Why Is Jewish Tuition So Expensive?! A School Director Opens Up

[@aratre7]

After four years of homeschooling, my 5 kids started day school. Homeschooling was wonderful, but it came time to close that chapter. My older daughter, 10, wanted more social. We ended up sending everyone for different reasons to school. They loved day one of school. After day one, my 10 yr old said "Wow I finally feel normal." Structure is helpful for my teen ADHD boy. Mrs. Heyman, you're so knowledgeable! Thank you for sharing your wisdom. Yes, we are sending for social! This was a great listen. I love how you said "...growing as a person." This was such an honest podcast, thank you!!

[@Rentcollector]

Making school unaffordable is the down fall of keeping our next generation frum. As a community we are always paying to be “good Jews” the price of kosher meat is ridiculous, the expense of being a member of a shul, living in a Jewish community the homes are more expensive, sending your children to a yeshiva on top of that 😬 Although I play/pay the game I know too many families that don’t because of finances and a lot of times that Jewish family falls apart with inter-marriage and no connection to Judaism. It’s a big big problem with out religion that needs to addressed

[@isiah675]

Great insight.

[@LACITY10]

Stait facks

[@dills303]

Every shul/synagogue needs to set up and maintain a "chinuch fund" or an "education fund". EVERY member of EVERY shul/synagogue [ including people whose children have already graduated from the schools. EVERY member of the community needs to contribute towards the education of the children of the community. The Rabbonim need to strongly encourage EVERY member to donate towards these funds and the funds need to be distributed ONLY towards community schools. This is the halacha and it is not yet being kept properly. This needs to change.

[@princesskaitlinhazelwood4703]

I am not Jewish but loved this show. I am looking at my son’s Catholic school tuition and I feel so much better about it.

[@shoshanawolfe8305]

My parents have 5 children together and we were not granted any reductions in cost despite sending all the children to the one school because my parents are doctors. My mother was a SAHM at the timeand the cost of schooling took up so most of our money. The fact is, there were so many people applying for a reduction they wouldn’t grant us anything. My parents did not know how they were going to afford things even if she was working (not that she could). Solution: moved to Israel for free to cheap schooling😆

[@Rentcollector]

Israel is not for everyone

[@josephanton6099]

The problem is the families are encouraged to have large families. How can they possibly pay tuition for each of their children. The pressure to have large families and then pay large tuitions doesn’t seem reasonable.

[@beans4853]

Children are a blessing. Pay tuition instead of living like a king in all other aspects

[@justagirl...]

@@beans4853 and what if you aren't living like a king? What if your car is always on the verge or breaking down, your house is too small for your family and you don't buy meat cuz it's too expensive?

[@peacenlove8992]

There is a beautiful painting in front of you called life.... most ppl stare at it and marvel at its beauty... you some how see the problems. Cmon! Really?? You start your statement with "the problem is"!!! Why ?

[@beans4853]

@justagirl... yeah that's tough but not what I'm seeing a lot of in my neighborhood.

[@gilmaman7682]

Don’t breed them if you can’t feed them

[@leviyk7]

My wife remembers her mother coming home from tuition meetings crying. People have been told at tuition meetings "if you can't afford so many kids you shouldn't have had them", as if they can undo that or they're going to give up some of them for adoption. Fighting with schools over tuition seems to be the real mark of adulthood.

[@justagirl...]

@@leviyk7 this is particularly ironic considering most basic yaakovs/yeshivas look down on the use of birth control lol. Pick a side...

[@gilmaman7682]

Guest request: can you please do this exact type of interview, but with a modern orthodox school in the NY/NJ area?

[@HundoHavlicek]

I have a suspicion that they wouldn’t want to come out in the open and answer

[@LivingLchaim]

Which school and person do you recommend?

[@gilmaman7682]

@@LivingLchaim HALB? HAFTR? Flatbush? SAR? HANC? Ramaz? Kushner? I’ll take whatever I can get

[@HundoHavlicek]

@@LivingLchaim I would be interested in hearing how the schools in Boro Park are able to charge what they charge as opposed to how the rest Of schools in the tri state area and trying to see if there’s some way to learn from them. I’m not sure who would be the point person for that

[@LACITY10]

​@@LivingLchaimliterally any school in ny or nj but it might be hard also alot of them look like from the outside that there ranking it in kind of like a business idk darchi in far rockaway or tohra vadas brooklyn or something big in lakewood but good luck getting someone to show there face good luck hope you get someone whos honest

[@HannaBanana9989]

I didn't know what to expect from this interview but I am really impressed. I learned so much about the backend of school administration. I have so much hakaras hatov to my high school, I always tell GD That when I have extra money I am giving back to the place that took me in, loved me, and gave my parents the tuition breaks they desperately needed. There are no easy answers, but I appreciated this point of view and the respect with which this HS treats their parent body. All schools can learn from this and make it their blueprint

[@dovidchesner5288]

I Moved to Milwaukee which has school choice. Tuition is 100% covered. It's a great school. I moved away from all my family relatives in order to get this free tuition. I gave up the city life style, Restaurants, Multiple shuls ect... How many people are willing to make such a move? There is also other options such as Cleveland, South ben Indiana, to get tuition vouchers (Not full like Milwaukee). Stop complaining about tuitions if you have these other options out there!! You don't need to live in Israel.

