A New Proposal to Address The Lakewood Community’s Chinuch Needs
I would like to introduce the idea of opening a community elementary school. The level of chinuch would be comparable to other private schools in Lakewood. The school would offer a solid Frum Chinuch to any family seeking it for their children
by Shaya Bassman
Dear Residents of Lakewood,
I hope this letter finds you well. I would like to present an idea to you regarding a subject that is deeply important to almost everyone in our community. With great respect, I would like to share this concept with the tzibbur and sincerely welcome your feedback.
As we are in the season of farhers for bochurim and navigating the process of high school acceptances, the current system of admissions into our chadorim, Bais Yaakovs, and mesivtos is a tangible reality for almost all of us. It is a process that, while essential, often brings stress and heartache to families across Lakewood.
In response, I would like to introduce the idea of opening a community elementary school that would include separate boys’ and girls’ division. The level of chinuch would be comparable to other private schools in Lakewood, with the primary distinction being that this would be a true community school, available to all students in the Lakewood area, regardless of background or circumstances. The school would offer a solid Frum Chinuch to any family seeking it for their children.
The schools would be managed by an executive board, and, importantly, the assets and buildings of the schools would belong to the community itself. This ensures that, even in the distant future—should the schools close in fifty years—the buildings and resources would not become privately owned but would instead transfer to a community moisad. The assets would perpetually serve the tzibbur, ensuring that this effort remains for the benefit of the broader community.
The Challenge of Stigma
One major concern that arises with this concept is the stigma that may be associated with attending a community school. While some families are “accepted” into well-known private schools, others may hesitate to send their children to a community school, fearing it will be perceived as a “lesser” option.
This stigma is real and could prevent many parents from even considering the community school as a viable option, even if it offers excellent chinuch. It’s not enough to build a school that is open to everyone—the community must also view it as a respected and desirable choice for their children.
A New Counterintuitive Idea
A few weeks ago, we heard a school administrator proudly explain how he raised his tuition from $8,000 to $11,000 per year to cover his expenses. At first glance, this approach seemed counterintuitive—raising tuition in an already challenging climate—but it worked for him and enabled his school to meet its budgetary needs.
I would like to propose a different counterintuitive idea to address the stigma: a tuition-free community school.
By removing tuition as a barrier, this school would eliminate the financial strain on families and create a powerful incentive for parents to send their children, even though it is a community school. With no tuition requirements, the stigma of a community-based school is minimized, and families are incentivized to view it as a respected and appealing choice for their children.
The budget for this school would be covered through a combination of voluntary contributions, government grants, and community support. This approach positions the school as an attractive and inclusive option, based on its merit, inclusivity, and high standards of education, rather than on financial necessity.
Recapping the Vision
This school would be unique in two fundamental ways:
- 1. It would be a community school: Open to all families in the Lakewood area, with governance and assets fully owned by the tzibbur to ensure long-term sustainability and benefit.
- 2. It would be tuition-free: By eliminating tuition requirements, the school would incentivize families to send their children, creating an inclusive and attractive option for all, while maintaining a high standard of chinuch.
By combining these two concepts—a community school and a tuition-free model—we have the opportunity to address both the educational and financial challenges facing our community. Every Jewish child in the Lakewood area deserves access to Frum Chinuch without stigma or financial hardship, and this model could be a transformative solution.
Your Feedback Is Essential
This is an idea that has the potential to serve a tremendous need in our community, but I recognize that it is not without challenges. I am bringing this proposal to you, the residents of Lakewood, because your feedback, insights, and questions are invaluable to shaping this initiative.
May Hashem give us the strength and wisdom to be mechanech and raise the next generation of klal Yisroel. Together, we can ensure that every Jewish child in the Lakewood area has the opportunity for a strong and proud Yiddishe education.
Respectfully,
Shaya Bassman
Lakewood, N.J.
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