Broward County School Tax Boost Sparks Controversy Over Supplement Allocation
In a surprising twist, a voter-backed tax increase intended to help Broward County teachers live affordably has instead extended significant financial supplements to some of the district’s highest-paid employees. This revelation has left several School Board members questioning the decision, as they claim they were unaware of such allocations until recent inquiries brought the issue to light.
School Board Chairwoman Sarah Leonardi only became aware of these supplements during a negotiation session on December 19 with the new general counsel. She intends to propose revoking the supplements for top earners at a special board meeting. Most board members appear to support this move.
The agenda for the upcoming meeting does not specify the financial impact or the number of employees receiving these supplements. Initially, district officials stated that the August 2022 “Secure the Next Generation” referendum would benefit not only teachers but also other lower-paid employees like assistants, bus drivers, and cafeteria workers. However, by 2024, senior administrators earning over $200,000 a year were also receiving more than $10,000 annually in supplements.
According to district spokesman John Sullivan, the supplements were extended to non-bargaining administrative positions to keep the district competitive. He highlighted that Broward school administrators lack membership in special state retirement classes offering enhanced benefits, which places the district at a disadvantage. Sullivan stated, “These supplements provide market parity and help prevent the loss of experienced leadership.”
During negotiations, Leonardi was informed by Human Resources Chief Ernie Lozano that supplements were widespread. “Everyone gets it,” Lozano confirmed, surprising Leonardi. Board member Adam Cervera emphasized the original intent, saying, “The intent and spirit behind these supplements was for this money to be used for the teachers and school staff members who are embedded in our public schools, not high-paid cabinet members.”
Referendum’s Original Intent and Expansion
The 2018 referendum aimed to increase teacher pay and fund security and mental health roles post-Parkland shooting. Voters approved a tax rate of $50 per $100,000 of assessed property, initially benefiting teachers and non-administrative staff. In 2022, a renewed referendum doubled the tax to $100 per $100,000, which was approved, making funds available by July 2023.
While teachers received supplements between $500 and $12,000, most non-instructional staff were granted 5.5% of their annual salaries. However, criticism arose when these larger supplements included senior administrators. Leonardi, Rupert, and Hixon dissented, stating high earners would still benefit more than their lower-paid counterparts.
Despite the initial exclusion of the district’s top earners from 2018 funds, the 2023 meeting saw some ESMAB members receive 5.5% supplements, aligning them with other employee groups. However, the decision to include senior administrators remains contentious, as some board members believe it contradicts the referendum’s intent.
Ongoing Discussions and Future Implications
The School Board is now contemplating whether to ask voters for another renewal of the referendum, considering the backlash from expanding benefits to higher-paid employees. Dan Reynolds, president of the Broward County AFL-CIO, expressed concern that these revelations could “sour the public on the whole concept.”
School Board member Allen Zeman expressed dismay, stating, “Learning that our highly compensated senior staff were paid referendum bonuses this year is shocking. It is very unlikely that the Board would have approved of this if we were told the truth.”
As Broward County School Board members prepare for a special meeting, they aim to address these issues head-on and restore public trust in how referendum-derived funds are allocated.
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