Kevin Allen, who has been with the district since 2014, first at El Rodeo School and then at the new Beverly Vista Middle School, is retiring at the end of the school year. (photo courtesy of BHUSD)

Beverly Vista Middle School principal Kevin Allen, who started with the Beverly Hills Unified School District in 2014 as the principal at El Rodeo School, announced that he is retiring at the end of the school year.

“After more than 30 years in this profession, serving as the principal at both El Rodeo and BVMS have been my greatest pleasure,” he said in a statement. “I have come to love this district and community and find it to be my second home. While I look forward to the next stage of my life and the new adventures that it will bring, I will always remember this experience and all that we accomplished together.”

Rebecca Starkins, the district’s director of public relations, said that the search for his replacement will begin in the coming weeks.

“We will always be grateful to Mr. Allen, who has truly shaped the future of our district for every student to come. Mr. Allen, you have left some very large shoes to fill. Thank you, Mr. Allen, we wish you all the best in your retirement, you are truly one of a kind,” she said.

Allen took over at El Rodeo, and after the impact of a seismic shift was discovered, the entire school was closed with just hours of notice resulting in an enormous effort to move the school into portable classrooms. Allen guided the community through the early stages of construction and modernization. Under his leadership, the school achieved California Distinguished Schools Status prior to the reconfiguration of the district.

Allen then oversaw the establishment of Beverly Vista Middle School, the first consolidated middle school in the history of Beverly Hills Unified School District. Although many people supported this herculean effort, Allen’s vision, passion and dedication were integral to the success of the opening of BVMS.

While the first year in person was cut short due to the global pandemic, Allen fostered a school community that remains strong to this day. Under his care, the physically closed school has continued to thrive. The culture created by Allen promotes communication, collaboration and school spirit.

“Please know that while I am not a part of the selection process for my replacement, I have assured Dr. Bregy, our superintendent, that I will be actively involved and committed to the smooth transition to ensure the continued success of our school. BVMS is more than just a school, it is a community that I have poured my heart into for the past two years. It takes a village and this village has been a pleasure to serve,” he said.

For information visit bhusd.org.