Beverly Hills Unified board hires Alex Chernis as superintendent; approves audits and multiple contracts

The Beverly Hills Unified School District Board of Education voted unanimously on Tuesday to approve an employment agreement for Alex Chernis to serve as superintendent beginning June 1, 2025, and approved a package of district audits, technology services and construction-related contracts.

The board approved the three-year employment agreement for Chernis with a starting annual salary of $350,000 and additional monthly and annual stipends described during the reading of the contract terms before the vote. The board’s formal roll call on the motion produced a 5-0 vote in favor of the agreement.

Why this matters: The board’s action installs a permanent superintendent after a period of interim leadership and sets personnel and compensation terms that will shape senior leadership and district priorities as new facilities and programs come online later this year.

What the board approved (selected highlights) - Employment agreement: Dr. Alex Chernis, superintendent of Beverly Hills Unified School District, effective 2025-06-01; starting annual salary $350,000; fringe benefits and stipends described on the record; vote 5-0. - Acceptance of audits: The board accepted the 2023–24 Measure E and Measure BH performance audit prepared by Moss Adams LLP and the Measure E/BH financial bond audit prepared by Christy White (no exceptions reported in the financial opinion); motion seconded and passed on voice/roll call. - Technology and IT contracts: The board approved a one-year ClearPass network/appliance service to support the district’s network operations (bid/contract awarding and roll call vote in favor). Several AV and technology purchases for the Beverly Hills High School performing-arts wing were…