Board Mulls Adding Hebrew To Beverly Vista Middle School

BEVERLY HILLS, CA — Beverly Vista Middle School could soon offer Hebrew programming after a recent board of education discussion mulled the addition on Feb. 14.

No decision was made at the Feb. 14 meeting, but district staff were instructed to collect more information on student demand and finding appropriate staff before the board continues to consider adding Hebrew to the middle school's offerings.

BHUSD is one of the few public educational institutions in the United States to offer a "robust Hebrew program," according to Dustin Seemann, Assistant Superintendent of Education Services. Some 103 students are enrolled in four levels of Hebrew courses at the high school, but the teacher is at full capacity, Seemann said. If Hebrew were added to the middle school, students would be able to take a fifth, AP-like course called "Hebrew and Literature."

In the past, the district has tried and struggled to find qualified teachers to helm a middle school Hebrew course, Seemann said. Board Member Mary Wells emphasized that student demand and finding a qualified teacher will be significant considerations moving forward with Hebrew programming.

Wells said at the very least, she would like to see after school Hebrew programming.

"I have a funny feeling that we may have some parent out there that can teach and maybe could be credentialed and could do it like on a part time basis," Board member Rachelle Marcus said. "I'm convinced we can find somebody out there."

Student board member Alix Bodden also said she supported the additional class, especially given her interest and success in other language classes in the district.

Linda Flloko, a Beverly Hills High School alumni, and other BHUSD alumni emphasized how much they would have enjoyed a Hebrew class at district schools.

"The middle school age is an incredibly crucial time for language development," Flloko said. "Many of the students who would have otherwise loved to learn this language in middle school... would have to resort [to] spending hours during the week dedicating time outside of school in order to fulfill this particular need."

Flloko and another public speaker said adding a Hebrew class could attract and retain more Beverly Hills residents to stay in public schools.

"I would like to share my deep appreciation for truly helping our community to feel heard and feel seen and also for giving us an opportunity tonight to be able to achieve representation in our educational system," Flloko said. "I truly believe that it will not only help retain our students and our children, but it will also help many of our members back into the community schools."