Community Day School Appoints Director of Early Childhood Education Programs

July 19, 2022 – Sarasota

Hershorin Schiff Community Day School (CDS) recently appointed Tracey Bortz as its director of Early Childhood Education Center programs. Bortz had previously served as the director of early childhood education at the Gross Schechter Day School in Pepper Pike, Ohio.

According to Dan Ceaser, CDS’s Head of School, Bortz was chosen as the result of a nationwide search that took place over a period of six months.

“Our search committee sought a veteran leader who has a clear appreciation for diversity and the teaching of universal values to students of all faiths through Jewish values, traditions, and practice,” says Ceaser. “Our candidate also had to be able to cultivate relationships with teachers, students, and families to create a positive team spirit throughout the school. We had a long list of other requirements, including that they be a lifelong learner who consistently grows their own breadth of knowledge and skill sets while encouraging the same development for all Early Childhood Education Center staff. We’re thrilled to say we found all of these qualities and more in Ms. Bortz.”

Tracey Bortz was born and raised in Johannesburg, South Africa. Twenty-one years ago, Bortz and her family emigrated to Cleveland, Ohio. She graduated from the Johannesburg College of Education in South Africa and then later received her master’s degree from Siegal College of Jewish Studies in Cleveland. Bortz enjoys travelling with her husband Barry to visit their children in New York, Chicago and Australia.

“I’m honored to be joining the CDS team this summer,” she says. “I am passionate about education and dedicated to creating a welcoming, safe and stimulating environment for staff and students where they can reach their full potential. I also look forward to learning more about Sarasota and its environs—and enjoying the cultural and recreational riches it offers.”

Community Day School opened its new campus, with record enrollment, on August 16, 2021. To learn more about Community Day School, visit communityday.org or call (941) 552-2770.