In a move to correct a controversial decision, Broward County’s top school officials will no longer receive bonuses initially meant for teachers and essential staff. This change aims to align with the intentions of a voter-approved referendum designed to assist educators with the high cost of living in South Florida.
The School Board has initiated an investigation into how senior administrators became eligible for these funds in 2024, despite the referendum’s original purpose. A spokesperson for the district suggested that a July 2024 board decision led to these payments. However, board members contend they were not fully informed and did not intend to approve such allocations.
To ensure accountability, the board has requested an audit by the district’s chief auditor by January’s end and will also engage the Broward Inspector General’s Office to probe for any possible fraud or mismanagement. They aim to rectify any issues before asking voters to renew the referendum in November.
“Our teachers, our principals and (assistant principals), the people who have direct daily impacts on our kids, benefit immensely from this referendum, and the voters knew that when they entrusted us with the money,” emphasized Board Chairwoman Sarah Leonardi during a recent meeting.
This revision will impact approximately 40 personnel who previously received annual bonuses between $7,500 and $14,185. The district anticipates saving around $500,000 over the next 18 months from this adjustment, and recipients will not be required to return funds already disbursed.
Board member Nora Rupert expressed regret over the situation, stating, “For the public, I’m sorry. I’m very sorry that this happened.”
The issue came to light following inquiries by the South Florida Sun Sentinel regarding the distribution of referendum funds to the district’s highest-paid employees, which lacked public discussion. The revelation sparked public outcry and calls for accountability.
Former teacher Trudy Jermanovich voiced her concerns, stating, “When voters approved the money, teachers were to be the main beneficiaries of these funds, so they could have some hope of making ends meet with their insufficient base salary.”
The board’s decision to allocate these funds was initially made in August 2023, targeting teachers, principals, and assistant principals, with additional supplements for various non-managerial staff. However, language changes in July 2024 expanded eligibility to include higher-paid administrators.
The board’s recent action restores the initial 2023 allocation model, excluding executive directors and other top-tier administrators from the bonus pool.
Superintendent Howard Hepburn confirmed that the board had not directed him to extend these bonuses to the highest-paid employees, stating, “Not that I recall.”
Although these supplements were also available to some high-level staff due to contractual terms, Hepburn declined his bonus, which could have amounted to nearly $20,000 annually.
Despite concerns over reneging on previous commitments, district spokesman John Sullivan justified the expanded bonuses as necessary for retaining leadership, citing a lack of enhanced state retirement benefits as a competitive disadvantage.
Hepburn emphasized his belief that voter-approved funds should benefit school-based and frontline staff, stating, “This reflects my personal belief that voter-approved funds should prioritize school-based and frontline staff who have the most direct impact on students and daily operations.”
Board member Adam Cervera highlighted this issue as part of ongoing challenges facing the district, urging swift rectification to restore public trust.
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