School Superintendent French to Retire in June

The superintendent of the Beverly Hills Unified School District, who saw the school system through its first-ever strike last fall, announced Friday that he will retire at the end of this school year.

Robert L. French, 59, will step down June 30, school board president Frank Fenton said. Fenton said the resignation was accepted “with deep regret” and noted that French “has been with us during a very difficult period for this district.”

French called his three years as superintendent “rewarding and challenging.” He said he will remain available as a consultant and plans to become a university instructor. Sol Levine, assistant superintendent for curriculum, will become acting superintendent.