Former Beverly Hills Unified School District Board President Lisa Korbatov is backing David Cienfuegos for the school board, praising his temperament, professional background and focus on measurable results in an email addressed to the Beverly Hills community.
The message, provided to the Beverly Hills Standard, presents Korbatov's case for Cienfuegos through the qualities she considers essential to effective school district leadership: integrity, independent judgment, a willingness to listen and the ability to ask difficult questions.
Korbatov, identified in the email as a former BHUSD board member and two-term board president, offered a direct assessment of the candidate.
David Cienfuegos strikes me as exceptionally bright, forthright, personable, and refreshingly straightforward.
She described his background in law, finance and business as a foundation for an analytical approach to district governance. The message also highlighted his role as the father of three children in the district, connecting his candidacy to the expectations parents have for their children's education and preparation for life after school.
Korbatov emphasized that professional experience alone does not establish someone's suitability for a school board. Drawing on her own board service, she placed particular importance on how a member handles disagreement.
From my years on the Board, I know that effective governance requires more than intelligence and experience.
It requires integrity, sound temperament, independent judgment, and the ability to disagree without becoming disagreeable.
In Korbatov's assessment, Cienfuegos combines an approachable manner with a willingness to question existing practices. She wrote that he is thoughtful while remaining confident enough to challenge the status quo when necessary.
The email outlines five priorities for Cienfuegos, beginning with strong academics through rigorous standards, targeted tutoring and measurable progress. Its college and career readiness priorities include stronger counseling, internships and opportunities that connect students with work beyond the classroom.
On technology, the message calls for age-appropriate use, less unnecessary screen time and more purposeful learning. It pairs fiscal accountability with responsible spending and meaningful returns for students, while describing transparent leadership in terms of independent judgment, parent input and clear accountability.
Korbatov's message also argues that effective leadership requires recognizing existing strengths while identifying areas for improvement.
Our schools deserve leaders who combine competence with character, recognize what is working, identify what can be improved, and continuously strive for excellence.
She concluded that Cienfuegos' professional experience, investment in district schools, integrity and temperament would make him a valuable prospective addition to the board.
The BHUSD election takes place Nov. 3, 2026.
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