Beverly Hills Unified is studying whether to require students to demonstrate AI literacy before they graduate, one of several new initiatives greeting roughly 3,000 students who returned to district campuses on Aug. 12.
The district has not announced what coursework the requirement would involve or when it could take effect, according to the Beverly Press. But the exploration comes as BHUSD simultaneously rolls out a board-approved technology policy that reshapes how devices and AI tools are used at every grade level.
Superintendent Alex Cherniss said the district's job is to put students first and make every school day count. "That means challenging them academically, supporting them when they need help, creating opportunities for them to discover what they are capable of and continuing to evolve as their needs and the world around them change," he said.
New tech policy already in effect
The Board of Education unanimously approved the technology policy at its July 14 meeting. Drafted by Board President Judy Manouchehri and Vice President Sigalie Sabag, the policy keeps personal devices out of the hands of students in transitional kindergarten through fifth grade entirely, according to the Beverly Hills Courier. Beginning in sixth grade, students receive devices, but usage is restricted: gaming, YouTube and other non-curriculum websites are blocked, and families will get a weekly summary of their child's device activity.
At Beverly Hills High, teachers are encouraged to design homework that minimizes AI use and makes clear whether students produced the work themselves. The policy also bans AI-generated grading, according to the Courier's July 18 report.
Board member Amanda Stern, an educational psychologist, voiced support for the framework when it was introduced at the June 23 board meeting.
More new programs
Beyond the tech changes, the district launched its Dual Language Academy, High-Impact Tutoring, expanded arts and athletics offerings, and integrated Unified Physical Education through Special Olympics into the school year. Beverly Hills Preschool is also beginning a transition into the district. Details on the Dual Language Academy's structure and the preschool timeline have not been released.
New closed-campus policies focused on safety and student engagement are in place, though the district has not specified what changed from prior practice.
Enrollment across Horace Mann Elementary, El Rodeo Elementary, Beverly Vista Middle School and Beverly Hills High School held steady at about 3,000 students, consistent with last year. The 2026-27 term marks BHUSD's 90th school year.
Five candidates are competing for two board seats in the Tuesday, Nov. 3 election, including Manouchehri, who filed for reelection.
