Cienfuegos Details Plans for BHUSD at Community Meet-and-Greet

BHUSD Board of Education candidate David Cienfuegos used a campaign meet-and-greet to present priorities centered on academics, campus safety, career preparation and expanded opportunities for students.

Cienfuegos, an attorney and father of three district students, said his candidacy grew from visiting his children's schools, observing classrooms and following decisions made by the Board of Education. He said concerns about classroom technology and material he believes distracts from core instruction helped lead him to seek office.

"What I remember is there was a focus on great teachers and academics. And that's what school was all about," Cienfuegos said.

He praised recent district changes limiting device use in the earlier grades and said BHUSD should continue strengthening academic instruction. His short-term priorities included campus safety as Metro service expands farther into Beverly Hills, additional shade at school sites and improvements to congested student drop-off areas.

Cienfuegos also called for expanded career and technical education, mentorships and internships connecting students with professionals in Beverly Hills and nearby Century City. He discussed adding specialized athletic and extracurricular programs, including rowing, surfing, equestrian activities and polo, to give students opportunities not commonly offered by other districts.

Board President Judy Manouchehri, a fellow candidate seeking reelection, joined the discussion and said Cienfuegos was being "too humble" about his previous work with the district.

"David pushed us to be a better board, and to do more for our kids," Manouchehri said.

Manouchehri described two examples. She said Cienfuegos urged the district to continue its Horace Mann principal search after the initial round of interviews rather than select from the first group of candidates. A later round included Dr. Steven J. Suttle, who was subsequently appointed principal.

She also credited Cienfuegos with conducting a line-by-line review of the district's intentional technology policy and recommending stronger, more consistent language. Cienfuegos said his legal background made him attentive to the difference between permissive terms such as "may" and mandatory language such as "shall."

The Nov. 3 election will decide two seats on the BHUSD Board of Education.