News Summary
The Beverly Hills Unified School District has appointed Alex Cherniss as its new superintendent. Following a tense vote, the community is eager to see how Cherniss will innovate education following post-COVID challenges. Cherniss aims to enhance educational experience through flexible learning models and community partnerships. However, some residents have raised concerns, highlighted by a petition against his past projects. Cherniss brings a wealth of experience from previous education roles, ready to embark on his new journey starting June 1.
Exciting Changes for Beverly Hills Schools
Beverly Hills is buzzing with excitement following the recent decision by the Beverly Hills Unified School District (BHUSD) Board. On April 15, the board made a unanimous decision to sign a contract for their brand-new superintendent, Alex Cherniss. This marks a pivotal moment for the district, and the community is eager to see what new innovations and ideas he will bring to the table.
A Close Call for Cherniss
The road to Cherniss’ appointment wasn’t as smooth as some might think. Just a few days earlier, on April 10, the board had a tense meeting where they voted 3-2 in a closed session to bring him on board. It’s worth noting that the board president, Rachelle Marcus, along with board member Amanda Stern, voted against the appointment, though they didn’t share their reasons during the public meeting on April 15. This has left some folks in the community curious and wondering what their thoughts may be.
Cherniss’ Vision for BHUSD
So, what can the community expect from Alex Cherniss? He’s all about taking the district to the next level, focusing on innovation and creativity in education. He believes that it’s crucial for students to be prepared for the future, even for jobs that haven’t been created yet. His mantra seems to be about “pushing the envelope” and exploring new learning methods, especially in a post-COVID world that has changed the educational landscape significantly.
Interestingly, he noted that many families are now considering various learning models, such as homeschooling and online education. While Cherniss is not completely sold on implementing remote learning, he is determined to offer flexible learning opportunities that adapt to the unique needs of students. This is something that has piqued the interest of many parents looking for a more tailored educational experience for their children.
A Bit of Background on Cherniss
Cherniss isn’t new to the education scene. Before joining BHUSD, he spent nearly two years as the superintendent at the Placentia-Yorba Linda Unified School District (PYLUSD). During his time there, he rolled out initiatives like the Universal Sports Institute and the Orange County School of Computer Science, which received a mixed reception from the community. This background might shape his approach as he steps into his new role, but he’s aiming for a fresh start.
Seeking Community Support
Instead of cutting costs to initiate new projects, Cherniss is keen on raising funds through community partnerships. This approach not only aims to enhance resources but also looks to engage the community in the educational journey – a move that might unite families and support the district’s ambitions.
Community Sentiments
Transitioning to BHUSD, Cherniss brings with him a wealth of experience, including positions like middle school math teacher and director of human resources. He even worked at the Los Angeles County Office of Education as a chief financial officer, managing budgets for a staggering 80 school districts with a combined total exceeding $14 billion.
Next Steps for Cherniss
Cherniss is set to officially step into his role on June 1, with his contract spanning three years. Interestingly, during the April 15 meeting, Rachelle Marcus, despite her earlier dissent, expressed confidence in Cherniss’ capabilities as a leader moving forward. Parents and community members shared mixed feelings during the meeting – with supporters rallying behind him, while some raised queries about the possible impacts on special education funding.
All eyes will be on Cherniss as he embarks on this new journey in Beverly Hills. Will he really take the district to the next level? We can’t wait to find out!
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Additional Resources
- Beverly Hills Courier: Alex Cherniss Wants to Push the Envelope at BHUSD
- Patch: BHUSD Hires Alex Cherniss as Superintendent
- Beverly Press: BHUSD Begins Search for Superintendent
- Beverly Hills Courier: Construction Momentum Continues at BHUSD
- Google Search: Beverly Hills Unified School District
