Building Endowment FAQ

Q: Why is ICJA planning to build a new campus?

A: When ICJA relocated to its current building there were 206 students, while today ICJA has over 300 students enrolled in 9th through 12th grades. That means we are teaching 50% more students within the same physical space. Academic programs with similar rigorous college preparatory programs and similar student enrollment are housed in facilities exceeding 100,000-sq. ft. without accommodating a second Judaic track.  ICJA is currently operating its dual-curriculum program in less than 66,000 sq. ft.

To accommodate the size of our current student body, respond to advances in learning theory and technologies, incorporate a full array of support services for students with special needs and those who are academically gifted, and house an in-house Zionist Kollel and a computer lab – ICJA has had to “defy its walls.” We offer 250 courses each day within a complex rotation-scheduling feat. To meet space demands, classrooms are constantly shuffled, while free space, the formal Beit Knesset, student lounges, meeting rooms, and faculty workspace have all been compromised. Extracurricular activities are scheduled as late as 9 p.m. to accommodate shared space issues and are still often forced to meet at other venues. Every available classroom is being utilized, and even space not allotted for such a purpose is being used as classrooms or offices. The current building is over-crowded, as we face the challenge of having physical facilities appropriate for a top-flight educational institution.

Q: Why not put money into fixing and expanding the current building?

A:  A study prepared by SAS Architects and Planners, the firm that designed our existing facility, determined that it would cost between $4-5 million to address deferred maintenance needs, without an enhancement to the current structure. Formal architectural evaluations have determined that we will need an additional $6-8 dollars  of renovations to meet the space and educational needs ICJA requires. It would also require zoning variances, which would be difficult to obtain.

Assuming the Academy could build another 30,000 sq. ft. onto the existing building, the cost would be an additional $15 million. Upon completion, the facility would still be limited for potential growth, have minimal exterior space and not be centrally located to our current and future student population. The Long-Range Planning Committee, with the endorsement of the ICJA Executive Board and Board of Governors, determined the need for a new site. With the commitment of a lead donor gift, the committee concluded that a new or renovated facility would be the next logical step in the future of Ida Crown Jewish Academy.

Q: What would a new facility offer?

A: If approved, our vision for a new facility includes outdoor space, cutting-edge science labs, expanded Kollel and chevruta learning spaces, sports facilities, space for cultural arts, expanded library and technology resources, faculty and student personal spaces, study halls, an auditorium, workout facilities, student and faculty lounges, a central Beit Knesset that can accommodate the entire school and an enhanced facility for Keshet.

With more space and multiple venues for activities, our extracurricular activities will also expand.  The current facility is not able to provide space for various sports, workout/exercise, drama clubs, art programs and student lounges (all available in ICJA’s facilities decades ago). Nor is there exterior space designed to allow students to do things such as play basketball, do homework, or eat lunch during free periods. We plan to incorporate this type of space into a new facility.

Q: How will ICJA continue to address the programmatic needs of the school while running a building endowment project?

A: The ICJA program is enhanced and restructured as needed to meet the ever-changing needs of our students and trends in education. A primary goal of the endowment campaign is to ensure that operational needs of the school do not drain from an annual budget that is directed at programmatic growth and strength. To assure the continued enhancement of the academic and extracurricular needs of the school, the campaign will establish a permanent endowment to offset the operational and maintenance costs of a new facility and to provide support for the continued improvement of the school’s educational program. The new facility will provide for innovative program opportunities due to increased overall space, flexible classroom environments and focused student and staff enrichment areas.

Q: Will tuition go up in a new ICJA facility?

A: Tuition increases will continue to reflect trends in the cost of day school education.  However, the campaign is premised on the commitment that tuition will not be affected by the cost of the new facility. Funds from the endowment campaign will offset increased expenses incurred with a new building.

In addition, schools typically increase enrollment when building new sites. While the project does not depend on increased enrollment for its success, we believe a new facility will result in increased enrollment for ICJA as well.  The building plans will accommodate potential growth.

Q: How long would the project take to complete? 

A: It is our goal to be in our new home in the 2010 academic year pending zoning approval and acquiring the necessary funding.

Q: Does ICJA have a lead gift for this project?

A: Yes.  The support of a lead donor gives us confidence that we will also be able to raise the rest of the funds.

Q: Are the current administration, leadership, faculty, parents and board of directors supportive of this project?

A: ICJA leadership, administration, faculty, and board of directors are excited about the opportunities this move will bring to ICJA.  Their input has been instrumental in the direction of this project.  They are committed to ensuring the project’s long-range success. Representatives of the parent body have been involved throughout the process as well.

Q:  Does ICJA have the support of the Jewish Federation for this project? 

A: We have 100 percent support of the Federation for this initiative.  Three members of their executive staff and Board sit on our Long Range Planning Committee.

In addition we are in the process of embarking on a series of professionally-led initiatives, including: major donor, alumni, parents and community-based campaign. We believe that our campaign, one of the largest fundraising efforts in the Jewish community, to date, can and will be successful.

Q: When will more details be available?

A: The project is in the early stages of obtaining support and the required approvals. We look forward to sharing more details with you as they become available. If you have any questions in the meantime, please feel free to contact Jane Best, Building Project Campaign Director at (773) 973-1450.