Superintendent Cherniss Outlines Future of Learning in Talk With Beverly Hills Rotary Club

The Beverly Hills Rotary Club hosted Beverly Hills Unified School District Superintendent Dr. Alex Cherniss on Monday, where he shared a wide-ranging look at how the district is preparing students for the demands of the coming decades. The presentation drew local leaders, including Board of Education President Rachelle Marcus and Vice President Judy Manouchehri, who attended to show support for the district’s academic direction.

Dr. Cherniss opened his remarks by asking the room to think about how quickly daily life is changing, especially for young people. He said the district’s goal is to build learning environments that promote creativity, curiosity, adaptability, and real experience.

"We are not simply educating students for today. We are preparing them for a world that is evolving quickly," Dr. Cherniss said. "At BHUSD, our mission is to equip every student to lead, innovate, and thrive in careers that do not yet exist. This requires curriculum that sparks curiosity, technology that is used thoughtfully, and the kind of critical thinking that AI cannot replace."

He also pointed to strengths that continue to shape the district’s identity. BHUSD serves 2,900 students across four schools, offering more than 100 elective courses and over 40 college and career pathway options. Small class sizes, he said, give students the room to grow and feel supported.

Dr. Cherniss spoke about the long-standing connection between the district and the wider Beverly Hills community. Families have been drawn to the city by what he described as its three pillars: police, fire, and schools. Together, he said, they create the stability and trust that allow students to explore their interests and reach their potential.

The presentation ended with a discussion about artificial intelligence and how schools can use it without losing the human qualities that define strong teaching. Dr. Cherniss encouraged the audience to think carefully about how technology can help students while still valuing empathy, connection, and creativity in the classroom.

The room left with a sense of pride and shared purpose, reflecting the district’s commitment to Educational Excellence and its focus on shaping the future of public education in Beverly Hills.