BHUSD Superintendent Dr. Michael Bregy said that he is committed to a transparent selection process for the Beverly Hills High School principal. (Beverly Press/Park Labrea News file photo)

After Beverly Hills High School principal Mark Mead was promoted to Beverly Hills Unified School District director of student safety last July, the district was unable to find a suitable replacement, and officials appointed Drew Stewart and Kim Decatrel as interim co-principals for the 2022-2023 school year. Stewart and Decatrel had previously served as assistant principals.

This month, the district is continuing a search for the next BHHS principal, and Superintendent Dr. Michael Bregy is seeking the community’s input on priorities for school leadership.

On Jan. 18, Bregy sent an email to the entire BHHS community with a survey that asks respondents to choose seven out of 21 traits they feel are most important in the new principal.

“I think it’s important … to cast a wide net with the survey of what to look for in our next principal of Beverly Hills High School,” Bregy said.

Bregy said that selecting the principal is one of the most crucial decisions he will make as superintendent, and he stressed transparency throughout the process.

After posting about the open position on educational job boards, magazines and websites, the district will accept applications until Jan. 27, at which point it will begin a final review of applicants, according to a report from Bregy.

After references are checked during the first week of February, an interview team consisting of staff members, parents, students, board members and a “cabinet member” will commence first round interviews on Feb. 13.  Interviews will continue throughout that week, concluding with an activity-based evaluation and a one-on-one interview with Dr. Bregy on Feb. 16. He will then recommend his choice to the board on Feb. 28.

“I’m not even in the first round of [interviews], because I don’t want there to be any perception that the superintendent is picking somebody that he knows,” Bregy said. “It is one of the most important decisions that I will make. We have taken our time, we’re not rushing, and it’s a very comprehensive process that will involve a lot of people including our students.”