NORTHBROOK, IL — Nanci Caplan has officially begun her tenure as head of Solomon Schechter Day School of Metropolitan Chicago.
Caplan assumed the role July 1 after spending more than a decade working in leadership positions within the Schechter community, according to the Northbrook school.
School officials said Caplan brings a deep familiarity with Schechter's mission, culture and approach to combining academic instruction with Jewish values.
"For more than a decade, Schechter has been my professional home," Caplan said in a statement. "It is where I have grown as an educator, leader, and community member, and it is an incredible honor to serve as our Head of School."
Caplan said the school's emphasis on relationships, shared values and helping individual students succeed sets it apart.
"What makes Schechter so special is that we are more than a school — we are a community built on relationships, shared values, and a deep commitment to helping every child thrive," she said.
As head of school, Caplan is expected to focus on academic excellence, Jewish learning, faculty support and stronger partnerships with families and the broader Jewish community.
She will also work to advance the school's stated mission of helping students reach their academic potential while preparing them to contribute meaningfully to their communities.
"I am excited to build on our strong foundation as we continue preparing students to lead lives of purpose, meaning, and Jewish engagement," Caplan said.
Sheri Greenbaum, the school board president and co-chair of the head-of-school search committee, said the committee conducted a broad search before selecting Caplan.
"We looked far and wide to find the best person to lead our school into the next chapter," Greenbaum said. "We were lucky to find the very best right down the hall."
Greenbaum said Caplan's leadership experience and connection to the school community made her the right choice.
"Having worked alongside Nanci for several years, I know that she is not only extremely capable, but she embodies a true love for Judaism, community, and our school that is a model for all of us," Greenbaum said.
Solomon Schechter Day School was founded in 1962 and serves families from more than 30 communities across the Chicago area.
The school operates the Ginsburg Early Childhood Center and the Sager School for kindergarten through eighth grade on its Northbrook campus.
Schechter is accredited by the Independent Schools Association of the Central States and describes its educational approach as rooted in academic achievement, Jewish values and experiential learning.
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