Changes in Broward School Leadership Amidst Management Challenges
Amid calls for reforms and accountability, Broward County’s chief operations officer, Wanda Paul, has tendered her resignation. This decision follows School Board member Adam Cervera’s demand for leadership changes due to recent operational issues within the district.
Paul’s resignation, submitted to Superintendent Howard Hepburn, comes into effect on June 5, 2026, although her last working day will be April 3. During the period leading up to her official departure, she will be on accrued leave, confirmed district spokesperson John Sullivan. Paul, who began her role in May 2024, earns an annual salary of $221,450.
In her resignation letter, Paul highlighted the district’s achievements under her leadership, noting the completion of 119 projects and improved operational processes. She wrote, “It has been an honor to serve Broward County Public Schools and, most importantly, the students and families of our District.”
School Board member Adam Cervera’s call for Paul’s resignation was prompted by controversies including a canceled office lease agreement and a failed attempt to secure a company to manage over $1 billion in school construction. This has led the district to take emergency actions for its construction projects.
I’m demanding immediate leadership change at Broward Schools. When rules are bypassed and the board is sidelined, accountability isn’t optional.
My statement…. pic.twitter.com/mzIcVotGaE
— Adam Cervera (@AdamCervera) December 28, 2025
According to Hepburn, Paul had verbally communicated her intent to resign weeks prior, and her official notice was meant to ensure a smooth transition. However, Cervera expressed dissatisfaction with the timeline, emphasizing that he sought immediate change. “I’m glad we’ve had some traction,” Cervera stated. “This is not what I wanted from a timing perspective. It is what I wanted substantially.”
The controversies include a $2.6 million lease with Handy, a non-profit, which was later criticized for lacking comprehensive cost analysis. This lease was scrutinized after a report in October highlighted issues with the expenditure. Consequently, the board voted to terminate the lease, citing budgetary constraints, though Handy disputes this and has filed a lawsuit.
Another significant issue was the flawed process in selecting a construction management company, where changes were made without board knowledge. An audit revealed procedural inadequacies, prompting Hepburn to declare an emergency to continue using the current contractor, AECOM, temporarily.
Board member Nora Rupert voiced her concerns regarding Paul’s management, citing frequent mismanagement crises. Conversely, board member Lori Alhadeff praised Paul’s focus and commitment to student success.
The district’s construction program has been under scrutiny, with past grand jury reports highlighting management failures. Cervera, appointed by Gov. Ron DeSantis, stated, “Broward County has experienced the consequences of mismanagement before. A state grand jury investigation and subsequent intervention should have been a turning point.”
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