News Summary
Romeo Carey, a distinguished journalism educator at Beverly Hills High School, will retire following the 2024-25 school year. In his 20-year career, he guided students to numerous accolades, including consistent victories in SkillsUSA competitions. His tenure faced controversy but highlighted the importance of press freedom. Carey’s retirement signifies the end of an impactful era for KBEV and raises ongoing questions about administrative practices in the Beverly Hills Unified School District.
Beverly Hills, CA – Romeo Carey, a prominent instructor in career technical education at Beverly Hills High School, has announced his retirement, which will take effect after the 2024-25 school year. The Beverly Hills Unified School District (BHUSD) officially shared this news with the KBEV community on June 20, marking the end of an impactful two-decade career in journalism education.
Carey has taught journalism for over 20 years and has been the executive producer of KBEV, the school district’s student-run broadcasting service. KBEV, renowned for being the longest-running weekly live student newscast in the world, provides a platform for students to live stream board meetings and other events while also covering important segments on student life and district matters.
During his tenure, Carey’s students consistently excelled, earning gold medals at the Los Angeles Regional SkillsUSA Championship for 11 consecutive years from 2014 to 2025. Under Carey’s leadership, KBEV achieved more state championship victories than any other school in California. The quality of work produced by his students garnered national recognition, with U.S. Representative Ted Lieu acknowledging KBEV’s accomplishment of winning second place in Video News Production at the 2024 SkillsUSA National Leadership and Skills Conference. Furthermore, five of Carey’s former students have been honored on Forbes’ “30 Under 30” list in the past decade, showcasing the significant impact of Carey’s mentorship.
The announcement of Carey’s retirement comes in the wake of a tumultuous period at the BHUSD. In December 2024, Carey was placed on paid administrative leave, reportedly as retaliation for permitting students to report on an alleged assault involving a student and the district’s executive director of school safety. This action led to widespread protests from students, parents, and alumni who viewed it as a violation of free press rights and censorship. Concerns over Carey’s suspension were also voiced by the ACLU of Southern California, highlighting potential infringements on journalistic freedoms.
After three months of administrative turmoil, Carey was reinstated to his position on March 5, an event that coincided with the resignation of BHUSD Superintendent Michael Bregy. Although the district did not provide an official reason for Carey’s suspension, he expressed gratitude for the support he received during this challenging time and reiterated the importance of a free press and journalistic integrity, praising the courage of his students.
Carey’s departure signals not just the end of an era for KBEV, but also represents the ongoing struggles within the BHUSD regarding its administrative practices. Superintendent Dr. Alex Cherniss and Board President Rachelle Marcus recognized Carey’s significant contributions to journalism education, underscoring his lasting impact on students and the community.
The BHUSD has faced its own set of controversies, including recent cuts to 10 administrative and executive positions, which followed accusations of mismanagement and concerns raised by parents and community members regarding district operations. The events surrounding Carey’s leave and subsequent community protests reflect deeper issues within the district’s handling of student journalism, raising further questions about the accountability and responsiveness of the BHUSD leadership.
As Romeo Carey prepares to retire, students and community members reflect on a legacy filled with accomplishments, advocacy for press freedom, and a commitment to educating future generations. His contributions to KBEV and journalism education will be felt for years to come.
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Additional Resources
- Beverly Press: Romeo Carey Retires
- Wikipedia: Journalism
- Beverly Press: ACLU Responds to BHUSD Controversy
- Google Search: ACLU
- Beverly Press: BHUSD Cuts Administrative Positions
- Google Scholar: Administrative Positions in Education
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Freedom of the Press
- Google News: BHUSD
