Gallup Challenges Ostroff's Selective Case Against BHUSD

Retired elementary school teacher Marilyn Gallup is challenging the academic case columnist Peter Ostroff has made against Beverly Hills Unified School District, arguing that his emphasis on national rankings gives insufficient weight to more recent student gains.

Her letter to the Beverly Hills Weekly responds to a columnist who has explicitly opposed Board President Judith Manouchehri's re-election and disclosed agreeing to defend board member Amanda Stern and her wife in depositions connected to litigation involving the district.

"What we should not expect is criticism that ignores the evidence when things are improving."

Gallup cited state assessment figures showing Beverly Hills High School's English proficiency rising from 61.73% in 2023-24 to 67.27% in 2024-25, with mathematics increasing from 48.20% to 52.14%. She also pointed to Beverly Vista Middle School's recognitions and acknowledged that mathematics still requires improvement.

Ostroff's August 27 column used the 2026-27 U.S. News rankings and acknowledged that the assessment figures came from 2023-24. He included Manouchehri's explanation of the reporting lag, but dismissed its significance and tied declining rankings to her tenure. Gallup's letter references the earlier 2025-26 edition, a distinction that should be kept clear.

The dispute concerns what those measures establish. A school's position relative to other schools and its year-to-year proficiency gains answer different questions. Ostroff argued that comparisons matter; Gallup argued that those comparisons should not displace newer evidence of improvement.

His treatment of Manouchehri has extended well beyond academic comparisons. In July, he compared her decision to seek re-election to Herbert Hoover running after the stock market crash and Great Depression. In August, he explicitly declared his opposition to her candidacy.

Ostroff has acknowledged worthwhile district programs and praised teachers. Gallup's challenge nevertheless raises a pointed question: whether his opposition to the board's leadership gives academic progress the consideration it deserves.

"We should evaluate the district honestly, using the newest available evidence, and acknowledge both progress and remaining challenges."