Top row from left, Allen Zeman and Jeff Holness. Bottom row from left, Maura Bulman and Rebecca Thompson
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.
A satirical advertisement mocking the lack of diversity on the Broward County School Board was sent to elected officials, voters and prominent leaders in the African-American community. Multiple sources confirmed to REDBROWARD that the advertisement, sent via text message, was received by individuals throughout Broward County. An image of current school board members and candidates is labeled “The White Caucus.”
According to the text message, “Diversity is bad for business.”
The rest of the satirical message states:
“We have the biggest opportunity to whitewash the Broward School Board. Help us get these candidates elected so they can continue to ignore the needs of the minority and marginalized communities of Broward County. Vote the white caucus on Aug. 20 because diversity is bad for business.”
BROWARD DEMOCRAT RACIAL DIVIDE
The delivery of this text message came days after prominent Broward Democrat leaders urged followers to vote against Democrats on the Broward School Board.
Earlier this month, Bobby Henry, publisher of The Westside Gazette (the largest African-American newspaper in South Florida), told readers he was tired of the actions of several Democrats on the Broward School Board. On his webcast, Henry stated he had issues with Board Member Debbi Hixon as well as her fellow School Board Member Jeff Holness.
In a editorial published days later, Bobby Henry, a staunch Democrat, urged his readers to uphold “integrity and equity” by voting for Torey Alston and Tom Vasquez. Both men are Republicans.
“The recent events within our school board have highlighted concerning disparities and biases that demand urgent scrutiny and action,” Henry wrote. “[I]t has become abundantly clear that critical principles of fairness, transparency, and justice have been compromised. As a community, we cannot afford to turn a blind eye to the concerning actions of certain board members, particularly in matters where clear biases and dismissive attitudes have marred the decision-making process.”
Henry wrote the African-American community was concerned certain Board Members “may be unduly influenced by agendas that prioritize certain communities over others.”
“Every marginalized community deserves equitable treatment, respect, and consideration in the decision-making processes of our educational institutions,” Henry wrote.
Henry stated, “The implications of allowing individuals like Hixon to continue exerting influence on our school board are far-reaching and detrimental to the welfare of our students, educators, and communities. It is imperative that we vote for candidates who prioritize fairness, ethics, and inclusivity in their governance.”
Henry urged his readers to support Alston and Vasquez because they demonstrated a “commitment to upholding ethical standards and advocating for the well-being of all stakeholders in our educational system.”
It is unclear who sent the satirical text message. The number appears to be unlisted or “spoofed.” Also, the text message lists an organization that is clearly not behind the message.
(REDBROWARD chose not to name the organization. We also obscured the images of Board Members and candidates.)
School Board Member Debbi Hixon is running against Tom Vasquez.
School Board Member Torey Alston is running against Rebecca Thompson, the former president of the Broward Young Democrats.
School Board Member Jeff Holness is running against Reverend Windsor Ferguson.
School Board Member Daniel Foganholi is running against Maura Bulman and Chris Cantor.
School Board Member Sarah Leonardi is running against Jason Loring.
Early voting in Broward continues through today. Election Day is Tuesday August 20, 2024.
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