The school board voted unanimously Tuesday night to notify all so-called "permit students" in kindergarten through 8th grade that they must enroll elsewhere because of the district's new financing formula.
Even in the 90210 zip code, it comes down to money and a lack of state funding. The board's action comes as the district switches its funding from reliance on state financing to its own property tax dollars. That means the district will keep more money from its wealthy tax base but won't receive the state's $6,239 for each out-of-district student it schools.
The move will affect about 500 students. The program works by permitting students outside of the city to enroll in Beverly Hills schools, with the so-called, "opportunity permits" good for one academic year. But because of state cuts and school funding, the district is expected to cut the program.
According to officials, cutting the permit program could save $2 to $5 million per year.
"This is an issue that's dividing our community and we need to get beyond it. Our goal is to try to be as fair as we can with our parents, both the permit parents and the regular parents," said Jerry Gross, superintendent of the /*Beverly Hills Unified School District*/.
"I think that it's unfair, and I think they should at least let them, all the students that are on permit now, stay all four years and then take it away," said student Jaina Abdul-Mansour.
Before Tuesday night's meeting, some students asked if the district and the Beverly Hills community could work something out to let the permit students stay.
"I think, honestly, they should keep them here. They're giving them a better education opportunity. This is one of the top public schools in the country," said Matthew Spector, a student. "They need to find some way, maybe parent donations, to get them here."
Tuesday's board meeting got under way at 7 p.m. A large crowd attended the meeting, and overflow rooms were set up to accommodate the dozens of parents and students likely to show up.
Officials said there was added security to keep things civil.
Since the permit plan is eliminated, parents can appeal to the Los Angeles County Office of Education, which would consider each case individually.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
