Lori Alhadeff Steps Down from Broward School Board, Endorses Successor
After dedicating years to promoting school safety initiatives following personal tragedy, Lori Alhadeff has decided not to seek reelection for the Broward School Board. Her departure marks the end of a significant tenure that began in 2018, the same year her daughter tragically lost her life in the Parkland school shooting.
Alhadeff has thrown her support behind Sharry Kimmel, a seasoned educator and fellow Parkland local, as her preferred successor for the District 4 seat. This district encompasses areas such as Parkland, Coral Springs, Tamarac, and North Lauderdale.
Speaking to the South Florida Sun Sentinel, Alhadeff explained her decision to focus more on “Make Our Schools Safe”, a nonprofit founded with her husband Ilan, in memory of their daughter Alyssa, who passed away on February 14, 2018. Alhadeff stated, “Eight years is a meaningful chapter, long enough to lead, make an impact, and know when it is time to step forward in a new way.”
Throughout her tenure, Alhadeff has been a strong proponent of “Alyssa’s Law,” which mandates the use of panic buttons in schools to quickly alert authorities to active threats. This legislation has successfully been enacted in ten states, including Florida.
Introducing Sharry Kimmel: Alhadeff’s Endorsed Candidate
Kimmel is no stranger to the educational field, having taught in both Miami-Dade and Broward counties. Her excellence in teaching was recognized in 1996 when she was awarded Broward’s Teacher of the Year for her work with gifted students at Pembroke Lakes Elementary.
For the past 22 years, Kimmel has been imparting her knowledge as a professor of teacher education at Broward College. Her experience and dedication to education have convinced Alhadeff that Kimmel is the right person for the job. Alhadeff commented, “Dr. Kimmel’s unmatched experience is exactly what Broward schools need.”
Kimmel’s priorities if elected include enhancing student safety, improving efforts to hire and retain quality educators, and ensuring accountability for financial mismanagement. These goals are particularly relevant given the district’s recent challenges, which include declining enrollment, budgetary issues, and administrative disruptions.
Kimmel expressed her enthusiasm for the role, stating, “I would really like the opportunity to try to help the district get back on track and even thrive eventually.” With her candidacy already declared, she remains the sole contender for the position, with the election slated for August 18.
Reflections on Alhadeff’s Tenure
During her service, Alhadeff worked under multiple superintendents and was instrumental in calling for the dismissal of Robert Runcie, citing poor leadership post-Parkland shooting. Despite initial resistance, Runcie resigned in 2021 following a perjury indictment, which was later dropped.
Alhadeff’s tenure also saw significant changes within the School Board, including the removal of members by Governor Ron DeSantis for their support of Runcie. Her leadership was affirmed when she was reelected and named chairwoman of the board in 2022.
Lori Alhadeff’s legacy continues alongside Debbi Hixon, another board member who lost a family member in the Parkland tragedy. As Alhadeff steps down, her contributions to both local and national school safety will be remembered, while Kimmel prepares to potentially take the helm with a focus on progressive change and improvement.
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