Broward School Board approves administrative changes
From David Volz
The Broward County School Board reluctantly approved a major shakeup of administrative staff members. Many school board members complained that the move was unfair to the incoming superintendent who might be approved as early as Thursday.
Interim Superintendent Earlean Smiley’s plan includes many staff changes including promotions to highly paid promotions, some demotions and some non-renewals. One concern was that the promotions were made without advertising the jobs and conducting regular interviews. Board member Allen Zeman said that more efforts should have been made to attract national talent. One concern was that if the board did not approve Smiley’s decisions, thousands of other employee jobs would have been put at risk because the plan involves reappointments for all non-instructional employees.
Most School Board members were not in favor of the plan but they believed they had no choice but approve it. There were concerns that Valerie Wanza would be promoted to chief of staff and receive a $25,000 raise and Alen Strauss would receive an additional $40,000 to become acting deputy superintendent for teaching and learning. Board members Jeff Holness and Brenda Fam voted for the plan because the believed they were legally obligated to. Board members Sarah Leonard and Nora Rupert voted against the plan. Board members Torey Alston and Daniel Foganholi supported the plan and Debbi Hixon also voted in favor of the plan.
School Board votes against clear backpacks
From David Volz
During the Regular School Board meeting on Tuesday, June 13, 2023, the Broward County School Board voted to cease the rulemaking process of the Clear Backpacks and Bags initiative that had been proposed for the 2023/24 school year.
As a result, clear backpacks will no longer be discussed at the School Board Workshop on June 20, 2023, or the Special School Board Meeting on July 25, 2023.
John Sullivan, spokesperson for the Broward County School district said, “The district appreciates the community’s engagement and feedback on clear backpacks and other safety policies under consideration and looks forward to further discussions with parents, staff and community members about additional safety initiatives considered in the future,”
This decision followed a contentious meeting where about 200 parents and some students spoke out against the requirement for clear backpacks.