[@Bulvan123]

3 reasons I would never move to Milwaukee. 1. The winter. 2. The winter. 3. The winter.😂

[@LivingLchaim]

Great point, Dovid. I was telling this to Dave Ramsey in our most recent interview. I think he would recommend people doing exactly what you did!

[@SH-yo6em]

We love Bnos Yisrael!!!! ❤❤❤❤ thank you Mrs. Heyman. Your blend of confidence and understanding is perfection!!

[@srulik666]

20 kids per school is setting for prep school. It may be great for kids and teachers. But if you give the same level of education that is near by good public school , where they have 30 + kids per school - you have school that most parents can't afford. Public school is paid by the whole town, regardless if your kids benefit. That makes it affordable. We have to move to another model financial for Jewish schools .May be charters, may vouchers, but parents should not be only people responsible for education of new generation.

[@CaesarRenasci]

Don't slide into socialism. Remain Jewish.

[@shainab-a2205]

Problem with charters is that they are open to state by state laws and they will push perversion and content unbecoming of a Jewish environment or a Jewish Home. I attended charters growing up in the desert yesterday they were better in terms of secular education but the Jewish private school I went to first was better for the soul

[@beans4853]

​@CaesarRenasci its not socialism when we pay full school tax. We should be getting something back in return or not be liable for that

[@Bulvan123]

The goal of these main Baltimore schools (boys & girls) is not to give the same level of education as the public schools. It's to far outperform the public schools. I went to one of these schools & our secular education was light-years ahead of the regular population. Our teachers who taught in both told us that. We'd go to science competitions against other private schools (a lot Christian) & win.

[@Bulvan123]

​@@beans4853so parents with no children in ps should be exempt?what about seniors who kids already graduated?

[@BJ-bc7sl]

Way to go Ahuva!! We left Baltimore 20 years ago. It was so nice to see you again!! This talk was Insightful and much Appreciated.

[@CaesarRenasci]

Jewish education increases in price for the same reason all education increases in price. What decreases in price are products amenable to technological progress. Education is not such an industry: it takes one teacher for every 20 students, say, as it did hundreds of years ago. It take one conductor for each symphony orchestra just as it did a hundred years ago. The same is true of university professors. At the same time, you have to pay teachers and conductors more because they can leave for other jobs. Like everything else, the answer to the question of how to spend the budget depends on the VALUES of those who spend. Some prefer a bigger house.and others prefer to give that money on the Jewish education of their children. The Rabbis have as much to do here as those who run tje schools; Don get them off the hook roo easily. The lady is a great asset to the schools she works with. May Hashem continue to bless her and support her efforts.

[@Tm-gg2mz]

I am a big believer in paying whoever is taking care of your kids well. That has always been a priority for us because our children are our biggest priority.

[@MrsEstyS]

Yes we need to have Ronnie Adjimi on the show!!!

[@politicalspotlight]

Really appreciate this video. Was really insightful, really hope a debate can take place between a parent and a school member

[@daphnetorres2602]

I appreciate this podcast

[@yanky611]

Great episode once again. Very insightful!!!

[@viviang4217]

Great conversation!

[@tobymiller260]

Super Insightful! Hopeful this will influence other schools!

[@untohisnestagain]

The reason day school is so expensive is that the school’s expenses are almost entirely cover by the parents. Not by donors.

[@gilmaman7682]

This level of transparency is amazing. She really breaks it down. I send my kids to a modern orthodox school and I feel like they have a lot to learn from her.

[@LivingLchaim]

Hopefully can’t hurt to share the episode (even anonymously) with them. :-)

[@erpollock]

We got a lab because the Maryland State Board of Education required it for certification. This was in the 60s, and our school had a benefactor, Leo Storch. I assume Mr. Storch paid for the lab.

[@kongshvalmagyar4984]

People are blaming the wrong reasons. It’s not because people are having too many children, it’s that people are too liberal, and voting for the wrong people. When boys mature, let him work a little, save some money and go to university, and if need be, get a loan. Don’t aim for Ivy League. There is no difference in education, just the price😊. Actually bigger families are able to support each other more, so it may even be an advantage. And don’t send them if they’re going to go to gender studies 😂.

