Yeshiva. We remain focused on recruiting and currently project increased enrollment to reach approximately 1,135 students for 2015/2016. For the 2015/2016 school year, we will have 11 preschool classes, 32 lower school (grades 1 through 5) classes, 16 middle school (grades 6 through 8) classes, and 5 classes in the Transitional Program.
Student Enrollment at RYNJ
families
1,115 students 510 families (2014/2015)
students
430 students 224 families (1989/1990)
Our class sizes have remained steady at an average of 19 students (less if the smaller Transitional Program classes are 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 as enrollment increases. We have the capacity to educate approximately 1,200 students in state-of-the-art facilities in addition to the five 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.
14 I Rosenbaum Yeshiva of North Jersey Annual Report - June 2015
ip
n rsh
itio
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Sch
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Tuition and Scholarships Our primary source of income is tuition. Gross tuition revenue was approximately $13.8 million for the 2013/2014 academic year. Our “net” tuition (tuition income net of financial aid scholarship awards) was approximately $12.5 million for the 2013/2014 academic year. As tuition remained flat during the 2014/2015 academic year at an average of approximately $13,000 per student, the increase in gross revenue on a year over year basis that we are projected to show in next year’s 10% annual report will primarily be attributable to increased enrollment. In the 2015/2016 academic year, the gross tuition line will increase relative to the 2014/2015 academic year by approximately 90% $500,000. Approximately half of that will be a result of the increased tuition charges and fees and the other half is projected to be attributable to increased enrollment. 2013/14 Scholarship ($1.31 million)
Need-based financial aid scholarship grants total approximately $1.31 million. That amount has been relatively consistent in each of the last 2013/14 Net Tuition few years, accounting for approximately 10% of gross tuition revenue. ($12.49 million) Approximately 25% of children of RYNJ families received financial aid of some amount with an average financial aid grant of approximately 40% of gross tuition. The Yeshiva raised approximately $1.18 million in voluntary contributions. The remaining $136,000 provided in financial aid (approximately $125 per child) is more than funded by scrip sales revenue of approximately $192,000. 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 continue to work actively with JEFG and the other local schools to streamline the process and ensure consistency.
Rosenbaum Yeshiva of North Jersey Annual Report - June 2015 I 15
2013/14 Sources of Revenue (not including Building Fund and Building Contributions) 1%
14%
3%
10%
Grandparents Family Obligations ($620K) Scrip ($192K)General Contributions
10%
11.5%
86%
NNJ 31%
$2 million 36%
Voluntary Contributions Scholarship Scholarship Reception ($707K) Dinner Journal
88.5% 9%
Other Sources of Revenue ($2 million)
Dinner Journal ($177K) Family Obligation General Contributions ($203K) Scrip NNJKIDS and UJA Federation ($65K) Grandparent Circle ($27K)
Net Tuition ($12.49 million)
Fundraising and Contributions We rely on donations and fundraisers for a significant portion of our revenue. Over the past few years, we have increasingly benefited from the success of our Annual Dinner and our Scholarship Reception. Charitable contributions received in the 2013/2014 academic year included the scholarship reception which raised a record of $745,000 (and even greater $766,000 in academic year 2014/2015), the dinner which raised $177,000 in dinner journal ad revenue, and other contributions (such as Parnas Hayom ) of $202,000. We completed our second year of our Grandparent’s Circle campaign which raised $27,000 and look forward to the continued success of that program. In addition, we received $65,000 from NNJKIDS and the UJA Federation and net revenue from our scrip program was $192,000. In total, our non-tuition based income for the 2013/2014 academic year was approximately $2 million, $1.2 million of which was voluntary contributions to our annual operating budget. 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 2013/2014, we collected $305,000 from parent building fund obligations. In addition, we had interest income and other income related to the building of $170,000.
