News Summary
The Beverly Hills Unified School District has launched new websites for the district and schools, enhancing connectivity amid leadership changes and controversies. Key features include a unified calendar for events and a virtual alumni hall of fame. Superintendent Dr. Alex Cherniss emphasizes the importance of these upgrades as the district faces scrutiny from recent leadership controversies and enrollment issues, including the denial of enrollment for displaced students. The community is encouraged to engage with the new platform and provide feedback.
Beverly Hills, CA
The Beverly Hills Unified School District (BHUSD) has recently launched redesigned websites for both the district and its schools, modernizing their digital presence amid ongoing controversies and leadership changes. The new websites aim to improve connectivity for students, families, staff, alumni, and the larger community.
Key features of the redesign include a Unified District Calendar, which provides a centralized location for all external school events, thereby facilitating community engagement. Additionally, the BHHS Virtual Alumni Hall of Fame has been introduced in collaboration with the Beverly Hills High School Alumni Association, allowing visitors from around the world to explore and celebrate the accomplishments of notable BHHS alumni. This initiative transforms the former on-campus display into an interactive online experience. Another significant enhancement is the Unified Menu, which provides users with the ease of switching between various school sites without hassle.
Superintendent Dr. Alex Cherniss stated that this new digital presence reflects the educational quality and opportunities offered by BHUSD. He emphasized that the upgraded communication tools align with the high standards of work executed daily within the district. The redesigned websites can now be accessed at bhusd.org, where community members are encouraged to provide feedback through an online form.
Leadership Changes and Controversies
In a coinciding development, Superintendent Dr. Michael Bregy resigned on February 21, with his resignation taking effect on February 24, following public backlash over a series of controversies affecting the district. His decision prompted Board President Rachelle Marcus to acknowledge his contributions and express respect for his choice. Dr. Jason Hasty, the assistant superintendent of business services, has been appointed as acting superintendent while the district searches for permanent leadership.
Bregy’s resignation occurred against a backdrop of scrutiny relating to lawsuits and internal controversies. Notably, veteran journalism teacher Romeo Carey was placed on administrative leave without a publicly stated reason, a move that some community members perceive as retaliatory due to his students’ reporting on serious incidents involving the district’s executive director of school safety. These events raised concerns regarding the treatment of students during investigations, particularly claims of intimidation during closed-door meetings led by Assistant Superintendent Matt Horvath.
Additionally, former teacher Joanie Garratt has filed a wrongful termination claim, claiming she was dismissed after openly criticizing President Trump on social media. Accusations of systemic racism and discrimination have emerged, with Black students and parents asserting that racial slurs have become a common issue within the district’s environment.
Current athletic director Tim Ellis faces serious allegations as well, including accusations of racism and sexual harassment brought forth by former tennis coach Robbin Cafagna. The complexities of these allegations contribute to the climate of unrest within the BHUSD.
Enrollment Controversies
The district has also faced criticism for its recent decision to deny enrollment to over 100 displaced students from Palisades Charter High School while allowing only 47 to enroll. This decision drew the attention of state lawmakers, specifically State Senator Ben Allen, who has urged the BHUSD to reconsider its position.
Community activist Robbie Curtis has suggested that the ongoing controversies, particularly those surrounding Carey, played a role in Bregy’s departure, advocating for increased accountability from the school board regarding administrative conduct. BHUSD continues to navigate through these pressing concerns and is under public scrutiny as it addresses critical matters affecting both leadership and community trust.
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Additional Resources
- Beverly Hills Courier: BHUSD Launches Redesigned District-Wide Website
- Wikipedia: Beverly Hills Unified School District
- Beverly Press: Beverly Hills Unified School District Superintendent Resigns
- Google Search: Beverly Hills Unified School District
- Beverly Hills Courier: BHUSD Opening Day Launches New School Year
- Encyclopedia Britannica: School District
- Beverly Press: Romeo Carey Retires from Beverly Hills School District
- Google News: Beverly Hills School News
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.
