Adam Tilove has been hired by Hyman Brand Hebrew Academy (HBHA) as its new head of school. The announcement was made by HBHA Board President Li Balanoff in an email sent to parents and supporters on Dec. 13. He will come on board July 1, 2019.
Tilove will come to Kansas City with his wife Marni, and their three children, Naftali, 10, Raviv, 5, and Yakir, 2 months.
“We were impressed by Adam’s innovative approach to academics and his interest in gaining a thorough understanding of our school and our community,” said Carol Porter, who co-chaired the Head of School Search Committee with Pete Levi.
“We believe Adam is a visionary leader who can help HBHA maintain its excellence in general and Jewish academics, while building a strong foundation through financial sustainability and institutional advancement,” Levi said.
Tilove comes to HBHA with more than a decade of experience in Jewish educational leadership. He served as head of school of the Jewish Day School of Rhode Island for four years. This work follows his previous roles as chair of middle school Jewish studies at the Rodeph Sholom School in New York City and as a teacher at the Hannah Senesh School in Brooklyn. He has participated in a number of prestigious professional development programs during the course of his career, and holds a Bachelor Arts degree in religious studies from Emory University and a master’s degree in education from Brooklyn College.
After spending several days at HBHA to meet staff, faculty, parents, students and other key HBHA volunteers and supporters, Tilove is enthusiastic about joining HBHA’s community. He looks forward to at least one return visit during spring semester to continue developing key collaborative relationships.
“I am stepping into a great school, and I look forward to getting to know the exceptional staff and faculty and learning more about HBHA and its warm and wonderful community. I am full of gratitude to be able to dedicate my time in service of Jewish peoplehood and children’s education,” Tilove said.
“Adam has demonstrated a deep commitment to our school’s mission and its culture. He is a good fit for HBHA, and for Kansas City’s Jewish community,” Balanoff said.
Tilove added, “I am prepared to make sure HBHA continues to be a nurturing, collaborative, and joy-filled Jewish environment where students can grow into their best selves.”
Search Process
The search process began last summer and was led by a team of volunteers in partnership with Marc Kramer, founder and CEO of Kramer Education Group. The committee included a diverse mix of community members to ensure representation of all key HBHA stakeholders.
“We are indebted to Head of School Search Committee Chairs Pete Levi and Carol Porter, as well as their committee members: Brenda Althouse, Sam Arbesman, Annie Glickman, HBHA teacher Laura Hewitt, Bob Palan, Eva Lipner Sokol and David Sosland. They put a great deal of time, energy and thought into finding the right candidate to join HBHA’s talented and dedicated team. They found a candidate who will continue to enhance the wonderful things happening at HBHA today, while helping set the stage for a bright and successful future for the school,” Balanoff said.
During the search process, HBHA is operating under the leadership of the interim Head of School Team: Todd Clauer, Upper School principal; Dr. Jessica Kyanka-Maggart, Lower and Middle School principal; and Rabbi Avi Weinstein, head of Jewish studies.
“We could not have asked for a better interim Head of School Team. This group of exceptional leaders has always given 110 percent to the school, and have given even more of themselves in the 2018-19 school year to ensure a seamless transition during this interim period. The board is extremely thankful for their leadership and dedication,” Balanoff said.
Tilove is also looking forward to working with HBHA’s team.
“My goal will be to contribute to HBHA’s vision of what joyous, student-centered education can look like when it is nurtured by an entire community of educators. I am thrilled to be working in partnership with Todd, Jessica and Avi to bring this goal to life.”