Tag Archives: Howard Hepburn

Commissioner Of Education Blasts Broward School Board Over Sponsorship Of Local Democrat Gala

Florida Commissioner of Education Anastasios Katmoutsas blasted the Broward School District over its sponsorship of a recent Broward Democrat party fundraising gala. Kamoutsas referred to an advertisement in the Obama Roosevelt Legacy Dinner held in Sunrise last month. The advertisement featured pictures of board members as well as the official school district logo.

In a social media post, Katmoutsas said, “Official district branding must never be used to advance partisan efforts.”

The annual Broward Democrat dinner featured an array of local Democrat officials such as Congresswoman Debbie Wasserman Schultz.

The main speaker was the hyper-partisan Democrat from Maryland, Congressman Jamie Raskin.

In a letter to the Broward School Superintendent Howard Hepburn, Katmoutsas called for the immediate discipline of any employee involved in the creation and dissemination of the advertisement. He called the advertisement “wholly inappropriate and inexcusable.”

Katmoutsas told Hepburn, “Lastly, I am referring this matter to the Florida Department of Education, Office of Inspector General for review and any further action deemed appropriate.

Let me be clear: the integrity of public education demands strict adherence to both the law and the principle of neutrality. I will not stand idly by while district leadership or district resources are leveraged to advance partisan political messaging. Broward County Public Schools must act immediately to correct this failure and restore the trust placed in it by the public.”

Broward Schools Backtracks, Restores Graduation Venues

The Class of 2026 won. The Broward School District ditched plans to save $500,000 by canceling graduation at high-priced venues like Hard Rock Live and the Broward Performing Arts Center. Students and parents were outraged that most graduates would receive diplomas at a rival school’s gymnasium.

In a Friday evening memo, Superintendent Howard Hepburn stated the cost cutting maneuvering was dead.

Funding has been secured to ensure that each school will host its commencement ceremony in the same venue, or a comparable venue, as used in 2025.

Each graduate will be guaranteed a minimum of four guest tickets, regardless of venue. To ensure reliable, high-quality livestreaming for all families, the final graduation schedule will be limited to five locations.”

According to the memo, staff will submit a revised graduation schedule next week.