MTA's Administrative Void Filled with Appointment of New Principal

YU Alum Ya'acov Sklar to Join Dean Hecht at the Helm

Continuing on its quest towards excellence, The Marsha Stern Talmudical Academy has found a new leader to drive the once unsteady high school back on the road to stability. On Friday, May 7, Rabbi Michael Hecht, the new Dean of MSTA announced the appointment of Ya'acov Sklar to the post of Principal, a position that has remained vacant since the school's decision to forego the contract renewal of current Principal Rabbi Michael Taubes. Sklar is slated to assume the role as principal effective July 1.

Sklar, a Yeshiva College alum, brings to MSTA an unparalleled reputation in the local educational community. Sklar currently serves as Principal at The Academy of Future Technologies, Intermediate School 162 in the Bronx, a position he has held for 12 years. Under his outstanding leadership, the academy has been designated as the "Number One School of Choice" in the district, an honor attesting to Mr. Sklar's superb capabilities and unique vision.

"Mr. Sklar has a deep understanding of our community . . . I envision a true partnership as we work together to restore MSTA to its position of greatness, " affirmed Dean Hecht. Both Sklar and Hecht share a similar vision, targeting an increasingly selective admissions process, and a better focus maintaining the weapons MSTA now possesses. "I am committed to ensuring that MSTA be recognized as a school of true excellence in both limudei kodesh (religious studies) and general academic studies," explained Sklar. "Together with Dr. Hecht and our outstanding faculty, we will recruit first-rate students and faculty to remain ahead of the growing competitive field of Yeshiva high schools in the tri-state region."

Along with Sklar's appointment as principal, came another encouraging announcement. According to University officials, Rabbi Hecht has officially changed his title from "Acting Dean" to "Dean," in a permanent attempt to fulfill the promise made to remain with MSTA "as long as it takes" to realize his goals for the school. Insiders inform The Commentator, that Dean Hecht will have the final say in high school matters, but the pair will primarily split administrative function with Hecht supervising religious study and Sklar managing secular academia. Regardless of the actual division of responsibility, Yeshiva University President, Rabbi Dr. Norman Lamm expressed a deep-rooted confidence in deeming Hecht and Sklar "an excellent team." Lamm is convinced that "under their leadership MSTA, they will further strengthen its already outstanding Torah U'madda program. We are fortunate, indeed, that two capable individuals with complementary backgrounds have agreed to serve." In addition to support from Lamm, the newly refurbished MSTA administration has gained full support of the Rabbi Isaac Elchanan Theological Seminary, an MSTA affiliate, and Dr. Felix Glaubach, Chairman of MSTA's Interim Steering Committee.

MSTA administrators harmoniously welcome the recent additions to their staff, and momentously greet the renewed commitment Yeshiva has expressed towards its feeder high school. "The team that the University has assembled is going to turn the school around," emphasized Dr. Seth Taylor, Director of General Studies at the high school. Taylor sincerely believes that the once lost vision shared by the faculty and administration can now rapidly begin to take shape, due to the enthusiastic support of Yeshiva University. After a faculty meeting with Sklar, it was soon apparent that the entire MSTA staff shares Taylor's sense of hope and optimism.

Mr. Sklar has earned dual Master's degrees in both Educational Administration and Supervision, and Science Education from City College. The Sklar name is one very familiar to the Yeshiva University administration. Sklar's wife, Harriet, currently serves as Assistant Principal at The Samuel H. Wang Yeshiva University High School for Girls.