16 I Rosenbaum Yeshiva of North Jersey Annual Report - June 2015
2001
Over 1000
2012
Total Scholarship Reception Pledges
$766,000 (2015)
2002 2001
Over 1000 Over 500 Over 1000 Over 500
2003 2002 2001 2004 2003 2002
up to 500 Over 500 up to 500
$92,000
2005 2004 (2002)201220122012201220122012201220122012201220122012 2003 2006 2005 2004
up to 500
Total Number of Scholarship Campaign Donors 2007 2006 2005 2008 2008 2007 2006
65
2009 2009 2008 2007
223
73 213
2010 2010 2009 2008
88
212
2011 2011 2010 2009
108 286
2012 2012 2011 2010
120 287
2013 0 2012 2011
50
100
20140 2012
50
150
100
200
150
0 and below50$500-$999 100$1,000 and 150above $499
250
300 135
200
250128
200
250
350
300
338
300
Building Expansion Fundraising
Over 1000
In 2014/2015 we completed our building expansion project. The total construction costs amounted to approximately $3,100,000 dollars. To date, we have received $1,400,000 cash with additional pledges of $900,000 to be paid over the next 4-5 years. We are actively seeking to fundraise the remaining $800,000 of our construction costs. We are committed to ensuring that the cost of expansion will not be passed on to the parent body in the form of increased tuition, fees or building fund.
Over 500
Continued Fundaising Additional Pledges Cash Received
$.8 million $1.4 million
$.9 million
Total Project Cost $3.1 million Cash Pledges Received to Date Pledges to be Paid Over 5 Year Period Additional Funds to be Raised
Rosenbaum Yeshiva of North Jersey Annual Report - June 2015 I 17
up to 500
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, almost 90% of the budget, or $12.5 million, accounts for salaries and all related benefits. 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 also continue to increase the use of technology to improve educational efficiencies as much as possible where appropriate, without impacting our budget. We continue to budget for and expend significant amounts for teacher training and continuing education. Lastly, the Yeshiva does not ask parents to contribute to class trips, snacks or other ancillary classroom expenses. Those expenses, along with textbooks, are included with tuition.
Operating and Other Expenses Our expenses for textbooks, educational materials, and supplies were approximately $579,000. Our facilities expenses, which include the expense of our maintenance staff, repair and cleaning costs and security, rose to approximately $510,000. Our utilities expenses remain fairly constant at approximately $265,000. Insurance costs rose to approximately $198,000 and our special event programming costs were approximately $45,000. We had almost no increase to our provision for bad debts during the 2013/2014 year. Adding all these categories, our total additional operating expenses were approximately $1.6 million.
2013/14 Operating Expenses = $14.1 million
Di
Ed
Our total operating expenses (including salaries and benefits) of approximately
Bu
$14.1 million translates to a cost of $12,999
In
per student. Since this is approximately equal to the average per student tuition
Ut
($13,000), your tuition dollars fund operating
Sa
expenses of the Yeshiva. Your tuition dollars do not pay for scholarships, which
Salaries and Benefits (88.7%)
are funded by voluntary contributions.
Utilities (1.9%) Insurance (1.4%) Building Maintenance and Security (3.6%) Educational Materials, Supplies and other (4.1%) Dinner and Special Events (0.3%)
18 I Rosenbaum Yeshiva of North Jersey Annual Report - June 2015
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. Notwithstanding significant increases in operating expenses over the past seven years, during which time we have not raised tuition, we will only be raising tuition by 2.5% (cost of living adjustment) in the 2015/2016 year. As shown in the 12 Month Operating Income and Expense summary on the next page, these rises in operating costs have resulted in a cash flow deficit for the 2013/2014 year of approximately $400,000. Modest increases in tuition and increased enrollment should mitigate future deficits. Our goal is to continue to ensure that we provide excellence in all aspects of our Yeshiva while keeping tuition as low as possible. To meet this goal, we continue to look for ways to control our expenses, bring our fundraising to a higher level and attract students consistent with our enrollment targets.
