New Board of Education President Jake Manaster Sworn In

Jake Manaster was sworn in Tuesday as the next Board of Education president for the Beverly Hills Unified School District.

"It's a privilege to serve as president of the finest small school district in America," Manaster told Patch.

Before being elected to the school board in November 2009, Manaster was vice president of the Beverly Hills Education Foundation's Finance Committee. He also served as co-chair of the BHUSD Facilities Advisory Committee.

Manaster announced this is his last year on the school board and that he is not seeking re-election. He was sworn in by Planning Commission Vice Chair Brian Rosenstein, who is running for City Council in March 2013.

Taking over Manaster's position as school board vice president is Noah Margo, who was elected in November 2011. Defying the odds as a write-in candidate, Margo has served as Beverly Vista PTA co-president and is himself a graduate of the Beverly Hills school system. 

"As vice president I hope to first and foremost support Mr. Manaster in his leadership role and make sure our business is conducted in a sound and efficient manner," Margo told Patch. "As 20 percent of the board's vote, I plan to continue my crusade to improve the academics in our district. I would also like to see more shovels breaking ground. We need to prove to the community that we can build and build well."

Margo was sworn in by Vice Mayor John Mirisch, who is running for re-election to the City Council in March 2013.

Brian Goldberg, the outgoing school board president, said in a Facebook post that he looks forward to "returning to my role as a regular board member for the next three years." He also thanked the community for its "continued support."

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