[@ttee6990]

On one hand she’s completely right about the financial burden schools have. But if there’s no open books with the schools expense and income then there will be misunderstanding. And dare I say there will be people in that school that will be able to give themselves a bigger check. Without giving anyone an explanation. Those have happened and continue to this day. Because there is a vaad doesn’t mean there is accountability. What I’m saying isn’t true with Mrs heyman. She sounds way different than some other schools I know. Good for her. I have a question where did the money go that came in from COVID to help the schools? Was it given to help the staff and teachers get paid or someone had a hand on it and it’s completely unaccounted for? I sound cynical but I know of this happening. In a school in know well. There’s plenty of place for corruption. Who’s going to open the schools books and show it to the parents whiteout asking them. Let them print it out and show it to us. This a business deal with both parties. The school and parents. So there needs to be open books

[@Bulvan123]

The main boys school in Baltimore "Prides itself about having transparency" They even have auditors go over the books.

[@Doubleuesq]

the "mainstream" schools will never open the books because they know there would be a coup

[@RiviHipHop]

Love this episode. One thing I didn't agree with is - why would a half day teacher ended to make double or tripe the 30 or so K she's making? Many people I know work 40-50 hour weeks abt make 55-60. Which is the equivalent of these half day teachers. That's kind of the a choice when you work park time Everything else was great and refreshing to hear

[@leviyk7]

The frum world needs to make serious moves towards home schooling. Which could mean a few families getting together and paying one or two of them does the teaching and everyone else chips in to pay them something. But if there's no massive tuition bills, some people would be able to afford to not work and possibly participate in teaching.

[@clarkcant]

I think this interview can be conducted again with someone who would walk us through and explain things like how schools arrive at the figures they do, and what responsibility schools, even private ones, inherently have to the community because of the unique service they offer as opposed to other businesses. You don't get to cling to "capitalism". I do think it's fair for a parent to ask for a breakdown, when they feel they are being squeezed by their child's Brooklyn Yeshiva that's trying to finance their new Lakewood chapter. I vividly recall Shulamis highschool in Brooklyn, having charged more tuition than any local Bais Yaakov, allow their Brooklyn campus to to deteriorate while they bankrolled their new 5T location. They eventually closed their Flatbush school.

[@TheNationofIsrael613]

So basically, depending on the state we live in, we have to pay tuition AND property taxes, which go to public schools, which our children do not attend.

[@Bulvan123]

Yes, they have nothing to do with each other. If you want to take advantage of the property tax you pay you're more than welcome to send your child to public school. But if you want a private school (of whatever kind) it's your obligation to cover the cost (in most states).

[@TheNationofIsrael613]

@@Bulvan123 how about I send my kid to private school and pay for that...and then be given a voucher toward's property tax. see Florida

[@144Donn]

As I watch this and consider my Yeshiva education experience in the 1970's, we had smaller classes, in elementary school (MTJ) maybe 20 kids. In HS (BTA) maybe we had 50-60 guys in a class.. Art class, whenever they could find someone. Phys. ed.: That was what recess was for. If one was to compare today's system with the barebones schools we had, it would be considered overkill! On the other hand, I wonder what I would be like if I had the support throughout my educational experience. On the other hand, because I had a good enough education, I went on later in life to deepen and perfect my Jewish learning & skills. Even now in my 60's I am listening to Jewish History podcasts with information I did not appreciative when younger.

[@plnbdy]

I think that the "overkill" is where to cut costs....

[@Bulvan123]

It's also about teaching "Yashrus" & "Erhlichkeit" I went to the community boys school in Baltimore. They have art with a real art teacher because the State of Maryland requires it. They have real physical education with a qualified gym teacher because it's required by the State of Maryland. They're also a way to expose the children to areas they may like to explore when older.

[@plnbdy]

@@Bulvan123 I love all that... good to hear even.... I was sruggling with how to say we don't need to bubble wrap our kids....

[@erpollock]

A girls school is a unique opportunity for girls' talents to be encouraged and fulfilled. In Bais Yaakov in the 60s, my classmate was a talented artist. She was known as the artist of the school. There was a very talented singer who led a foursome of girls in a group - anyone with a talent can be a "star" in her school. Homeschooling can't duplicate that.

[@grammercyerrors]

I was about to pay a combined $26,000 for my children to attend the only Jewish day school in Knoxville, TN. At the last minute I was told that they both couldn't attend because one student returned this year and there would not be enough staff to include my two daughters... I was so disappointed. So were my children 😢

[@purplemonster2239]

How sad. I feel for you. 😢.

[@silkypitterman611]

😢 How terrible!

