The Beverly Hills Education Foundation was established in 1978 by concerned parents and community leaders. The first of its kind, BHEF has become a national model for more than 500 school districts throughout the United States. BHEF works diligently so that our children can have the kinds of quality programming and exceptional teachers that have been the hallmark of a Beverly Hills public school education. Beverly Hills schools continue to receive many state and national awards for outstanding and innovative programs in journalism, drama, athletics, architectures, the sciences and arts. Each of the five schools has been recognized by the state as a Distinguished School. Despite our outstanding reputation, it is important to let the community know that the public schools in Beverly Hills are not independently wealthy. The Beverly Hills School District receives the same state funds allocation as every other school district in the state. The truth is we need to raise additional funds to maintain and exceed the quality of education all children deserve. Without BHEF, our PTAs, and the Joint Powers land lease Agreement from the City of Beverly Hills, many of the programs that our school district has implemented would need to be immediately eliminated or reduced. BHEF is guided by a Board of Directors comprised of parents, community members and PTA presidents from each of the district's five schools. The leadership draws upon the energies and aspirations of its individual members, while responding to the expressed needs of the Beverly Hills Unified School District and the community. When you support BHEF, you support not only the children in our schools but you become a champion of our entire community. Good public schools increase property values and great public schools increase the value of our city exponentially. Supporting the Beverly Hills Education Foundation is good for our kids, good for our schools and good for our city.