News Summary
The Beverly Hills Unified School District Board of Education faces allegations of violating the Brown Act, a law ensuring transparency in public meetings. Attorney Daniel Lifschitz claims the board restricted public comment opportunities before voting on key resolutions. Lifschitz’s cease and desist letter highlights concerns over recent decisions, urging compliance with public comment guidelines. The board’s procedural changes have sparked criticism amid ongoing controversies, including a lawsuit alleging discrimination in the district. The situation raises significant questions about communication and transparency in the district’s governance.
Beverly Hills School Board Faces Accusations of Brown Act Violations
BEVERLY HILLS, CA — The Beverly Hills Unified School District Board of Education has come under fire for alleged violations of the Brown Act, a California law aimed at ensuring transparency in public meetings. Attorney Daniel Lifschitz, who is also a parent of a student in the district, issued a cease and desist letter to the board on September 9, claiming they did not provide adequate opportunities for public comment on agenda items before voting.
Lifschitz’s letter specifically addresses concerns regarding the board’s adherence to California Government Code 54954.3, which mandates that members of the public have the chance to comment on each item listed on the agenda prior to any votes. Lifschitz pointed to several recent resolutions that exemplified this problem, including the Standards-Based Instructional Environment resolution from July 16, an antisemitism resolution from August 26, and a flag ban resolution from August 29.
During a public comment period at a recent board meeting, Lifschitz criticized Board President Rachelle Marcus and Board Member Amanda Stern for allegedly objecting to his claims. While some board members backed their colleagues, Lifschitz emphasized that the board’s procedural changes undermined public participation rights that are protected by law. His letter calls for the board to comply with public comment guidelines and to address this in an open session within 30 days.
In response to Lifschitz’s comments, Marcus interrupted him, asking him to refrain from mentioning the names of specific board members. Even before the public comment period began, Marcus had already imposed new rules for the meeting that mandated comments be “respectful and relevant” to district personnel matters, while prohibiting personal attacks and inappropriate language. Notably, California Government Code 54954.3 forbids local agencies from preventing public criticisms of their policies or actions.
Controversies Surrounding the Beverly Hills School District
The Beverly Hills school district has been dealing with increasing public scrutiny and controversy over the past year. This includes a lawsuit filed by former teacher Bella Ivory and former coach Jarvis Turner, who have alleged instances of anti-Black racism and discrimination within the district. Los Angeles Superior Court Judge Brock T. Hammond recently ruled that the plaintiffs can proceed with a single trial, rejecting the district’s request to separate the cases. A hearing related to the ongoing lawsuit is set for December 12.
At the same board meeting where Lifschitz raised his concerns, the board also addressed several ongoing construction projects, including the completion of six tennis courts and a new softball field. The Retaining Wall #2 and Athletic Plaza constructions are expected to be finished by the end of the year, while the Konheim building is scheduled for completion in December 2026. Additionally, upgrades to the district’s security systems are projected to wrap up by the end of this month.
On the financial front, the board approved the 2024-25 Unaudited Actuals, reporting a property tax revenue of $70.5 million for the fiscal year, up from $68.2 million the previous year. Upcoming steps for the district include presenting the First Interim Budget Report by December 9 and conducting a financial audit by December 15.
The current controversies surrounding the Beverly Hills school board and its governance practices highlight ongoing challenges in maintaining effective communication and transparency within the district, particularly in light of the legal and public relations issues it faces.
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Additional Resources
- Beverly Hills Courier: BHUSD Board Served with Cease and Desist Letter
- Beverly Press: BHUSD Board Issued Cease and Desist Letter
- LA Business Journal: Leaders of Influence – Minority Attorneys 2025
- Wikipedia: Brown Act
- Google Search: Beverly Hills School District
Author: STAFF HERE BEVERLY HILLS WRITER
The Beverly Hills Staff Writer represents the experienced team at HEREBeverlyHills.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Beverly Hills, Los Angeles County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Rodeo Drive Concours d'Elegance, the Beverly Hills artSHOW, Concerts on Canon, and holiday celebrations throughout the city. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Beverly Hills Chamber of Commerce and Visit Beverly Hills, plus leading businesses in luxury fashion, hospitality, and entertainment that drive the local economy. As part of the broader HERE network, including HERELosAngeles.com, HERESantaAna.com, HEREHuntingtonBeach.com, and HERECostaMesa.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Southern California's dynamic landscape.
