Broward School Board Member Brenda Fam is resigning. Fam told REDBROWARD she will deliver her letter of resignation to Superintendent Howard Hepburn later today. Fam is moving out of the area.

**UPDATE: Here is Fam’s letter of resignation.**

---

Dear Dr. Hepburn,
In 2022 I was elected to the Broward County School Board full of optimism. My prime focus included a
deep commitment to helping to balance the school district budget, to improve safety standards for students
and staff, to elevate parents participation in their children’s education, to recognize the contributions parents
make to the success of their children’s education, to support parents’ rights to oversee the upbringing of
their children and to encourage parents participation in district policy-making to improve academic and
disciplinary outcomes.
Alec Bogdanoff, was recently appointed to be Chair to the Superintendents Oversight Committee Task
Force. Alec Bogdanoff is not an elected official, but a volunteer, yet he has encountered the same experience
that I have as an elected official. Update: After three meetings Bogdanoff resigned. Mr. Bogdanoff s
reasoning for quitting is clearly laid out in his resignation letter dated April 11th, 2025.
Citing to his email he states, “Rather than working together to address real issues, the task force has been
hampered by entrenched resistance, hostility to new perspectives, and a culture that too often rewards
control over progress.” The most disheartening is a series of personal attacks, and that there is an apparent
coordinated effort to discredit and undermine anyone for simply asking hard questions and offering a fresh
perspective.
I have also encountered the same hostility and personal attacks for trying to improve the school climate and
increase inclusivity of parents. I also observed that if an individual does not agree with the current district
culture of prioritizing social justice over academics, the current recognized quid pro quo, then they are
targeted, dismissed, and ridiculed.
I also have experienced this similar unprofessional behavior. Committees have learned by example as they
nave watched the unprofessional behavior and name calling by school board members and mimic what they
see. My constituents have compared Dade County School Board meetings to Broward County School
Board meetings and the contrast is stark.

Bogdanoff put it all out there publicly and went onto state,
“No one who steps up to serve their community should be met with that kind of behavior. It discourages
meaningful participation and reinforces the very dysfunction we are supposed to be solving. It is deeply
disappointing and honestly, sad that instead of focusing our energy on creating more success stories, so
much time is spent on infighting, exclusion, and protecting turf.” I concur with Mr. Bogdanoff in his
opinions, as I have frequently encountered this same toxic environment. I fear as he does hostility and
refusal to be receptive to parents’ ideas, to consider innovative ideas, and dismissing forward thinking
perspectives will result in the districts demise.
I fear for BCSD’s future and for the residents of Broward County. BCSD has lost an unprecedented number
of students over the past ten years while other schools are flourishing and are at near or full capacity with
wait lists. BCSD is selling off property to help make ends meet, despite lessen costs due to the decline in
enrollment to pay down district debt. BCSD always appears to be in financial crisis and begging residents
to pick up the tab. Broward County residents cannot afford the annual increase in property taxes planned to
be implemented for the next ten years in Broward. Broward residents cannot afford the increased impact
fees that the school board voted for to go in effect for the purchase of new homes starting in 2025/2026.
My greatest fear is that BCSD will seek a bail-out from residents in 2026 in the form of referendum funds
from Broward County residents due to the boards failure to implement a balanced budget and engaging in
wasteful overspending.
I have old school values and was taught that you don’t buy what you can’t pay for. You don’t purchase
things that you cannot afford. Most importantly, BCSD should not be continually looking to residents to
supplement their budget and to fill financial voids while other surrounding counties are functioning with
balanced operational budgets. I chose not to participate in the implosion and refuse to hold residents liable
for the board violating their fiduciary duty. Neither do I want to be a witness to this catastrophe.
I have served my community throughout the years. I cannot, with a good conscience, serve a school district
that lacks full transparency, that does not live up to the highest moral and educational standards for students,
parents and educators, nor live up to their fiscal responsibilities. It is time for me to move forward to where
my contribution is welcomed, and my background and knowledge can bring about an effective and positive
change.
I shall forever treasure being given the unique opportunity to stand up to fellow school board members and
the teachers union that adamantly opposed school choice. The Broward County School District was so
afraid of school choice that the current chair (Debra Hixon) inquired publicly if I could be removed from
my board seat for supporting students and parents to select the best school that would fit their child’s needs.
It is very satisfying, and I take great solace in knowing that I helped save students that were being bullied
and students that were suicidal to transfer to their preferred school via school choice vouchers and the Hope
Scholarship. School environments should be non-threatening and welcoming. No student should get to the
point where the student hates attending school or considers suicide.
For my wonderful supporters, I thank you all, and will be forever indebted for your loyalty, commitment,
and sacrifice. My resignation is effective May 1, 2025, and I truly wish for you and your families to stay
true to yourself and to live your best life.
Sincerely,
Brenda Fam, Esq.
Broward County School Board Member