Former BHUSD Superintendent and Beverly Hills High School Principal Sol Levine has passed away at the age of 92. Born on January 2, 1932, in Brooklyn, New York to Sam and Jennie Levine, Sol was the youngest of three children and shared an especially close bond with his brother Jack. A true Brooklyn boy, Sol attended PS 109, Thomas Jefferson High School, and Brooklyn College, where his passion for education and community leadership took root.
After graduating Phi Beta Kappa from Brooklyn College, Sol began his career in education as a high school history teacher at Jefferson. He quickly rose through the ranks, becoming the department chair in social studies at Canarsie High School and one of the youngest principals in the New York City school system at John Dewey High School. Sol’s reputation as an educator and leader grew nationally, leading to his selection as the principal of Beverly Hills High School in 1977. Twelve years later, Sol was elevated to the position of Superintendent of Schools, a role he held for eight years, twice as long as his predecessors.
In addition to his educational achievements, Sol was a talented musician and band leader. He played the trumpet in his band, “Sol Levine and His Continentals,” alongside his saxophone-playing brother Jack. The band delighted audiences at numerous events, concerts, and dance halls throughout the 1950s to 1970s, bringing the big band sound to life. Sol’s love for music was matched only by his passion for his family. He was a devoted husband to Marilyn, with whom he recently celebrated their 71st wedding anniversary, a loving father to three daughters, a cherished grandfather to seven grandchildren, and a proud great-grandfather to 12 great-grandchildren. His family was always his number one priority, and he instilled in them the values of education, hard work, and compassion.
Sol passed away peacefully on July 30, 2024, surrounded by his loving family. His life was a testament to the power of education, community, and family. As he often quoted from his favorite poem, “Life is a Dream” by Pedro Calderón de la Barca, life is fleeting, and we must cherish every moment. Sol Levine’s legacy will live on in the countless lives he touched and the family he so deeply loved.
In honor of a true gentleman, educator, and family man, we celebrate Sol Levine’s extraordinary life and the enduring legacy he leaves behind. The funeral will take place on Aug. 4 at 2:30 p.m. at Mount Sinai Memoral Park, 6150 Mount Sinai Drive in Simi Valley.