[@RealShayie]

• are there any old employees sitting around collecting a pay check just because the school doesn’t want to get rid of them. • would you be ok for the books to be open and available to the public? • are there places that a school can cut spending and just dont do it. • are the schools really run like a business? Or more like congress where money is spent more frivolously? (I suspect its close to the later)

[@Doubleuesq]

They would never open books to the public, and that tells you all you need to know.

[@binyominribiat8394]

Wonderful episode! My feelings as a parent and a tuition payer is that the schools outside of the Baltimore area are not ran not like Mrs. Heyman says. Kudos to Mrs. Heyman for running what sounds like a wonderful school

[@Bulvan123]

The main Baltimore schools are run like this. I think it's the job of the parents to demand this. As she basically said, "If you have nothing to hide there's no reason not to be transparent." Some (perhaps all) these schools have outside auditors that also go over the books.

[@SamuelSvarc]

This was an insightful episode, but I feel that there are many questions that weren't answered. I would appreciate an episode with a private school director where that angle could be explored.

[@chatisawasteoftime]

Mrs. Heyman is a private school director.

[@SamuelSvarc]

She explicitly stated otherwise, that it's a klal-based school, that has a board, etc.

[@chatisawasteoftime]

@@SamuelSvarc My bad. By "private" I assumed you meant "not a public school". A for--profit school would be even more expensive.

[@SamuelSvarc]

@@chatisawasteoftime Calling a school opened by a private individual "for--profit" is an assumption, and likely a bad one. Most people who go into chinuch aren't doing it for a profit, and besides for seminaries, almost all of them need to fundraise to keep their schools afloat. Most questions are about who owns the buildings that were built with crowd sourced funds, and jobs (and their salaries) being provided to relatives.

[@ChaimS]

This was an insightful episode, and one that definitely needs a follow-up! I think there's a definite tension between the two sides, and not a feeling of doing things as a team. I think this is because of the lack of transparency and communication in most schools, so parents don't know what's going on, or see schools spending money on things they see as wasteful. Having standardized transparency I think would be a huge step forward. Speaking of standardization, I highly, HIGHLY disagree with Mrs. Heyman about the business office. Yes, there may be slight cultural differences, but the amount of streamlining and money saved by having, say, Torah Umesorah take over the admin portion of its schools would be tremendous and a huge step towards lowing tuition costs. Her desire for that admin culture may just be a luxury we really can't afford as a community. One last note- public schools are required to have votes if they want to raise taxes to fund certain things. Why not do that in Frum schools as well? Have the parent bodies make that decision on whether or not a new gym is worth a 2% raise in tuition or not.

[@Jdubtheyid]

Those things usually get sponsored

[@ellenbrown579]

Much appreciation for a fantastic episode!

[@erpollock]

My family had inelastic demand for Jewish day school. Meaning we could not do without it. My father had experienced the Hebrew school model as a teacher and educational director and my father knew - Hebrew schools were not keeping the youth. The only school model that I personally saw resulted in Jewishly educated graduates who would carry on what they had learned - was the day school model. Hence all 5 children went to Jewish day school though we couldn't afford it! It was inelastic demand. In later years I see how public school graduates at Hebrew U. in the early 70s were totally ignorant - of Hebrew literacy, of Jewish history, of the origins of our people in Chumash and Navi - special American courses were devised for the ignorant Americans at Hebrew U. I didn't need them.

[@dandydan999]

Beautiful episode Kol Hakavod! @38:00 schools should provide public access to the IRS Form 990 filed annually.

[@deejaybutch3r]

Baltimore actually has a big frum homeschooling community that are super social.

[@thefrankperspective4247]

@@deejaybutch3r - this cannot be said loudly enough, for all communities

[@purplemonster2239]

Only because Baltimore has many BT's. It's not an FFB thing to do.

[@deejaybutch3r]

@purplemonster2239 that's actually not true. I can't say that there are many, but including myself, there a good number of ffb yidden who either prefer to teach our own kids or do it because of money. And it doesn't interfere with either of our jobs for us.

[@arielmalka2562]

Such an informative interview! I see both the passion and care in you and her. I do think that the government should also get involved and subsidize the cost as well. #educationforall #equalaccess #makingadifference

[@LivingLchaim]

Thank you so much, Ariel! We are seeing more government getting involved.

[@tobylew8153]

Appreciate it’s a very tough situation!

[@bestchoiceshipping9852]

WOW, I really appreciate this insightful podcast. Parents will never understand what's goes in to run a school. The cost price, without any profit, is about $12k per kid and when you have 3 kids in school, it's still cost the same per kid but too many parents, who have $ will try to "get a better price" . A school has no profit, so why are you bargening at all? Do you feel it's right to put this on the school administration to fundrise צדקה for your kid?

