BHUSD Leadership Team Comes Together to Prepare for the 2026-2027 School Year

Beverly Hills, CA (August 8, 2026) – As Beverly Hills Unified School District prepares to welcome students back for the 2026-2027 school year, District leaders have spent the final weeks of summer focused on professional development, collaboration, and planning for the year ahead.

Last week, BHUSD brought its leadership team together at the Hawthorne Campus for a Districtwide leadership retreat centered on strengthening schools, supporting employees, and creating the best possible educational experience for every student.

The retreat provided administrators and District leaders with dedicated time to collaborate on priorities for the new school year, strengthen alignment across schools and departments, and prepare for the opportunities and challenges ahead.

“Some of the most important work of a school year begins long before students return to campus,” said BHUSD Superintendent Dr. Alex Cherniss. “Bringing our leadership team together gives us the opportunity to align around our priorities, learn from one another, and make sure we are prepared to provide our students and staff with an exceptional year from the very first day.”

The leadership retreat is part of a broader series of professional development and planning opportunities taking place throughout BHUSD ahead of the first day of school. Across the District, administrators, teachers, staff, and departments are preparing classrooms, reviewing programs, strengthening instructional practices, and ensuring campuses are ready to welcome students back.

While students are away for summer, the work across BHUSD continues. These weeks provide an important opportunity for employees to prepare, collaborate, and focus on the systems and supports that will help students succeed throughout the year.

BHUSD looks forward to welcoming students, families, and staff back to campus for another year of learning, growth, and excellence.

View Photos

BHUSD Superintendent Dr. Alex Cherniss and District leaders come together at the Hawthorne Campus for a leadership retreat focused on collaboration, professional development, and preparation for the 2026-2027 school year.

Pictured left to right: Billy Cameron, Steve Lawson, Kim D'Aloisio, Devon Saxon, Denise Witherspoon, Greg Luna, Kristi Bond, Joe Little, Gretchen Gabreski, Dr. Dustin Seemann, Ashley Smith, Richard Waters, Dr. Alex Cherniss, Will Karrat, Sean O’Connor, Adrienne Kim, Shannon Kobielusz, Loan Sriruksa, Dr. Ilin Magran, Dr. Steven Suttle, David Lee, Dr. Sean McCallon, Dr. Michael Sherman, David Katzberg, Dr. Issaic Gates

Photo Credit: The Beverly Hills Unified School District

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For Immediate Release 
August 8, 2026

Contact: Colby Gilardian
Public Information Officer
[email protected] 
(310) 871-8246 Mobile