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Board and PTO

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

CJP’s Board of Directors oversees the school’s operations and sets all policies. The Board is made up of Board-appointed representatives, as well as appointed representatives from our partners: Temple Beth El, Temple Israel, and the Levine JCC.

From the Board of Directors President's Desk

By Rachel Reifkind

I feel incredibly grateful to be part of this special community. CJP has been woven into my family for years, and watching Alex, Gabby, and soon enough baby Shayna grow up in such a nurturing, joyful environment has been one of the greatest gifts of parenthood.

From the moment we first walked through the doors for my son's first day in the ones, we felt welcomed, supported, and embraced. Alex has grown so much since starting in the Ducks and is now thriving in the Blue Birds Pre-K class, Gabby lights up every morning in the Giraffes and literally shuts the door on me at drop off, and even Shayna—though still tiny—has already been showered with love by this community. I am endlessly thankful for the teachers and administration who pour their hearts into creating a warm, secure space where children can grow with confidence, curiosity, and a strong foundation of Jewish learning.

As Board President, I am honored to work alongside a dedicated and passionate group of lay leaders. Our board brings deep commitment, broad experience, and a shared belief in the future of CJP. Together, we are moving forward with strategic priorities that will strengthen our school for generations:  investing in exceptional staff, supporting professional growth, expanding outdoor learning, and ensuring CJP remains financially strong and mission-driven.

One of the initiatives I am most excited about is the creation of our new Outdoor Learning Village, a project families have been dreaming about for years. This vision will transform our outdoor spaces into safer, more inspiring places for exploration, creativity, and play. It is a project that reflects who we are as a school: forward-thinking, community-centered, and deeply committed to the growth and happiness of every child.

Thank you for being part of the heart of this community and for helping CJP continue to flourish. Our strength comes from our families, and I am so proud of what we are building together.

 

If you are interested in Joining our Board of Directors please fill out this inquiry.

EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE 2025-2026

President- Rachel Reifkind

Vice President, Administration- Shayna Putterman

Vice President, Finance- Rebecca Michalove

Vice President, Governance- Dustin Schneider

Vice President, Development- Rachel Welber

Vice President, Nominating- Jamie Oppenheim

Executive Director- Becca Green

BOARD MEMBERS 2025-2026

Mark Pincus

Braxton Carr

Betsy Bell

Phil Meyer

Rebecca Kyazimzade

Sherman Fabes

Amy Novick 

Mindy Kole

Katie Claire Hoffman

Amanda Cahn

Esther Merrick

 

 

 

PTO

Our Parent Teacher Organization (PTO) is an active, committed group of parent and teacher volunteers that creates a caring school community, as well as organizes volunteer and fundraising activities. Our members, chairpersons, and officers host numerous events and fundraisers throughout the year in order to strengthen our connections and ultimately promote positive growth and learning in our children. We meet regularly to enhance the educational, developmental and social programs offered, and to raise funds for improving the preschool. All parents are welcome and encouraged to become active in the PTO.
By Betsy Bell


I'm so excited to be serving as the Charlotte Jewish Preschool PTO President this year! My husband, Andy, and I have been part of the CJP family for several years. Our son, Micah, is a proud CJP graduate and is now heading off to kindergarten, and our daughter, Owen, is excited to continue her CJP adventure this year in the 3s.

CJP has held a special place in my heart for nearly a decade. After moving to Charlotte from Cleveland, Ohio, it was the very first place that truly felt like home. Before becoming a CJP parent, I had the joy of teaching here for four wonderful years. So many of the teachers and staff who welcomed me back then are still here today, and getting to watch my own children grow up surrounded by those same familiar faces has been incredibly special.

One of the things I love most about CJP is the way it has helped shape our family's Jewish journey. My husband proudly served in the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF), and raising our children in a community that celebrates Jewish traditions, values, and a love for Israel means so much to us. Family Shabbat is hands-down the highlight of our week (for Andy and me, too!), and seeing the excitement our kids have for being Jewish is something we'll always be grateful for.

As PTO President, my biggest hope is to help create that same feeling of connection for others. I want every person who walks through our school doors—our children, families, teachers, staff, grandparents, special friends, and visitors—to feel welcomed, included, and like they truly belong. Whether we're gathering for a playdate, celebrating our amazing teachers, or dancing the night away at Fall Ball, I hope we continue building the kind of kehillah (community) that makes CJP feel like a home away from home.

I can't wait to meet new families, reconnect with familiar faces, and make this an incredible year together. If you see me around school, please come say hi—I always love meeting new people!
Charlotte Jewish Preschool