Drew Stewart Resigns as Principal of Beverly Hills High School

The main entrance of Beverly Hills High School, a site of leadership change.

News Summary

Drew Stewart has announced his resignation from his role as principal of Beverly Hills High School, effective May 2023. After two years at the helm and significant contributions to the school district, he will transition to a middle school principal position in Lawndale. His tenure included launching professional learning communities and improving school culture despite facing challenges related to political events. Stewart emphasized his desire for a better work-life balance as a factor in his departure, leaving behind a legacy of commitment to the Beverly Hills educational community.

Beverly Hills – Drew Stewart has officially announced his resignation as principal of Beverly Hills High School, a position he has held for the past two years. On May 2, 2023, he confirmed that he has accepted a new role as a middle school principal in the Lawndale Elementary School District. Stewart’s departure marks the end of a significant chapter at Beverly Hills Unified School District (BHUSD), where he started his educational career in the fall of 2017.

Stewart began at Beverly Hills High School as a teacher, specializing in history, government, and economics. His rapid ascent in administrative roles started in January 2018 when he was appointed interim assistant principal. He further moved up the ranks and served as co-principal alongside Kim Decatrel in 2022 before taking on the role of sole principal for the past two years.

Throughout his tenure, Stewart expressed appreciation for the opportunities BHUSD provided him, particularly as a first-time administrator. He highlighted the importance of building relationships within the BHUSD community, which he considered a significant aspect of his work.

During his leadership, several notable achievements were realized. Stewart was instrumental in launching professional learning communities for teachers, which aimed to enhance the overall teaching environment. The counseling team at Beverly Hills High School received the Recognized ASCA Model Program designation under his guidance, showcasing the effective support provided to students. Additionally, the school successfully earned accreditation from the Western Association of Schools and Colleges for six years, a testament to its academic standards and operational practices during Stewart’s leadership.

Stewart took pride in improving school culture and promoting inclusivity among students and staff. However, his time as principal was not without challenges, most notably dealing with the aftermath of the 2024 presidential election, which triggered a controversial student demonstration celebrating Donald Trump’s victory. This incident, along with allegations concerning the district’s executive director of school safety and wrongful suspensions involving journalism teacher Romeo Carey, were significant issues Stewart had to navigate.

In his resignation, Stewart clarified that his decision to leave was a personal choice and not driven by the recent administrative changes within the district. The commute, which lasted up to two hours each way, posed difficulties for him, and he emphasized a desire to achieve a better work-life balance.

As he prepares to embark on a new journey at the Lawndale Elementary School District, Stewart expressed that he will miss the daily interactions he had with students, staff, parents, and the broader Beverly Hills community the most. Looking ahead, he believes that the next principal should prioritize compassion, relationship-building, and a strong commitment to improving academic outcomes for students.

Meanwhile, BHUSD Superintendent Alex Cherniss conveyed deep gratitude for Stewart’s leadership and his contributions to the school. The district is fully committed to finding a successor who will continue to enhance academic performance and cultivate a strong campus culture.

As Beverly Hills High School stands at a transitional point, the leadership change represents both the challenges and commitments that come with fostering a supportive educational environment, highlighting the continuing evolution in the school district.