[@davidgarfinkel7033]

Insightful

[@erpollock]

Mrs. Heyman is so impressive, her outlook, her articulation, her sincerity, her goals. I can't imagine anyone who wouldn't want to move to Baltimore to send their daughter to Bnos Yisroel. We moved to Baltimore in 1958 (from Tennessee) to send our children to Jewish day schools.

[@kivaberk9708]

Don't worry. They don't have room. The kindness only extends to 20 kids per class. Have a child that doesn't have a place to go? Bnos won't bend the rules for them

[@Bulvan123]

​@@kivaberk9708 A school with a certain focus (small classes) has the right to do that. Bais Yaakov is the "Community" school & I'm sure they're more flexible.

[@kivaberk9708]

​@@Bulvan123every Jewish day school in America is a community school. Yes we American's are very into our "rights" but it's not a Torah value and certainly not a reflection of Hashem's middos which we are supposed to emulate.

[@ba3665]

I couldn't believe that she said half a day teacher should be double or triple the low $30k's. Some office workers make $75k a year full time. I do think half day teacher should make more because they usually work after hours for marking tests and talking to parents. But triple, which is around $90k for half a day is a joke (even double at $60k for half a day is a lot). I liked everything else she said. Gave a glimpse of the behind the scenes which is valuable.

[@yossy770]

Great episode. Its being shared on very diverse groups that I am in.

[@LivingLchaim]

That’s awesome to hear. So much feedback and convo about the episodes happens behind the scenes, which we are not usually privy to, so it’s great to hear that people are discussing, hopefully in positive ways!

[@MoNavel-d1x]

Great episode! Very insightful!

[@LivingLchaim]

I appreciate that. Working hard!

[@BenSkyLakewood]

Great work as always Eli great guest.

[@LivingLchaim]

Thank you, Ben! - Eli

[@binyaminschwartz8450]

I thought this would give a detailed breakdown of the school's expenses so we could understand the tuition numbers, but we really didn't get any of that in an hour and a half of an interview.

[@beans4853]

@binyaminschwartz8450 yes, I thought so too

[@LivingLchaim]

Ah, sorry about that. I hear.

[@beans4853]

@@LivingLchaim the thumbnail seemed to show something like that, maybe that's why we were expecting it

[@evelynmocton3162]

My oldest child was special ed, I felt attacked by the frum system not understood and my neighbour's with larger families got tuition breaks whereas my family was expected to subsidize these families eventhough we were both working and my neighbour's were living off one salary.

[@LivingLchaim]

So sorry to hear this. :-( How is your family doing?

[@batyaintzfat]

Move to Israel

[@jamesclarity1077]

School choice. Thats it.

[@amybkang]

I’m not Jewish but this came up for me on YT and wow, Mrs. Heyman is such a powerhouse! Her school is lucky to have her. One thing that really wasn’t covered was Special Education. If a student needs extra supports in school such as Speech, OT, PT, a 1:1 aide etc, do the parents pay more for that? When my kids were young I knew many families whose kids started in a private school (Jewish Day, Catholic, Montessori etc) but switched to public when the private school indicated that they couldn’t/wouldn’t provide those kinds of services. Is it the same in the Orthodox Community or do they find a way to keep Special Education students in their schools no matter the need?

[@mo5ago1]

the therapist come into the school.

[@Bulvan123]

Im not an expert but I believe at some level of severe disability the school cannot provide services. But for the less disabled the schools work with the Jewish Federation which handles these special ed children.

[@ShlomoEliyahuBaron]

Shalom from Israel here... We had a taste of this for a couple years a decade ago. This is one of the biggest benefits in Israel, this whole entire issue doesnt exist. You pay maybe 500 shekels maximum including for extra trips? School year starts sunday....!! I couldn't imagine paying these insane prices chutz laretz!!!!!

[@dovidchesner5288]

As I posted earlier that where I live in Milwaukee, tuition is fully covered by the state. There are other communities which have vouchers. I lived in Israel for 14 years before I moved here. It’s a beautiful thing to live in Israel but the cost of living there is insane!! The wages are MUCH less than in the U.S. That’s why we left Israel because we were always in debt. I do miss it a lot and hope we can return there one day.

[@ShlomoEliyahuBaron]

@@dovidchesner5288 we are feeling this now and considering leaving for stability and quality of life But being Canadian it is too costly there to be religious Jews. We need state paid Jewish schooling. Your saying in Milwaukee they have that?

[@dovidchesner5288]

@@ShlomoEliyahuBaron Yes. Milwaukke is fully covered unless your making like over $200 K a year. There is also very affordable housing here. I am not advocating leaving Eretz Hakodesh. We asked a shilah before we left. He told us that we shouldn't stay there so we left. Every case is different though.

