School Board Continues Search for Superintendent

The Beverly Hills board of education continued its search for a permanent superintendent at its July 20 meeting as interim Supt. Richard Douglas settled into his new position.

Douglas, a former teacher, principal and coach for the district, began his temporary role after the board unanimously approved his contract July 8.

"We needed to act quickly," said Board President Steven Fenton. "Richard Douglas has a tremendous track record of success throughout his career. He has a deep understanding, knowledge and love for Beverly Hills Unified. It was really a no-brainer."

Douglas returned to Beverly Hills after a nine-year stint as superintendent for the Montecito Union School District.

After a year and a half serving as the BHUSD superintendent, Jerry Gross did not have his contract renewed by the board of education when it expired in June, Fenton said.

"Jerry did us a big favor by coming out of retirement," he said. "He did a great job of stopping the bleeding."

Before Gross' tenure, Fenton said the district lacked a unified vision, which fractured its school community.

"We've had way too many superintendents in the past decade," he said. "It's been a combination of not picking people who were the right fit for the district with not having the management skills in place to nurture and foster growth and loyalty."

The frequent changes in leadership delayed a steady plan for the district, according to board member Brian Goldberg, who recalled nine BHUSD superintendents in the last 11 years.

"That is not the norm for our district, nor is it the norm for any school district," Goldberg said. "It's very imperative for this board majority to find a permanent superintendent who we believe can stay five, seven or 10 years in the position so we can grow together as a district."

As they search for a permanent superintendent from a nationwide pool of applicants, board members are confident in Douglas' ability to lead the district.

"I felt that between when we are able to hire a permanent superintendent and now, he would be able to come in immediately understanding the needs of the district," Goldberg said about Douglas. "Also, to help us as we transition from a revenue limit district to a basic aid district."