Beverly Hills Unified board rejects $2,500 governance workshop, approves $15,000 communications retainer after debate

The Beverly Hills Unified School District board on March 4 declined to approve a one-day governance workshop agreement and approved a reduced $15,000 communications retainer after extended discussion about the district's messaging and transparency.

Board members voted against final approval of a proposed one-day governance workshop with USC professor Maria Ott, a $2,500 engagement described by staff as a one-day board governance session. The motion to approve the Ott agreement failed for lack of a majority after a roll call; the board later approved a modified, lower-cost engagement with Corridor Creative Legal LLC for communications services on a shorter-term basis.

Board members described two central concerns during debate: whether an outside facilitator was immediately necessary while the board handles ongoing operational work, and whether any communications firm would provide candid, transparent responses rather than merely "make everything look pretty." Acting Superintendent Dr. Hastie described the Ott workshop as a standard governance workshop for newly seated boards and…