Agudath Israel of America was chosen by the U.S. Department of Education as this year’s “association spotlight” at its National Private School Leadership Conference, hosted by the Office of Non Public Education (ONPE). The annual conference brings together more than 100 private school leaders from around the country.
Agudah’s Rabbi Chaim Dovid Zwiebel showcased a new video, Ashes to Renewal: Agudath Israel and the Growth of Jewish Education in America. Zwiebel gave a brief outline of the history of Agudath Israel and its current activities on behalf of Jewish day school and yeshiva families across the country. He spoke about the challenges facing Jewish schools including the high cost of tuition, protecting schools from heavy-handed government intrusion, remaining faithful to the schools’ religious mission in an increasingly secular society, and the challenge of harnessing technology.
Other conference speakers included U.S. Secretary of Education Betsy DeVos, who challenged the private school community to rethink education. Secretary DeVos reiterated the administration’s support for school choice, and encouraged supporters to “stay tuned.”
The event concluded with a reception celebrating ONPE’s 40th anniversary. ONPE plays a critical role in helping the private school community interact with the US Department of Education.
article excerpted from Yeshiva World News
