We are in the midst of a very important campaign to elect three members of the Board of Education.

It is important because the academic ratings (which I believe approximate the quality of education that is provided to BHUSD students) are very troublesome.

As I have previously pointed out, for example, BHHS is not ranked in the top 150 of the public high schools in the Los Angeles area (Los Angeles, Orange and Riverside Counties). Most of the public high schools in our vicinity or in comparable districts elsewhere in the area are ranked higher than BHHS.

These rankings are based upon a number of objective criteria including the performance of students on state proficiency exams, graduation rates and preparation for college or university. I do not credit those who say that these results do not accurately reflect our students’ education or offer justifications. Those are subjective opinions that are not objectively based.

The good news is that some progress is being made. However, the low rankings take much of the recent progress into account so it seems to me indisputable that much more needs to be done. It is fine to identify reasons or justifications but these are all problems (and they are generally experienced in common with other higher performing districts) and all have solutions.

Particularly notable is the fact that BHUSD spends far more per student and has a far better faculty/student ratio than most if not all of the high schools that are ranked far higher than BHHS.

My conclusion is that the new Board of Education should focus, without any distraction, on how to improve our students’ academic performance and how our District can do a better job of educating our children.

When I review the actions of the past decade or so, I see that the Board of Education has been focused on issues such as management of construction on campus of our schools, misguided and very expensive litigation, reconfiguration of the schools and security.

While these are not unimportant, they have been extremely distracting. Fortunately, they are largely in the rear view mirror. But they offer important lessons that should lead us to understand that distractions can result in deterioration or failure to improve academic performance. It is now time to focus solely on academic improvement.

The role of the Board of Education in the improvement of academic performance is to make policy decisions and provide an effective process for making these improvements. It is not to micromanage but, rather, to require performance from those in charge of administration and education.

My recommendation is that the process should include at least the following:

- Setting aggressive but achievable priority objectives;

- Adopting performance metrics such as improvement of state proficiency test scores (and comparison of those scores with classroom grades) and/or graduation rates and/or enrollment in AP classes and/or performance on AP exams;

- Assigning specific responsibility for achievement of each objective to an identified person or persons; and

- Holding those responsible accountable for achievement or lack thereof including where appropriate developing an action plan for corrective measures.

Unfortunately our pool of candidates is small and this has resulted in a campaign largely lacking in discourse that recognizes the academic problems and suggests solutions. I am troubled by the extent to which the candidates have discussed issues unrelated to and distractions from academics. I will not provide specific examples but you can see them for yourselves by reading the candidates’ statements.

To some degree, the lack of good discussions of issues can be laid at the feet of the school administration. In advance of the recent Beverly Hills City Council election, the City provided a detailed orientation session for the candidates of all of the duties and responsibilities of the City Department. Such an orientation has not been provided to the candidates for the Board of Education so it is to some degree understandable that the candidates are not knowledgeable of the details of school operations.

However, our alternatives are limited to those who have expressed willingness to serve. As Thomas Jefferson observed: “The government that you elect is the government that you deserve.” Perhaps in the future there will be greater interest in serving on our school board.

But for now it is what it is and we can choose only from those alternatives. In aid of that, I have asked each of the candidates to answer three short questions. Here are the questions and their responses.

***

Questions:

If elected, will you complete your four year term?

In one or two sentences: What would like the voters to know about you?

Why should the voters vote for you?

Responses:

Dela Ronen:

“Yes - committed to all four years.”

“I would like voters to know that as a Beverly Hills alum, a parent with children currently attending district schools, and an experienced attorney, I bring a unique perspective that blends personal investment and professional expertise in advocating for strong academic foundations. I am a dedicated parent and professional who values strong academic foundations, ensuring that our students receive the best education possible to thrive in an ever-changing world. I am prepared to navigate complex issues and advocate for educational excellence and accountability.”

“Voters should vote for me because I am not only an advocate for reinforcing traditional academic principles, but as an attorney, I understand the importance of careful decision-making and accountability. As a parent and district alum, I am personally invested in ensuring our schools provide exceptional education that prepares all students for future success.”

Russell Stuart:

“Yes, I am fully committed to serving my entire four-year term and following through on my promises to improve our schools and strengthen the relationship between parents and the district.”

“I am a parent, business owner, and military veteran with a deep commitment to accountability, safety, and academic excellence. I listen to parents and am dedicated to making them valued partners in our children’s education.”

“Voters should choose me because I will bring leadership, transparency, and practical solutions to the board, ensuring our schools are safe, inclusive, and focused on student success. My approach emphasizes both parent engagement and fiscal responsibility to achieve long-term improvements for our district.”

Sigalie Sabag:

“Yes, Absolutely I will finish my four year term.”

“My passion for the academic success, safety, and growth of all our students runs deep. As a dedicated parent of four, with my eldest two 36 and 27 and my youngest two children currently attending BHUSD Middle School and High School, I have a unique understanding of the challenges our students face and the opportunities that exist to elevate our schools to the National Blue Ribbon schools we once were 20 years ago.”

“Voters should support my candidacy for the Beverly Hills Unified School District Governing Board because I am committed to elevating BHUSD to its rightful place in academic excellence. My passion for ensuring that every student thrives is matched by my practical experience and dedication. I am the only candidate who brings the unique combination of being a California Licensed Contractor and a parent of four. This perspective has equipped me with the tenacity and courage to advocate effectively for all our students’.”

Amanda Stern:

“While life can be full of surprises, I have every expectation that I will complete a second term!”

“I am a school professional, child specialist, and experienced, current board member. In the last four years I have worked and succeeded on behalf of our learners and our families.”

“I am the only candidate with both board experience and institutional knowledge of education from my professional, scholarly and personal experience. I am known as being a receptive and open listener, an even-keeled team player and a reliable colleague.“

I am not endorsing or opposing any candidate. My position is that given the current level of academic performance, any distraction by any other issue is imprudent and inappropriate.

It is my strongly held view that there is nothing more important than improving the academic performance of our schools. [Note that it goes without saying that we must ensure that our schools provide safe and secure environments. It is my view that optimal security has been achieved. Nothing is perfect but it would be counterproductive for the Board of Education to be distracted further by this or any other issues.]

In casting your vote for up to three of these candidates, please consider the following:

Which candidates are best qualified by their training, experience and skills to achieve that improvement?

Which candidates are best qualified by their training, experience and skills to manage the ample available resources toward that improvement?

Which candidates have the self-discipline to avoid distractions?

Bearing in mind that participation in the Board of Education is a “team sport”, which of the candidates are temperamentally best qualified to work constructively with the other members of the board in furtherance of academic objectives?

It is now in your hands.