WEST HARTFORD – Behzad Dayanim, head of school at Solomon Schechter Day School of Greater Hartford (SSDS), is leaving his position at the end of the academic year, which coincides with the end of his three-year contract.

“My decision to leave was not predicated on a move into another position elsewhere, but rather based on the realization that my family’s inability to relocate successfully to the area could pose significant challenges both personally and professionally,” Dayanim says. “At the moment, I am exploring options closer to my family and look forward to maintaining close ties with the school, its families, and the staff in the future.”

“Behzad brought a different professional background to the school,” says board president Robin Landau. “In addition to his work in education, he brought a creative and marketing background. His was a fresh approach, very creative out of the box thinking, and in general a lot of excitement about the school.”

Under Dayanim’s leadership, the school was able to implement ideas that had only been talked about in the past: a summer-camp program, the hiring of new art and music teachers and a director of development, and a revamping of Schechter’s administrative structure to a head-of-school model. This year, the board hired Karen Trager as its new principal, who oversees the teaching staff and curriculum development, as well as discipline issues. As head of school, Dayanim supervises Trager and the directors of the school’s administrative departments.

“For a number of years, we had the same person doing both jobs,” says Landau. “By hiring a principal, we have put a very strong focus on education, which is the most important aspect of the school. But there are other tasks involved in running the school – community relations, development, admissions, and marketing. Behzad is very willing to try new things. He works very well with the board and has improved the relationship between the board and the administration.”

“SSDS offers a remarkable opportunity for students and families to engage in learning and in their community,” Dayanim says. “The school is uniquely positioned to successfully accommodate students of diverse backgrounds and learning styles. The staff is remarkably adept at differentiated instruction and passionate about what they teach and to whom their efforts are focused. We are a child-centric school with an unusually gifted array of professionals who understand how to keep the well-being of each child in the forefront. It is rare to find such a skillful and devoted team and I feel very privileged to have been able to support their efforts.”

Like many day schools in the current economy, Schechter has experienced a downturn in admissions and has taken steps to address the recent trend. The board conducted a study of other area day schools and canvassed Schechter parents. In response to the findings, the middle school’s start time was moved 15 minutes earlier so as to make available new elective courses.

This year, Schechter underwent a re-accreditation process with the Connecticut Association of Independent Schools. “It really forces every entity and person in the school to evaluate the entire structure and make sure that the school is operating in all areas with regard to its mission,” Landau says. “We had to look at our teaching staff and our curriculum, so that the core product we offer is the best it can be.”

Now the school will focus on communicating outward, Landau says, building its community-relations and marketing programs and focusing on its successes.

“Schechter is really a place where they care just as much about who your child is as what your child does or becomes,” she says. “The kids receive such individualized attention; it’s so specific to their ability. We have graduates who are high-school freshmen taking 11th-grade honors math, because our teachers push students to their limit. The kids are held accountable, they come out of Schechter with a very strong work ethic, with a commitment to doing well, and with a commitment to helping the greater community. Any child would benefit here educationally.”

Dayanim says that he feels blessed to have had the opportunity to become involved at SSDS, which he describes as “a beautiful community.

“Each day I have enjoyed witnessing the smiles and the joy emanating from the classrooms, or greeting the children and their families upon drop-off or pick-up,” Dayanim says. “We use the term ‘community’ a lot here in West Hartford, and for good reason. As I have observed with wonder and appreciation, we are large enough of a community to do great things, yet small enough to recognize the need to work together to accomplish them. At SSDS we have adopted an even closer relationship affiliation and often refer to our ‘Schechter family,’ as it truly is this sort of environment. Families may not always agree, but the expectations of mutual respect and kindness are clear and we are always there to support each other in times of trouble or celebration. What I appreciate most about my experience at SSDS is that at the school, everyone matters. Our students are learning to become confident learners, creative thinkers, and caring individuals who are motivated to make a meaningful difference in the community and the world around them. It is my hope that I have been able to move the school forward in this pursuit.”

Landau says that a search committee is conducting initial interviews and will invite select candidates for a second round of interviews in January.