News Summary
The Beverly Hills Unified School District Board has unanimously approved significant expansions to enhance educational services. The College and Career Counseling Center at Beverly Hills High School will receive new counselors, while a Spanish dual language program will be launched in elementary schools. These initiatives aim to better support students in their academic and career pursuits, meeting high standards for prestigious awards. The board also discussed integrating educational technology tools for future curricula.
Beverly Hills – The Beverly Hills Unified School District (BHUSD) Board approved significant expansions to its educational services during a meeting on May 27. The board unanimously voted to enhance the College and Career Counseling Center at Beverly Hills High School by adding new counselors. In addition, the board authorized the launch of a Spanish dual language program in the district’s elementary schools.
According to Dr. Dustin Seemann, the assistant superintendent for education services, the current structure of the College and Career Counseling Center consists of five academic counselors, one college counselor, and two wellness counselors. The board’s approval will enable a restructuring of the center to improve student support, which will include:
- Four freshman and sophomore transition and academic counselors
- Four junior and senior academic and college counselors
- One wellness counselor
- One director of counseling
This restructuring aims to provide targeted support for students based on their grade levels. Freshman and sophomore counselors will engage with incoming eighth-grade families, collaborate with teachers and parents, and help students adjust to high school. Meanwhile, junior and senior counselors will guide students through the college admissions process, including liaising with college admissions representatives and assisting with college testing and applications.
Board member Dr. Amanda Stern noted the importance of strengthening support for students aspiring to attend four-year colleges. This is crucial, as the district aims to meet metrics for prestigious awards like Distinguished School or Blue Ribbon School.
Furthermore, the board introduced a new Spanish dual language program, known as the Dual Language Academy, which will be implemented in one kindergarten and one first-grade classroom at both El Rodeo and Horace Mann Elementary Schools when the fall semester begins. The program will utilize a one-way immersion format designed specifically for native English speakers to learn Spanish.
The enthusiasm for the dual language program was palpable during the meeting, with Vice President Judy Manouchehri expressing that it could be a “game changer” for the district. To facilitate community engagement and address any questions regarding the program, a dual enrollment parent meeting will be held on June 11.
The board also discussed educational technology tools that will be integrated into the curriculum for the 2025-26 school year. Approved tools include iReady, BrainPOP, and Classtime, despite some members, such as Board Member Sigalie Sabag, expressing concerns about increasing screen time, especially for younger students in grades K-3. Dr. Seemann reassured the board that the educational tools would undergo thorough vetting by district administrators and staff to ensure their appropriateness for students.
In addition to these significant program expansions, Board President Rachelle Marcus announced an initiative designed to celebrate the talents of teachers and staff within the district. Titled “Mrs. Marcus Meets,” the new video series will showcase educators and their unique contributions, beginning with Dr. Fred Pinto from Beverly Vista Middle School, who will discuss the school’s musical theatre program.
The BHUSD Board’s decisions reflect a commitment to enhancing educational support services and fostering a diverse learning environment, aimed at better preparing students for their academic and career futures.
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Additional Resources
- Beverly Hills Courier: BHHS to Expand College and Career Counseling Services
- Wikipedia: Beverly Hills
- Beverly Press: BHUSD Superintendent Resigns
- Google Search: Beverly Hills Unified School District
- Patch: BHUSD Inks Deal with Nike
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Education
- Beverly Hills Courier: School Board Members Meet with Recall Participants
- Google News: Beverly Hills education
- Beverly Press: BHUSD Cuts Administrative Positions
