Head of School Search Update: September 15, 2026

Article posted by Mitchell Marcus and Amy Ballon

Dear Paul Penna DJDS Families,

Welcome back to a new school year. As we settle into the fall routine at Paul Penna DJDS, we want to share where the Head of School search stands and what to expect in the months ahead as this process enters its next phase.

Encouraging response: Since the position went to market in June, Siegel Executive Search Solutions has been actively reaching out to prospective candidates and promoting our Head of School opportunity across the networks that matter most for a school like ours — including CAIS (Canadian Accredited Independent Schools) and Prizmah (the Center for Jewish Day Schools). Outreach began in the Toronto market and has expanded to Jewish education leaders across the country. Early traction has been genuinely encouraging, particularly given that the summer can be a quieter time to engage school leaders. What has been most heartening is the quality and diversity of the interest we are seeing — candidates from a range of school settings and backgrounds that speak well to the strength of the eventual pool.

What comes next: With educators back at their desks this month, the pace of outreach and conversations will pick up meaningfully through September. The next milestones on our calendar are:

  • October: The Search Task Force will review a vetted longlist of candidates from Siegel Executive Search Solutions.
  • November: Interviews with shortlisted candidates. Once these meetings are complete, and more in depth interviews are underway, the task force should be able to set realistic expectations about the timeline to conclude a successful search.

We will be back in touch in October, as the search progresses, and, as always, we will do so with an eye to both keeping you informed and being mindful of the confidentiality for candidates that a strong search requires.

Finally, as a new school year begins, we would be remiss not to acknowledge how fortunate our community is to be starting the year under Rena Markus’s leadership as Interim Head of School. These first days have been a wonderful reminder of the energy and thoughtfulness that Rena and the entire PPDJDS faculty, leadership and administration bring to school. We look forward to a great year ahead.

Thank you again for your continued trust and engagement in this important work.

As always, please don't hesitate to reach out at searchcommittee@djds.ca with any questions.

Warmly,

On behalf of the Search Task Force

Mitchell Marcus

Chair, Head of School Search Task Force

Amy Ballon

President, Board of Directors