As we look ahead to the 2025-26 school year, Rodeph Sholom School prepares for an important leadership transition on our Board of Directors. We extend our deepest gratitude to Michael Sand P’25, ‘27, ‘30, ‘33 for his exceptional service as Board Chair and enthusiastically welcome Talia Day P’22, ‘24, ‘30 as our incoming Chair.
Thank you, Michael Sand
Michael’s commitment to our school’s mission and values helped us navigate the complex post-pandemic educational landscape and implement critical strategic planning initiatives with wisdom and foresight. During his tenure as Board Chair for the past three years, Rodeph Sholom School strengthened its financial position; successfully recruited several new school leaders, partnered with Schechter Manhattan, leading to the enhancement of our Jewish studies curriculum with the Makor Program and our expanded ability to respond to individual learning styles; enhanced our STEAM curriculum in our Creation Lab for Elementary and Middle School students; increased enrollment resulting in our largest Twos class in 20 years and our highest new family enrollment in over a decade; and substantially improved our facilities with the major renovations of The K’nisah lobby, the Schneider Community Room, and The Day Family Play Deck.
Michael’s dedication to Rodeph Sholom School runs deep, not only as Board Chair but as a devoted parent of four current students across all three divisions: Benny ’25, Ariella ’27, Lila ‘30, and Jordan ’33. This personal connection has enriched his leadership approach, fostering meaningful partnerships between the board, administration, clergy, synagogue leadership, faculty, and the parent community. His collaborative style and strategic vision have elevated our School’s governance while remaining grounded in the day-to-day experiences of our students and families. We are profoundly grateful for Michael’s dedicated stewardship and the lasting impact of his contributions, which reflect both his commitment to educational excellence and the long-term financial stability of our school.
Welcome, Talia Day
We are delighted to welcome Talia Day as our incoming Board Chair, effective July 1st. Talia brings a wealth of experience to this important role, combining professional expertise with deep dedication to our school community. Since 2010, when her eldest child, Leora, entered our Twos program, Talia has been an engaged and committed member of the Rodeph Sholom School family.
Her professional background includes extensive leadership experience in consumer marketing and brand management at Time Inc., Conde Nast, and Unilever. She currently serves as a member of the Board of Directors for Lydia Security Monitoring Inc., where she chairs the Investment Committee. Talia holds an MBA from The Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania as well as a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Pennsylvania.
As a current and alumni parent of three Rodeph Sholom students—Leora ‘22, Zachary ‘24, and Judah ‘30—Talia has contributed meaningfully to our community in numerous leadership roles. As a member of the Board over the last four years, she chaired the strategic enrollment committee, worked on the finance committee, and played an integral part in the Schechter Manhattan partnership. She served on the Parent Association Executive Committee from 2018-2021, where she focused on marketing for school spirit wear and community volunteer opportunities. Her service to the school also includes co-chairing the Buddy Program with our Enrollment team, co-chairing the Extended Family Initiative with our development team, and chairing the Grade Rep program in collaboration with our division heads.
Beyond our school community, Talia is a passionate advocate for food allergy awareness and safety. She was honored at FARE’s 2018 New York Spring Luncheon for her work, which includes awareness initiatives, media interviews, and fundraising efforts. In 2019, she testified before Congress in support of the FASTER Act, which was signed into law in April 2021, improving food labeling laws for millions of Americans living with food allergies. She also sits on the American Committee for the Tel Aviv Foundation and has been actively involved with UJA, chairing many events for their young families’ divisions.
Talia’s vision for Rodeph Sholom School centers on continuing to strengthen our unique community that combines the values and spirit of Judaism with an exceptional secular curriculum. Her intimate understanding of how different departments of the school work together, combined with her professional expertise in marketing and finance, positions her perfectly to lead our Board as we advance the school’s mission and strategic goals.
About the Board of Directors
The Board of Directors serves as the guardian of Rodeph Sholom School’s mission and future. Its fundamental responsibility is to protect and advance the interests of the school and its various constituencies. The Board appoints the Head of School, establishes overall policies, holds fiduciary responsibility, supports fundraising and development efforts, and approves the school’s annual budget.
Our Board includes up to 25 members who serve the entire school community. Directors include current and past parents of Rodeph Sholom School students and educators from other academic institutions. Because many board members are also current parents, they bring invaluable perspective to their governance role while serving as visible ambassadors within our community. Through thoughtful stewardship of resources, the Board helps the school achieve its strategic goals and fulfill its educational mission.
We invite you to visit the Board of Directors page on our website to learn more about our governance structure and the dedicated individuals who serve our school community in this capacity.
Please join us in expressing gratitude to Michael Sand for his exceptional service and extending a warm welcome to Talia Day as she assumes this important leadership role.