[@user-zv9um9pb6w]

What are we thinking, we have bills and looking at what we can pay

[@diegoalberto1071]

If cost don't matter definitely homeschool with pro tutors and babysitter. Make sure to enroll kids in piano, swim and dance. Specifically with academics, there is a disproportional advantage to students who are presented with an individual learning program rather than enroll with a yearly curriculum. The reason I say piano, swim and dance is because exercise, art and communication are necessary for a child's success. Your child should be so obsessed with learning and activities, there is little to no time for him/her to have destructive thought/action. Just to be clear this blueprint shouldn't be forced, you shouldn't be totalitarian as a parent, rather an authoritarian who carefully exposes you child to constructive ideas and lets interest develop organically. When done right, homeschooling puts your child light years ahead of the pack.😃

[@beans4853]

Besides how impractical it is for a from family with many children, it's basically illegal in NY and hard to do legally in many other states

[@jazzbreaks]

easier said than done. We did this for several years, but keeping such a high quality homeschool program is nearly impossible.

[@JeffreyAlhadeff]

At 1:17:30 you mentioned a question “that we didn’t get to” but Mrs Haymen did answer that question.

[@LivingLchaim]

True that. Good call.

[@BenSkyLakewood]

I very much dislike the word crisis, shidduch crisis tuition crisis 😮 not everything is a crisis it's a little thing called life 😧

[@holly_wood26]

It costs $15k to educate a child in public school in my state (NJ). It's realistic to charge $18k a student, but what's important and needed is school vouchers. Parents who don't send their children to public school and send them to parochial school should be $10k a kid.

[@CaesarRenasci]

Very reasonable. Otherwise it is like being taxed twice.

[@bsdiyh]

If bureaucracy says that it's 18 k, then you know the true cost is less than half....

[@ElenaRosa8]

NO! Teach religion to your kids on your own. They don’t need public tax payer money for ANY religious school. NO to the charter school rip-off.

[@beans4853]

​@ElenaRosa8 we live in some of the highest school tax areas. Why should we pay so much in taxes and get nothing in return? Who's ripping off whom?

[@thefrankperspective4247]

@@beans4853 - that’s why vouchers work. It’s like getting those tax dollars “refunded”, and redirected the seat YOU and YOUR child’s butt in.

[@YH-ez7qr]

What an open & honest talk from a school administrator. I just saw a sticker. Teachers don't work for the income. That work for the outcome...... Unfortunately, most schools in Brooklyn wouldn't agree with her. They have their own set of rules.

[@dovstoys6645]

Why do high schools needs 15 teachers per class. Cut that out and cut the cost.

[@beans4853]

They can't fill all the periods and subjects with less teachers. Those teachers are only staying in the system because they work so little hours and within their specialty

[@Meitsjustmereally]

Teachers host class at their homes. One principle runs the classes at all the homes. Hire outside lessons activities on a need to basis.

[@beans4853]

How do all the kids get there? Who makes sure no funny business occurs in those homes? Way too easy for things to go wrong unless everyone is busy with it all day. We have large families, we need streamlined systems

[@cr-iv1el]

Teaching is a calling. Teachers historically could not live on their own and stayed with their students, were married or lived with family. There has to be a way to educate our students for less.

[@joeya-n4r]

You do not know Ronnie Adjmi because he is so humble. You need to get him on.

[@isiah675]

You can fully fund your childs entire retirement with these prices. Then the college costs afterwards sheesh capitalism is plaguing our society

[@leviyk7]

If schools cost that much to run, and most parents don't have that kind of money, maybe we should move towards a model of classes in people's homes, taught by parents. Class sizes between 5 and 10 kids max.

[@beans4853]

Most frum families have 8-10 children and often both parents work... how would that be possible?

[@leviyk7]

@@beans4853 my question is, if they don't need to cover tuition for those kids could one of them not work. Classes would be in people's houses given by parents. I haven't thought this all the way through, I'm just putting thoughts out there.

[@erpollock]

This is very relevant to me because first, I graduated from Bais Yaakov in Baltimore in 1969, and I volunteered to read children's books to small children at Bnos Yisroel in 2020. I was impressed with the atmosphere of the school - the girls of all ages looked really happy in the hallways. My niece is resource room teacher at Bnos Yisroel and my sister-in-law is a kindergarten assistant at Bnos Yisroel.

[@odeliahbouganimdvm]

Why can’t we pay tuition as a donation? Since the school is non-profit.

[@sarahk8397]

One of my kids schools gives us tax receipts for tuition. They worked it out somehow. The other schools don't.

[@feLix-.]

can u do a kosher video about the us-election?

