FAKE-GATE: Broward Teachers Union Claims Fake Testimonials Used To Protect Identities Of Real Teachers

Earlier this week, REDBROWARD revealed the Broward Teachers Union (BTU) website featured fake teacher testimonials to promote union boss Anna Fusco. The website passed off stock images and website template placeholders as local teachers thanking BTU and Fusco for their help. A day later, BTU scrubbed the fake testimonials from the website. But on Thursday the phony testimonials were back.

Now, BTU laughably claims it intended to use the fake names and images all along. Under the heading, WHAT OUR MEMBERS SAY ABOUT BTU, the union admits the testimonials are fake. The union added this disclaimer:

“(Names and photos have been replaced to protect the privacy of actual members).”

Why does BTU have to protect the privacy of actual members?

Even if they chose to protect the privacy of actual members, why not use initials and no pictures instead of fake names and stock photographs?

Or, better yet, simply own up to your mistake?

Anna Fusco

Florida Department Of Education Opens Investigation Into Broward School District Over Revenue Sharing

The Florida Department of Education informed the Broward County School District it is opening an investigation into its alleged failure to share revenue with charter schools, REDBROWARD has learned. Commissioner of Education Manny Diaz sent a letter to Broward School Superintendent Peter Licata on Thursday. The beleaguered District is already under investigation for construction issues and other matters.

“It has recently come to my attention that the Broward County School District is not complying with Florida laws requiring it to share revenue collected via a discretionary tax levied…with its charter schools,” Diaz wrote.

Diaz cited several court cases which held the District must share the revenue with charter schools.

Diaz wrote, “It has been alleged that Broward joined Palm Beach and Miami-Dade by instituting a similar tax and, likewise, did not properly share the revenues with its charter schools.” If true, Diaz states the District is “violating Florida law and is subject to disciplinary action under section 1008.32, Florida Statutes (2023).”

Diaz told Licata that Department of Education employees “may soon reach out” for documentation and other relevant information.