Tears, Hints and a Strong Response to the Broward Schools Grand Jury Report

Two Broward School Board members responded to the recent, scathing Grand Jury report at Tuesday's Board meeting.

One left the dais in tears; the other called for an evaluation of the Schools Superintendent, James Notter.

Board Member Maureen Dinnen broke into tears as she condemned media coverage of the report. She said it was unfair to lump all school board members together, calling them all corrupt.

"I dispute that fact," she said, before leaving the dais for a few moments to compose herself.

Dinnen also said the grand jurors should have distinguished between "some" board members who acted inappropriately rather than lumping the entire board as one. Dinnen also said that she feels parts of the report were serious and enumerated problems that needed to be dealt with. She also believes part of the report focused on "gossip."

She did not elaborate on the issues she felt needed dealing with but two issues she rejected -- shrinking the size of the board and electing the superintendent. The former she said would not work for a school district this size. The latter she said has already been tried.

Broward School board member Patricia Good requested an evaluation of Superintendent James Notter in light of the Grand Jury report detailing problems within the district. The report laid many of the issues at Notter's feet.

Good said she is concerned about the findings in the report, which, she said, cast a shadow on Broward County Schools.

Good said she intends to request the evaluation of Notter to occur after he gives the Board a full response and action plan to the Grand Jury report within 30-45 days.

The report concluded that the Broward County School District is rife with mismanagement, corruption and incompetence.

The district is expected to issue a separate response and action plan to the State Department of Education tomorrow in response to a request from Education Commissioner Dr. Eric Smith.

Board members hinted at some likely changes to the way business is conducted. Specifically, on the construction process, it appears the district will order a checklist to be completed each time a project is completed. For instance, board members will be given copies of paperwork -- like certificates of occupancy and final inspections -- to prove that required work has been completed.

Board Member Robin Bartleman said staff members will be held to a higher standard.

"We need to have a greater level of accountability from staff," she said during the meeting.