News Summary
The Beverly Hills Unified School District received positive feedback from the Citizens Bond Oversight Committee regarding its improved bond management. The report highlighted significant enhancements in transparency and fiscal responsibility under new management. Previous challenges included a budgetary shortfall, but recent audits indicate a restoration of community trust. Additionally, the BHUSD board addressed parental rights in meetings, emphasizing a stronger relationship between parents and teachers while also honoring outgoing board members during a recent assembly.
Beverly Hills, CA – The Beverly Hills Unified School District (BHUSD) received positive feedback regarding its bond management during a presentation by the Citizens Bond Oversight Committee (CBOC) on June 10. The report highlighted important management actions for the fiscal year 2023-24 and addressed the performance of two significant bond measures: Measure E, a $334 million bond issued in 2008, and Measure BH, a $385 million bond from 2018.
CBOC member Jasmine Yadgari and Vice Chair Marc Carrel provided details on the annual financial and performance audits conducted by Christy White, Inc. and Moss Adams, LLP, respectively. Yadgari expressed satisfaction with the improvements made since a period of problematic management that had previously marred the district’s financial operations.
Historically, the management of the bonds faced significant challenges. Under the previous bond manager, Team Concept Development Services (TCDS), the district encountered a budgetary shortfall estimated between $89 and $129 million. This lack of transparency and budgeting issues led to a loss of community trust. Following the hiring of new bond manager Fonder-Salari, the budgetary shortfall has been reduced to approximately $7 million, thus restoring some confidence in the district’s financial management.
The CBOC reported that transparency has significantly improved under Fonder-Salari’s management, alongside enhanced cost savings and billing controls. As a measure to further promote accountability, the BHUSD board voted to make the financial and performance audits public, though a timeline for this disclosure has not yet been established.
In addition to the CBOC report, the BHUSD board addressed other important matters, approving a 4-1 amendment concerning parental rights in non-disciplinary meetings. This amendment stipulates that administrative personnel should only attend parent-teacher meetings under “exceptional circumstances,” a shift aimed at strengthening the relationships between parents and teachers.
Board President Rachelle Marcus was the sole dissenter in the vote on the amendment. Initially proposed by Board Member Sigalie Sabag, the amendment was met with some concerns from the Beverly Hills Education Association president and Board Member Marcus. Issues included the potential impact this restriction might have on teachers and the overall tone of the amendment.
The language in the amendment was revised from an initial directive excluding administrative personnel entirely unless exceptional circumstances warranted their presence, to a more flexible rule allowing administrative personnel to be present only when such circumstances arose.
Earlier this month, on December 17, the BHUSD board convened for a special Organizational Meeting to elect new officers. Two new board members, Sigalie Sabag and Russell Stuart, were also sworn in during this ceremony, attended by community leaders including Vice Mayor Sharona Nazarian. The assembly acknowledged the achievements of the district, with Superintendent Dr. Michael Bregy emphasizing the importance of collaboration among board members.
Dedicating time to recognize service contributions, the board also honored outgoing member Noah Margo for his 13 years with the district. Currently, Rachelle Marcus serves as board president, with Judy Manouchehri as vice president and Amanda Stern continuing her role as clerk. The board’s structure includes various liaison roles to maintain community engagement and address matters relevant to district concerns, including the suspension of Beverly Hills High School teacher Romeo Carey.
As the BHUSD continues to implement these changes and navigate fiscal responsibilities, the district appears poised for ongoing improvement and increased transparency, which are essential for regaining community trust and fostering lasting relationships among educational stakeholders.
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Additional Resources
- Beverly Hills Courier: BHUSD Heats Positive Report on School Construction Bonds
- Los Angeles Times: 2024 Election Live Results – Los Angeles County
- Beverly Press: Problems Persist with BHUSD Construction Bonds
- Wikipedia: Education in California
- Google Search: Beverly Hills Unified School District