PLEASE HELP US ACHIEVE OUR GOALS by considering RYNJ in your charitable giving. Contributions of any amount are welcomed and encouraged. For information on available building dedications, please contact Menachem Schechter and Jonathan Neiss at give@rynj.org
Rosenbaum Yeshiva of North Jersey Annual Report - June 2015 I 19
12 Month Operating Income and Expenses for the School Year Ending June 30, 2014 Operating Income: Tuition Obligations
$13, 814,552
Less Financial Aid Scholarships
-1,314,820
Net Tuition Income
12,499,732
Parent Obligations Family Obligations
619,534
Scrip Sales
192,118
Total Parent Tuition Obligations
13,311,384
Annual Fundraising Scholarship Fundraising
706,576
Dinner Journal
176,984
General Contributions
202,591
NNJKids and UJA Federation
65,209
Grandparent Circle
27,474
Total Annual Fundraising
1,178,834
Total Annual Operating Income
$14,490,218
Operating Expenses: Salaries and Benefits
$12,507,289
Other Expenses Educational Materials, Supplies and Other
579,298
Building Maintenance and Security
509,875
Utilities 264,872 Insurance 198,283 Dinner and Special Event Expenses
44,899
Provisions for bad debt
465
Total Other Expenses
1,597,692
Subtotal/Before Mortgage Obligations
14,104,981
Mortgage Interest
436,849
Required Mortgage Principal
353,149
Total Annual Cash Outflows
14,894,979
Cash Flow Deficit
-404,761
20 I Rosenbaum Yeshiva of North Jersey Annual Report - June 2015
Thank you to our generous 2013/2014 donors. Listed are the categories of those who have voluntarily contributed to RYNJ in academic year 2013/2014, 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 6 families $25,000 to $50,000 7 families $10,000 to $25,000 24 families $5,000 to $10,000 35 families $1,000 to $5,000 128 families $500 to $1,000 96 families $100 to $500 430 families
A Beneficiary of the Jewish Federation of Northern New Jersey
Rosenbaum Yeshiva of North Jersey Annual Report - June 2015 I 21
President Azi Mandel Chairman of the Board Rabbi Yehuda Rosenbaum Executive Vice President Allen Pfeiffer Senior Vice President: Rachelle Mandelbaum Vice President, Administrative: Adeena Mayerfeld Vice President, Development: Jonathan Neiss Menachem Schechter Vice President, Communications: Dr. Michael Wiederkehr Treasurer: Glenn Pfeiffer Secretary: Adina Wiener
Board of Governors Jackie Feigenbaum* Dr. Saul Lejtman Jeffrey Mayer* Henry Orlinsky Mordy Rothberg Jonathan Silver Trustees Jonathan Baron Shira Isenberg Laizer Kornwasser Nomi Rotblat Yossie Rubin Barry Sklar Honorary Trustees David Carmel Jack Eizikovitz Phil Heimowitz* Dr. Arthur Kook Rabbi Abe Kramer Milton Polevoy Anne Senter Yitz Stern Bernard Struhl Z�L Dr. Stanley Waintraub Eli Weber* Hillel Weinberger Harvey Wrubel
Board of Directors Bryan Alter Dr. Ben Chouake Judah Eizikovitz Robert Erlich Brian Gopin Shira Greenberg Moishe Grinfeld Yitzi Karasick Naomi Schiff Aryeh Sheinbein Moshe Skoczylas Corey Tarzik Rachel Wertentheil PTA Presidium Shoshana Moskowitz Amira Kra
Head of School Rabbi Daniel Price Director of Religious and Academic Studies Rabbi Shmuel Goldstein Principal, Judaic Studies Rabbi Dr. Harvey Horn Principal, General Studies Jenni Levy Associate Principal Rabbi David Kaminetsky Associate Principal, General Studies Ann Robbins 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 Business Director, Controller Sandra Steinberg
Rosenbaum Yeshiva of North Jersey 666 Kinderkamack Road, River Edge NJ 07661 201-986-1414 • www.rynj.org