Students and teachers collaborating in a Beverly Hills classroom.
The Beverly Hills Unified School District has appointed Dr. Alex Cherniss as the new superintendent, effective June 1. Cherniss, a veteran in education, aims to transform the district with innovative ideas and community engagement. His appointment comes after a period of leadership transition and is met with positive support from parents and educators. Cherniss plans to prioritize real-world skills and strengthen connections with the community through regular communication. As he prepares to take on this challenging role, the district hopes to improve its ranking and address previous controversies.
The Beverly Hills Unified School District (BHUSD) is set to welcome a new leader who is passionate about transforming education in the area. On April 10, the BHUSD Board of Education chose Dr. Alex Cherniss as the new superintendent, and he will officially step into his role starting June 1. This announcement has left many in the community buzzing with anticipation as they look forward to the fresh ideas Cherniss aims to bring.
Dr. Cherniss takes over the reins from Michael Bregy, who has held the position for over eight years before announcing his resignation in February. While details surrounding Bregy’s departure may have stirred some discussions, the school board unanimously voted in a public meeting on April 15 to confirm Cherniss’ appointment, which includes a three-year contract. Interestingly, two board members showed initial reservations during a closed session but ultimately fell in line with the final decision.
What’s truly remarkable about Dr. Cherniss is that he isn’t just a name on a résumé; he has a rich history within the BHUSD as a middle school math teacher, a K-8 principal, and even served as director of human resources. More recently, he held several superintendent positions in other school districts, including San Marino and Palos Verdes Peninsula. Under his leadership, the San Marino district gained recognition as California’s highest-ranked school system!
He also comes with extensive financial expertise, having previously acted as the chief financial officer for the Los Angeles County Office of Education. Cherniss managed a staggering budget that encompassed 80 districts, totaling over $14 billion! This financial savvy could be just what BHUSD needs as it looks to tackle its current budgeting concerns.
At the board meeting on April 15, many parents, students, and educators voiced their enthusiasm for Cherniss. People are eager to see him bring his vision for educational excellence to the district. He’s been described as a proven visionary leader with a strong commitment to academic achievement and transparency.
One of his key focuses will be on preparing students for future careers, emphasizing the flexibility that education needs in this rapidly changing world. Real-world skills and innovation will take center stage as Cherniss aims to enhance the overall learning experience for students in BHUSD.
Cherniss recognizes the importance of communication and seeks to strengthen relationships with the community through regular town-hall meetings. This initiative aims to foster trust and provide the community with updates on district happenings. However, some residents have raised eyebrows about past budgeting decisions in other districts while he was superintendent. This will be an area for Cherniss to address head-on if he wants to assure families that BHUSD is the right place for their children.
It’s important to note that Cherniss has been on administrative leave from his previous district due to an internal review. He attributes this situation to a desire from the board to shift the direction of leadership, but it doesn’t seem to dampen his spirit or ambitions for BHUSD.
As his official start date approaches, Cherniss’ contract will run through June 30, 2028. In the meantime, Dr. Jason Hasty will continue to manage the district’s business services department until Cherniss gets settled in.
With BHUSD facing its share of controversies, including allegations of racism and retaliation that led to Bregy’s resignation, Cherniss has an exciting, albeit challenging, opportunity to redefine the district and make it one of the top-performing schools in the nation.
The excitement is palpable as Beverly Hills looks toward June 1, hoping that Dr. Cherniss will be the catalyst for positive changes in local education.
Navigating College Tours and Family Dynamics
Exploring the Most Exclusive Neighborhoods in the U.S.
Beverly Hills Celebrates Valley Bank Grand Opening
California Lawmakers Uphold Rights of Transgender Student-Athletes
Valley Bank Opens Its First California Branch in Beverly Hills
Beverly Hills Appoints New Superintendent for BHUSD
California Universities in Turmoil Over Visa Revocations
Beverly Hills Seeks New Superintendent Amid Resignation
Concerns Rise Among California Universities Over Visa Revocations
Los Angeles Faces Unrest as Visa Revocations Spark Outrage
News Summary Ponca City, Oklahoma, is experiencing a surge in real estate investment as Flexi-View…
News Summary The Mark Morris Dance Group will present ‘Pepperland’ at The Wallis Annenberg Center…
News Summary Sharona Nazarian has taken office as the first Iranian American mayor of Beverly…
News Summary The Beverly Hills International Music Festival returns on April 24 and 25, 2023,…
News Summary The Eaton Fire swept through Altadena, California, causing catastrophic damage to homes and…
News Summary California's business landscape is undergoing significant changes in 2025, impacted by rising egg…