Broward School Board Member Allen Zeman’s maneuvering to be board chairman will throw two new board members into proverbial the fire, just hours after they officially take office Tuesday, multiple sources tell REDBROWARD. According to tradition, current Board Vice Chair Debbi Hixon would become the new chair during an organizational meeting Tuesday afternoon. But Zeman is bucking tradition by actively campaigning for the chairmanship.
According to multiple Board sources, (REDBROWARD is granting their requests for anonymity so they may freely discuss the matter) Zeman expects the support of fellow Board member Jeff Holness as well as the support of the two board members—Rebecca Thompson and Maura Bulman.
Until last summer, Rebecca Thompson was Zeman’s aide.
Including his own vote, Zeman would have four of the nine votes. He needs five votes to become chairman.
Sources say Hixon has the support of Board Members Lori Alhadeff, Sarah Leonardi and Nora Rupert.
If Hixon votes for herself, the race for chair is tied four-four.
That means the deciding vote comes down to Republican Brenda Fam.
Some insiders are appalled that Zeman would drag new board members into a public feud on their first day in office. Most insiders believe Debbi Hixon is well-liked and handles board meetings without problems.
These same insiders believe Zeman is seeking the title and a spotlight that comes with the position. Multiple sources have repeatedly told REDBROWARD that Zeman seeks higher office-even gubernatorial aspirations.
Is Zeman willing to divide the new board over his political aspirations?
Can the Board recover from such an ugly fight on day one?
Who will Brenda Fam support?
REDBROWARD will ask Zeman for answers but he stopped responding to us years ago.