[@jeffreygourdji8450]

Very insightful

[@MrFisherman4444]

Appreciate

[@imisstoronto3121]

It was $$$$ and my parents could not afford to send all three of us, so my youngest sib (my brother) was sent. My sister and I went to public school and had to go to cheder a couple of times a week.

[@beans4853]

I don't understand why schools can't be invasive when considering a tuition break. You want an exception and cause the school to struggle due to you not doing your share, you need to be aware that they are entitled to know why you want that.

[@65fritos2]

These ridiculous tuitions could be the most effective birth control out there. Very sad.

[@tulites9937]

Really insightful!

[@mo5ago1]

i see families going on vacations but not paying full tuition

[@beans4853]

That does give a pinch but you need to be Dan l'kaf zechus

[@binyominribiat8394]

There are so many ways to pay for a vacation, perhaps a company is paying for it, or the grandparents, or credit card points. To many possibilities to list.

[@erpollock]

A leader in my community wrote that his mother saved for 14 years to afford a visit to family in Israel in 1964.

[@silkypitterman611]

Depends on the vacation. 2 days upstate is one thing, Pesach or Winter break in Mexico is something else.

[@jameschicken1008]

the other major factor as well is private schools like Jewish schools het none or less funding compared to state schools so send 10 children to state schools and state will cover bill that's not case with all or some private schools

[@jacklanger]

incred episode

[@ChaimS]

I'm still in the middle, but I wanted to comment on the 401k statement. I don't think it's appropriate to be penalized for properly planning for the future. If you speak with any competent financial advisor, they'll tell you that that having 3 to 4 million in retirement accounts is not " rich," It's barely middle class because you're only supposed to withdraw 4% plus inflation, So every million dollars gets you $40,000 a year. I would ask Eli to bring this up in another episode, maybe another one with Rabbi Horowitz? It's bad enough that schools don't teach children proper finances, but it sounds like the administration themselves aren't aware of it either.

[@beans4853]

She did seem aware. She said, " invest in the present as well, not only the future"

[@tzviw1646]

Most people don't have that kind of money "3 to 4 million" in retirement, if one does have (he's in the top 1% of people) then he can afford to pay tuition in full! The conversation they are having is about people who can't afford to pay, and are living paycheck to paycheck, having little or no money for savings left over from your paycheck after covering your regular expenses.

[@ChaimS]

@tzviw1646 - That's exactly my point! For people in their '50s or even '40s having several million dollars in a retirement account lol that's not being wealthy, that's setting yourself up for a normal retirement. Also, where do you think that money came from? Statistically speaking a very small percentage of it was actually money that they put aside- most of it is from the outcome of the investments. So if you expect them to take it out now (minus the taxes and penalties that comes with that) that just means they won't have it in the future, or the doubling or quadrupling that would come if that money was allowed to grow normally. It doesn't mean that they can afford to pay full tuition.

[@ik2600]

iNSIGHTFUL

[@barbarabrooks4747]

I think one of the big problems is that urban areas have burdensome regulations on everything from building codes to licensing. On top of that, the cost of living and real estate are likely very high. Schools in low cost areas don't have to pay as much to staff, but urban areas must pay well to be competitive. I think people could help schools by leaving their apartment buildings in a trust to benefit the school with the rental income generated so that the school receives income year after year. Buying a building, of course, is one of the best gifts grandparents can leave money to buy a facility. If a school can have teacher housing on the grounds for single teachers, that could be a great benefit. If the teacher housing involves duties that benefit the school necessitating on-site housing, then the housing could be free and non-taxable. It's a real struggle to pay for private schools, especially if there are multiple children. I know in some religious schools, mothers teach full time in exchange for free tuition for the children. This is a great option if you have qualified parents who can live on one income. Schools can learn from Japanese schools where children proudly keep the schools immaculate, scrubbing down the classroom daily. If children do the routine cleaning with safe cleaning supplies, it's good exercise, and allow maintenance workers to concentrate on jobs unsafe for children. It also teaches them cleanliness. It would so much better if we had vouchers for private schools, with teachers receiving the same pay and benefits as public schools. Sweden has such a system with 69% of students in private schools. School choice doesn't need to be a right wing issue, as certainly isn't in Sweden.

[@RuthieT18]

insightful

[@946chana]

I don’t know why I should invest energy in commenting but this is totally Off the mark. Nobody needs to hear that it takes a lot of money to run a school. People are just not catching on. Education should be free. Especially jewish education. The same way they raise money for all organizations, schools should be the first one anything is raised for. And the thing she says about not wanting to grow the school because they want to know each student? Worst response ever. schools need to grow with community needs. Horrible just horrible that this is still being defended

[@946chana]

I’ll add if you want to keep it ‘small’ then there can be private schools for the picky parents.

