Reuel (Rudy) Jordan, former Head of School at Bank Street School for Children and beloved Bank Street community member, passed away on December 14 at the age of 78.
For over two decades, Rudy was a guiding light at Bank Street, shaping both the institution and the lives and hearts of those in our community. From his beginnings as the Upper School Coordinator in 1985 to his pivotal role as Head of School from 1993 to 2008, Rudy’s impact transcended roles, responsibilities, and titles. He was more than a leader—he was a friend, a mentor, and a believer in the transformative power of education.
Rudy had a remarkable ability to inspire collaborative work, leading with care and a clear vision. He focused on the future of Bank Street while never losing sight of the importance of everyday interactions. Each fall, as the school year began, Rudy would arrive on campus with apples he picked alongside his family and a handwritten note for every faculty and staff member.
For many former students, his daily presence in the lobby remains a cherished memory. Students were greeted by Rudy’s warm smile, firm handshake, and thoughtful questions about how they were feeling or what they were learning that day. In those moments, each child felt seen, valued, and welcomed. Parents often recalled how reassuring it was to witness this small but powerful ritual, knowing that their children were cared for by someone who took joy in fostering a sense of belonging for all.
Throughout his tenure, Rudy brought a deep sense of purpose to every initiative he led. His contributions were both visionary and practical, rooted in the progressive and collaborative values that define the Bank Street community. Additionally, he was a champion of lifelong learning. He supported summer grants for faculty travel to help enrich their curriculum for students. He also believed in the power of committees as engaging, productive spaces to plan faculty meetings, evaluate curricula, and enhance the student experience.
As a Black man, he understood the importance of representation and support for historically marginalized communities. Rudy envisioned the potential of various programs and initiatives to advance the school’s commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion, including strengthening the financial aid program to help ensure children from diverse backgrounds could access and thrive in a Bank Street education. Rudy saw diversity not just as a goal but as an essential foundation for a stronger, richer community.
In 1999, he hired Bank Street’s first director of diversity, equity, and inclusion, a groundbreaking step at the time. He also instituted affinity groups for parents and children, including Parents of Children of Color, the Gay and Lesbian Parents Group (currently the LGBTQIA+ families), Adoptive Parents Group (currently the Adoption Affinity Groups), and Kids of Color groups in the Middle and Upper Schools (currently the Racial Justice and Advocacy curriculum and the Kids of Color in the Upper School). All of these programs continue to grow and support our community, remaining central to the identity and values of Bank Street today.
“Rudy truly paved the way for the work we do today around diversity, equity, and inclusion,” said Maria Richa, Director of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, School for Children. “He understood the vital role that affinity groups play in providing a space…for people to learn together, take risks in asking difficult questions, and feel supported by others who might share similar experiences. His vision and leadership continue to guide us in meaningful ways.”
Rudy’s leadership was defined by his robust understanding of how children learn and grow and how our approach to teaching and learning meets them where they are in their development. He took time to observe and listen to parents, students, teachers, and administrators, inviting multiple perspectives while thoughtfully navigating their various needs. He guided Bank Street with wisdom, humility, and clarity, always staying true to his values.
Rudy believed in empowering children to become engaged citizens and encouraged them to shape their world with empathy, justice, and integrity. He saw education as a tool not just for personal growth, but for social change, and he instilled this belief in all of us.
While Rudy’s professional accomplishments are extraordinary, it is his humanity, kindness, and steadfast moral compass that will be remembered most. Whether he was supporting a struggling student, mentoring a teacher, or working alongside parents, his care for others was evident in everything he did.
Rudy once said, “All Bank Street children and their parents must feel fully enfranchised in order to be able to take advantage of this wonderful education.” This philosophy guided his work and continues to inspire the Bank Street community.
In 2008, Rudy was presented the degree of Doctor of Humane Letters, Honoris Causa by Bank Street Graduate School of Education in recognition of his exceptional service and outstanding contributions to the Bank Street community. The honor recognized both his years of leadership and the profound and lasting impact he had on the school and the lives of its students, families, and educators.
At Rudy’s convocation, Stan Brimberg, former Upper School Coordinator, School for Children, shared, “We’ll have all he’s left us here. We can live in it, and we can make it grow using all the thoughtful, comprehensive, careful ways he’s built for us to do those things.”
For those who would like to share memories, please don’t hesitate to post on the Remembering Rudy Jordan message board.