Meet The Candidate: Frank Chechel

BEVERLY HILLS, CA — Seven candidates are competing for three spots on the five-member Beverly Hills Unified School District Board of Education in Tuesday's election.

Patch asked them to describe their qualifications and visions for Beverly Hills schools. Frank Chechel, 46, says that he wants to improve Beverly Hills schools through better communication, technology, and deepening community partnerships.

Family

Dr. Gily Chechel - Wife; Hayley Chechel (12) - Daughter at [Beverly Vista Middle School]

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government?

No

Education

Binghamton University, BA in Mathematics

Occupation

Actuary/Business Executive (24 years)

Campaign website

votefrank2020.com

Previous or Current Elected or Appointed Office

None

The single most pressing issue facing Beverly Hills schools are _______, and this is what I intend to do about it.

The slow and steady decline in the district's ranking versus other public schools. We have the talent and resources to be one of the best schools in the nation. With steady thoughtful leadership and collaborative decision making, I think we can improve our rankings over the next four years.

What are the critical differences between you and the other candidates seeking this post?

I am uniquely qualified to guide the district through these times based on the following:
Financial & Risk Management Expertise: As an actuary and business executive, I have over 20 years of experience in analyzing data, developing strategic plans and leading broad cross functional teams to drive execution while managing the bottom line.

Volunteerism and Giving Back - I am a proud volunteer in the community. I have been a coach, referee and board member for AYSO Beverly Hills Region 76 for the past six years. This spring, I was selected to the district's Return to Learn Task Force. I worked relentlessly all summer with fellow parents and staff to study, evaluate and recommend best practices for the physical reopening of the schools.

Temperament to Handle the Job - This is no time for someone to learn on the job. With 20+ years of professional experience, I am comfortable working with diverse constituents to engage in healthy debate and find optimal solutions. Frank has led multi-million dollar business negotiations and transformative multi-year project initiatives. He knows what it takes to get a complex job done.

If you are a challenger, in what way has the current have the current board members failed Beverly Hills?

Everyone I speak to - teachers, students, parents and community members - highlights communication as an area that needs improvement. I am committed to overhauling our communication strategy to keep parents and tax payers informed and aligned with the district’s goals and plans.

Describe the other issues that define your campaign platform.

Leading through Transformational Change: This may be the most challenging time that the district has ever faced - middle school reconfiguration, massive infrastructure projects, disputes with Metro and now the coronavirus pandemic. Great uncertainty requires great leadership and I will provide thoughtful, data-driven assessment and decision-making to take us forward.

Deepening Community Partnerships: Building community requires knowing and supporting your neighbors. I firmly believe that investing resources in the public-school system benefits all the families and businesses in Beverly Hills.

What accomplishments in your past would you cite as evidence you can handle this job?

My 25 years of business and finance experience as well as my many years of volunteering within the community

If you win this position, what accomplishment would make your term in office as a success?

Improving our district's educational ranking over the next four years. I think we can do it with steady, thoughtful leadership.

Why should voters trust you?
I have proven in business and as a community volunteer that I know how to keep my cool when the pressure is on. I can handle criticism and know how to get different stakeholders to compromise for the greater good.

What are your views on fiscal policy, government spending and the use of taxpayer dollars in the office you are seeking?

Our district is very well funded. We should be able to deliver great education without an increase in taxes or further bond measures.

Is there any reason you would not serve your full term of office, other than those of health or family?

No

The best advice ever shared with me was...

Given the challenges of 2020, I continually am reminded of the Stockdale Paradox:
"You must never confuse faith that you will prevail in the end —which you can never afford to lose —with the discipline to confront the most brutal facts of your current reality, whatever they might be.” ~ James Stockdale

What else would you like voters to know about yourself and your positions?

I am a die hard Yankee fan, so I look forward to a great World Series between the Dodgers and Yankees :)