BEVERLY HILLS—During this 2010-2011 school year, the Beverly Hills Unified School District (BHUSD) dis-enrolled the largest number of students over the past three school years.
A total of 63 students were dis-enrolled from the BHUSD between July 1 and January 31 because it was found that the students were illegally enrolled as they were not residents of the district. In 2008-2009, a total of 37 students were dis-enrolled in the district for this reason, and the number increased by two the next school year in 2009-2010.
In the 2010-2011 school year, Superintendent of the BHUSD, Richard Douglas, issued forms to families of students of the district calling for proof that their children do in fact reside in the district. The form was titled “Residency Verification Affidavit,” and included the following statement: “The Beverly Hills Unified School District is required to take appropriate steps to ensure that students attending its schools satisfy applicable laws. This Residency Verification Form must be completed, signed and submitted with appropriate documentation demonstrating compliance with California’s residency laws.” Even with these measures in place, students were found to be fabricating their addresses and violating a residency agreement.
BHUSD Assistant Superintendent, Dawnalyn Murakawa-Leopard, declared to Canyon News, “Students who are dis-enrolled are expected to enroll in schools in the district in which they actually live. The Beverly Hills Unified School District continues to be committed to utilizing its budget to support our students in the most effective way possible by maintaining a full and precise accounting of our student population and providing the best education to students who are legally enrolled in the district.”
