News Summary
Dr. Alex Cherniss, the new superintendent of the Beverly Hills Unified School District, emphasizes improving student achievement and safety. Amid a flag display controversy, BHUSD faces challenges with significant gaps in student performance in English and math. A free after-school instructional program is set to launch, alongside a new rigorous mathematics curriculum. While the school board voted to display the Israeli flag in support of the Jewish community, concerns over safety have led to its postponement, with only U.S. and California flags being displayed for now.
Beverly Hills
Dr. Alex Cherniss, the newly appointed superintendent of the Beverly Hills Unified School District (BHUSD), is prioritizing student achievement and safety amid a recent controversy surrounding the display of the Israeli flag in schools. Since his tenure began in April 2024, Cherniss has been geared towards addressing significant educational gaps and ensuring a secure environment for the district’s students.
In the 2024 academic year, about 31% of students in grades 3-8 and grade 11 did not meet the state standards in English Language Arts, while 42% of students fell below grade level in math. These challenges have been exacerbated by learning disruptions attributed to the COVID-19 pandemic. To combat these issues, BHUSD has announced the launch of a free after-school instructional program set to commence in October, targeting students who are not performing at grade level.
The new instructional program will be delivered by district teachers over nine weeks, focusing on both English Language Arts and math to help boost student performance. Additionally, the district has introduced a more rigorous mathematics curriculum known as Cognitively Guided Instruction (CGI), aimed at preparing more students to be college-ready by enhancing the quality of instruction from an early age. To support these initiatives, the district intends to reallocate resources, having already cut $1.3 million from district office management salaries and expenses directly towards student programs.
In conjunction with these academic improvements, a recent decision regarding the display of the Israeli flag during Jewish American Heritage Month has sparked considerable debate within the school board and the community. The BHUSD Board of Education voted 3-2 in favor of displaying the Israeli flag, citing a desire to support the Jewish community and combat rising antisemitism. However, due to escalating safety concerns voiced by some board members, Cherniss has decided to postpone the flag display. Instead, only the U.S. and California flags will be shown on school grounds until further notice.
The superintendent’s directive aligns with Board Policy 2210, which empowers him to make decisions in the interest of student and staff safety. Some members of the board expressed that displaying the Israeli flag could provoke unrest and potentially endanger students, while supporters of the flag display underscored the importance of acknowledging and supporting Jewish students in a context of escalating antisemitism.
The conversation surrounding the flag display has divided community opinion. Critics argue the move could unfairly elevate a particular nation or religion amidst a sensitive political backdrop. Community leaders, including Vice Mayor John Mirisch and board member Russell Stewart, have advocated for the flag’s display as an act of solidarity with the Jewish community. In contrast, opponents maintain that public schools should not display foreign national flags and point to shared challenges faced by various groups affected by hate and discrimination.
Cherniss insists on fostering a productive working relationship among board members, despite their different opinions on contentious issues. He believes in advocating for numerous smaller initiatives that contribute to long-term cultural change within the district, aiming to build resilience and success for all stakeholders involved in the educational process.
As Beverly Hills Unified School District navigates these significant changes and challenges, the focus remains on enhancing student learning outcomes and ensuring a safe educational environment that respects the diverse perspectives of its community.
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Additional Resources
- NBC Los Angeles
- Wikipedia: Beverly Hills, California
- CBS News Los Angeles
- Google Search: Beverly Hills Unified School District
- Daily News
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Education
- KTLA
- Google News: Beverly Hills flag display
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.