[@Bulvan123]

Bais Yaakov is the "Community school" with over 1,800 students. Her school has around 500 so it's hardly "small" or "exclusive"

[@Jdubtheyid]

Great episode

[@JacobBaim]

Unfortunate that government funding was not addressed here

[@Bulvan123]

In Maryland there's not much govt funding.

[@LivingLchaim]

I perhaps should’ve touched on that. Thanks for the feedback!

[@erpollock]

Essentials in 2024 were optional in the 60s. Only my sister went to an overnight camp in the country. I don't think the other children did, I didn't, and camp was much more rustic and low-rent in 1968 when I was a specialty counselor and there was no cost.

[@YochevedDesigns]

So how is it that Israeli schools are so affordable for even the lowest income people?

[@jbb1102]

The government subsidizes the schools in Israel.

[@jbb1102]

Israeli schools are subsidized by the government.

[@justagirl...]

@@YochevedDesigns they are government funded

[@miriamschwartz149]

Just listened for bit but u have no idea what chassidisha school ask and do to parents if they can’t pay

[@beans4853]

I'm chasidish and I think it's well deserved and they brought it on themselves. You don't now how many people consider tuition optional and just try however they can to get out of paying while buying the most expensive designer clothing and the most luxurious car. And you should see what their houses look like. Give me a break

[@justagirl...]

What do they do?

[@miriamschwartz149]

I was a girl that my parents couldn’t pay and they embarrassed me a child should never know if parents are suffering I think this interview is so dumb I pay tuition for my kids a year 6k so I don’t know what this lady is talking about

[@beans4853]

​@@miriamschwartz149I don't think they do that anymore... at least in most places they don't. That's horrible. 6k is pretty low. Most schools are way more

[@Bulvan123]

Chasidish schools are very different even from very Frum (non-Chasidish) schools.

[@thefrankperspective4247]

Oh come on, the social argument against homeschool? Park days for the young ones, shul groups as they age, homeschool doesn’t mean one on one all day…

[@beans4853]

Yeah that's dumb. But I can't see homeschooling to be an answer with such large families especially most have both parents working at least something. School is sort of a daycare too so we can keep up with preparing for yomim tovim and keeping a large family running

[@thefrankperspective4247]

@@beans4853 - my 3 (13, 10, 8) are homeschooled, but homeschool only means “the parent is in control” now. Nothing like how it used to be. Mine are in a school 4 days a week, part time. All three have had at least one semester of law, one semester of economics, all three are learning coding/computing/engineering at or above their grade level, and for Jewish studies, they are all active at shul events, are around on shabbos, WE LIVE in an Orthodox house, and we make sure that, in addition to camp, they have religious instruction as well. It’s time consuming to start, but it’s well rounded, well directed, and more affordable. They don’t miss out on social and they are still in a frum environment.

[@beans4853]

@@thefrankperspective4247 that's amazing. Where I live the average family has 8-10 children... and there's no infrastructure for anything like you're describing so to set that up is a lot for the parents who have to juggle that many ages simultaneously

[@thefrankperspective4247]

@@beans4853 - there might be, it’s just harder to find in some areas (sometimes political pressure, sometimes social pressure); where are you (or close to… obviously no one likes doxxing themselves lol)

[@beans4853]

@@thefrankperspective4247 I'm in NY...

[@letsgettserious]

28:00 why not just base tuition on property taxes?

[@matisfriedman9930]

If someone has a big family, you need a big house hence higher overall expenses.

[@CaesarRenasci]

Since when property taxes is a criterion of gainess or ability to pay? In fact, if you have a house, you can take a long-term loan using the equity in the house. A family renting your house does not have such a luxury. Your question is perfectly reasonable, of course, bit it applies to great many issues other than tuition as well.

[@shahrock9352]

“Jewish tuition”??

[@LivingLchaim]

As in tuition spent at Jewish schools.

[@shahrock9352]

@@LivingLchaim so it’s tuition in Jewish schools. Its not Jewish tuition.

[@TagMahirTzedek]

How the --- are people affording these things?

[@irisbristow2977]

By working hard and sacrificing because THEY LOVE THEIR KIDS

[@hagitbab]

If u love ur kids shouldn't u be spending more time with them rather working so much? I always go back and forth with this ..

[@RivkohTziporah]

People can work hard and not earn enough money. Also the school system in the US is messed up when it comes to fees

[@chittaranjanbehera6615]

Love 💕 from India to Israel 🇮🇱🇮🇳

[@yankyd1152]

Insightful

[@mo5ago1]

insightful

[@pinchuschein6116]

Insightful

[@DassuhF]

Insightful