A “hostile work environment” investigation forced the temporary reassignment of the Broward Schools Director of Employee And Labor Relations in the middle of District negotiations with the Broward Teachers Union, documents obtained by REDBROWARD show. On September 7, 2023 David Azzarito, the “Chief People Officer” a.k.a. executive director of human resources, placed Susan Cooper, director of employee and labor relations, on “temporary assignment.” For years, Cooper has overseen negotiations with numerous employee and labor unions including the BTU.

In his September 7, 2023 letter, Azzarito told Cooper she was “prohibited” from the employee and labor relations offices at the Broward School District headquarters in downtown Fort Lauderdale. Cooper was assigned to an office in Sunrise, Florida. Cooper was told she would be advised of her new work duties.

The hostile work environment investigation was prompted following the receipt of written complaints by two employees in Cooper’s department.

“ERRATIC BEHAVIOR”

In a July 11, 2023 multiple page letter to Deputy Superintendent Valerie Wanza, Patricia Sapp stated she would have complained about Cooper earlier but “I thought my job would be in jeopardy.” Sapp stated Cooper needed training on how to run a department. She also complained about Cooper’s lack of attendance at work. Sapp wrote, “I have never seen [Cooper] come in and work for a full week in the office.” Sapp said Cooper always left work early or simply failed to show up at the office.

Sapp’s most explosive allegation details an encounter in May/June 2023.

“I smelled alcohol one time on [Cooper’s] breath as she came in about 8:00 AM in the morning,” Sapp wrote. “It was very potent.”

A second written complaint was sent to David Azzarito on September 6, 2023. Penned by Manager Sherline Manzo, this second complaint also detailed Cooper’s managerial skills. Manzo said the atmosphere inside the Employee and Labor Relations Department was “unbearable” and “not functioning.” Manzo wrote, “The entire department prefers that [Cooper] remain at home in order for us to work.”

Manzo said she personally witnessed Cooper’s “erratic behavior” at work.

She said Cooper “makes you feel very uncomfortable and interferes with our ability to work.”

Manzo claimed Cooper suffered from mood swings, had difficulty focusing and was “unstable.”

INVESTIGATIVE REPORT

According to the official report, following complaints by several employees, David Azzarito opened a hostile work environment investigation into Susan Cooper on September 5, 2023. Cooper was reassigned two days later. Then, Azzarito initiated interviews with ten staff members of the Employee And Labor Relations Department. The report states the interviews were conducted between September 11 and September 15, 2023.

Azzarito’s questions focused on communication styles, working environments, and whether employees witnessed “intimidating” or “offensive behaviors.”

Amazingly, Azzarito never asked about alcohol use, absenteeism, tardiness or “erratic behaviors” described in the written complaints.

While some employees said Cooper was “rude” and absenteeism was mentioned, Azzarito would find there was not enough evidence to determine there was a “hostile work environment.”

The investigation concluded on September 21, 2023 and Azzarito provided a copy of his report to Susan Cooper one day later.

An October 4, 2023 “meeting summary” form details the corrective steps Azzarito wanted Cooper to follow. These included stereotypical human resources directives such as regular meetings, more open communications and adherence to District goals. Cooper was also told to “observe your attendance.”

REBUTTAL

One month later, Susan Cooper submitted her response to David Azzarito. Cooper promised to follow the corrective action on communication, meetings and attendance. But she complained about the two written complaints by her employees. Cooper wanted more time to address the specific allegations in the letters.

Cooper said she was “never given the opportunity to provide my response (my side of the story, so to speak) to these allegations during the investigation.”

Cooper wanted twenty days to write a rebuttal. The documents obtained by REDBROWARD do not contain any further rebuttal by Cooper.

BTU TO THE RESCUE?

While her support from some of her own employees was lukewarm at best, Susan Cooper did have one big supporter—BTU president Anna Fusco.

How did Anna Fusco find out about the Cooper investigation?

Chief People Person David Azzarito emailed Fusco the day after he launched the investigation. But Azzarito did not divulge the existence of an investigation in this email.

Azzarito wrote, “This correspondence is to let you know there will be a temporary change to the BCPS labor team. Until further notice, please direct all labor inquiries and business to Denise Kent…and myself.”

The file obtained by REDBROWARD contains an (undated) glowing endorsement by Fusco of Susan Cooper on BTU letterhead.

“MY FRIEND”

Fusco wrote:

I am writing this letter as a staunch advocate and supporter of Susan Cooper. I have known Susan for decades, and for the past seven years, have worked with her very closely in my capacity as President of the Broward Teacher’s Union. I know Susan, and her personality and work ethic, very well.

As Chief Negotiator for the Broward County Public Schools, Susan had done a masterful job of representing the District with dignity, kindness and grace in the face of often contentious discussions. Never once has she raised her voice or in any way created anything other than a professional work environment. Not once has anyone who works with her expressed any concerns to me about their work environment.

I find the allegations against her to be without merit, and trust that the District will discover the same. Susan has always been, is, and will always be a leader who represents the Broward County Public Schools, and her department, with distinction.

I am happy to elaborate on anything that might assist you in completing your investigation.

One Broward School District insider told REDBROWARD the relationship between the District’s labor team and the BTU is part of School Board Member Torey Alston’s call for a State Investigation into District practices.

On Friday, Alston formally asked the Florida Department of Education, Office of the Inspector General for help.

In his letter, Alston alleges School Board Members talked to BTU President Anna Fusco about items discussed in closed meetings. These items allegedly included dollar amounts and “strategic decisions.”

Alston alleges “district staff member(s) were talking to [Fusco] about the Board’s closed sessions. Alston wrote, “The Superintendent took some action in this regard, removing at least one district employee from the negotiation process and our closed sessions, after initially hearing and learning of the same information.”

Who told Anna Fusco and BTU about the Cooper investigation?

Fusco’s letter specifically addresses the allegations made by Cooper’s employees.

Why did BTU offer to assist the investigation?

Why did Superintendent Licata remove Cooper from the negotiations?

Asked about Cooper’s removal from the negotiation process, John Sullivan, Broward Schools Chief Communications and Legislative Affairs Officer told REDBROWARD:

“The Superintendent possesses full authority concerning the participation of staff members in closed-door meetings and negotiations. Therefore, to streamline the negotiation process, the Superintendent decided to limit staff involvement in closed-door negotiations and has authorized only the Chief People Officer to engage in negotiations with BTU.”

With allegations of “erratic behavior” and improper communications with unions perhaps the Florida Department of Education should start asking questions, no?

Susan Cooper remains the director of the employee and labor relations department.