Board of Ed Vice President Launches Re-Election Bid

Board Vice President Brian Goldberg, the only incumbent in a pool of four running for three Board of Education seats Nov. 8, launched his re-election campaign Sunday.  

“Four years ago, I ran for a seat on the Beverly Hills school board and was committed to accountability, transparency and oversight in government,” he told a crowd of about 200 people. “Today I am motivated by those same values.”

Goldberg emphasized his record during his kickoff speech, touching on better  scores, the hiring of Gary Woods as  and a successful transition of the district to status. He also said that  are being spent for the benefit of students and taxpayers, and that the school system as a whole is improving. 

“We reduced the budget by nearly $4 million while maintaining programs and keeping class size low, and have increased both the percentage and total number of resident students choosing to attend our schools,” he said. “Great schools mean higher property values for all. Higher property values means more revenue for our city to pay for the city services we have all come to expect.”

The candidate then outlined what he described as his “four point plan for the next four years,” which are explained further on his campaign website and include balanced fiscal policies, a districtwide master facilities plan, curriculum for the 21st century, and integrating technology into every subject and every class.

Goldberg was introduced to the crowd by former school board member Gerald Lunn, who served from 1997 to 2001.

“Brian does his homework, checks it twice and then fights for what is right—not easy or popular,” Lunn said. “We are blessed to have a politician in Brian who is ready to ruffle feathers and shake the status quo.”

El Rodeo parent Alma Ordez spoke after Goldberg did, urging the crowd to support him.

“Brian stands for integrity, accountability and change,” Ordez said.

Board President Lisa Korbatov attended the launch, as did Councilman John Mirisch, who has endorsed Goldberg. Challenger Andy Licht also attended before going to his own kickoff event. Licht told Patch that he supports Goldberg’s re-election.

Top officials from the main teachers’ union, the Beverly Hills Education Association, also attended. The BHEA has endorsed Goldberg, Licht and Frances Bilak for the three board seats.

The recent rise in Academic Performance Index (API) scores was a popular topic, with one parent asking Goldberg what could be done to continue the upward trend. 

“There has been a real sense of partnership at the schools—the teachers feel valued, the parents want to be involved,” he said. “We need to continue this feeling of a partnership and get more parents to be involved.” 

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