Dear King David Community,


It is with an incredible sense of gratitude, appreciation, and if we’re being honest, a touch of sadness, that we are writing to announce that our Head of School, Russ Klein, has decided to step down from his position in June 2024, nearly two full years from now.


Since joining King David as head of school in July 2008, Russ has overseen the transformation of King David into a strong, lively, and inclusive Jewish high school and laid the groundwork for its future success. We are incredibly appreciative of all that Russ has done for our school.


We are grateful to Russ for the past 14 years (and the next 2 years) and we appreciate that he has given us a long runway to find his successor.


Here is a part of the message that Russ shared when communicating his decision:


After a wonderful 14 years, I cannot believe that I am formally giving notice of my intention, as of June 30, 2024, to leave this role that I cherish, Head of School at King David. Typing these words on a page, and speaking them, does not do justice to how emotionally difficult this is for me. Being part of the King David community has been the most meaningful part of my professional life and has also led to the most growth in my personal and spiritual world. I have grown as King David has grown and I am grateful to the administration team, the staff, and the faculty who have made all that growth possible. I cannot imagine my life without King David and my gratitude to everyone in our King David Family for their support is beyond words. In particular, I would like to thank all of our students who are the heartbeat of our school. Being allowed to serve the King David community and become part of King David's family is a gift that I will always cherish. This is not only the right decision for me but the right decision for our school. Growth needs change. I know that it is two full school years until I leave my position but know that King David will always be in my heart and should you call on me I will be there for our school community. 


Under Russ’s leadership, King David has developed a faculty that truly cares for each individual student and supports them on their academic and wellness journey as they continue to develop their Jewish identities.


The average number of Grade 8 students at King David nearly doubled from 28 to 50 over the course of Russ’ tenure, with 64 pupils enrolling this fall, the most ever.


As a result of this growth, King David confronted the greatest challenge a Jewish high school can have – we needed more space. So with the extraordinary generosity of the Diamond Foundation and all of the many other donors to our “Fill the Space Campaign,” we are in the process of building a modular addition that will include 3,500 square feet of classroom space, PE changing rooms, and so much more.


This is a wonderful indication of the health and vitality of our school, and our community, and we have Russ to thank for leading us to this point. Over the last 14 years, Russ, with the help of his strong and capable team, implemented our Accelerated Math and Science Program, Annual School Student Retreats, and our Outdoor Education Program. Additionally, Russ initiated our Grade 8 trip to Israel and has personally accompanied over 300 students on 10 of these trips.


Russ built up the Judaics Program focusing on Jewish values, service and volunteerism, and recognizing that student achievement is so much more than their academic marks. He strengthened ties with VTT, RJDS, VHA, JFGV, the JCC, and local rabbis and led our efforts to earn CAIS Accreditation and ISABC membership. Finally, he guided King David’s renovation plans as well as our place within JWest, the future heart of our community.


For these major accomplishments and many more, we thank Russ for his commitment to King David as a leader, educator, Head of School, and above all, as the consummate mensch. In due course, we will honour and thank Russ for his work but for now, it is education as usual.


In the coming months, the King David Board will convene a Search Committee to find a new Head of School.


As we commemorate King David's 18 years, the board is confident that the school will continue to expand steadily in terms of student enrolment, sound fiscal management, inclusivity, and strong community support.


The board of directors would like to wish you and your family a Shana Tovah. May this time of reflection bring us into a year of blessings for you, your family, and our community.

Diane Friedman

Alain Guez

Board Co-President

Board Co-President

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