As Beverly Hills gears up for the new school year, an upcoming event at Beverly Hills High School promises to inject a dose of fun into the often serious world of education governance. On August 25, 2025, following a Q&A session with acclaimed author Allegra Goodman, BHUSD Board Member Dr. Amanda Stern will host "Are You Smarter Than a Board Member?" a 10-question quiz designed to test students' wits against those of their district leaders. Sponsored by the Beverly Hills Education Foundation (BHEF), the event will randomly select four lucky winners for $30 Amazon gift cards, turning what could be a routine author visit into an interactive spectacle.
In an era where school board meetings can feel more like battlegrounds than forums for collaboration, Stern's initiative stands out as a refreshing reminder that education thrives on joy and connection. By stepping into the role of quizmaster, Stern, a licensed educational psychologist and BHUSD board member, not only humanizes the often opaque world of district decision-making but also invites students to engage critically and playfully. It's a clever nod to the idea that intelligence isn't confined to boardrooms or classrooms; it's a shared pursuit that benefits from a little levity.
The quiz follows Goodman's appearance, where she'll discuss her latest novel, "Isola," a tale of resilience and survival inspired by the 16th-century story of Marguerite de la Rocque, a French noblewoman abandoned on a remote island. The book's themes of defiance and self-discovery align neatly with the event's spirit, encouraging young minds to question authority, not in rebellion, but in curiosity. Stern, with her background in child evaluations and Individualized Education Programs (IEPs), brings expertise that underscores the value of tailored, engaging learning experiences. Her participation, joined briefly by students during the author's visit, exemplifies how board members can bridge the gap between policy and practice.
Events like this are more than just entertainment; they embody the mission of organizations like BHEF, which has spent nearly 50 years supplementing Beverly Hills' public schools with resources for academic, athletic and artistic excellence. By sponsoring the gift cards, BHEF reinforces its commitment to enriching education beyond the basics, fostering a community where learning is celebrated as a collective adventure. In a district known for its high standards, such initiatives could help combat student disengagement, particularly as national surveys highlight declining youth interest in civic participation.
Stern's event challenges the stereotype of board members as distant figures, instead positioning them as approachable mentors. As students vie to prove they're "smarter than a board member," they might just discover that true intelligence lies in asking the right questions—and having fun while doing it.
For Beverly Hills, this could mark the start of a trend: more interactive, personality-driven events that draw families closer to their schools. With the quiz set for August 25 at Beverly Hills High School, it's an opportunity not to miss—for the prizes, the laughs and the lasting lesson in community building.
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