Endorsement: Broward County, re-elect Debbi Hixon for School Board At-Large District 9 seat

BROWARD COUNTY — The County Editorial Board is excited to endorse Debra "Debbi" Hixon for re-election to Broward County's at-large school board seat. Hixon, who lost her husband in the 2018 Parkland shooting, has served with distinction on the school board since 2020. A former teacher, Hixon has classroom experience, something that we believe can be a benefit on school boards. She taught at South Broward High School and Blanch Ely High School. She attended Florida State University, where she received a B.S. in Biology in 1989, and resides in Hollywood. In her questionnaire, Hixon identified teacher burnout, student mental health, and school safety as the top three issues facing the school district. To address teacher burnout, she says she will work to remove the workload, improve teacher pay, and provide supportive leadership for teachers. To tackle mental health, Hixon says she will push for increased mental health resources and support programs within schools. On school safety, she will advocate for metal detectors in all schools.

Her opponent, Thomas Alberto Vasquez did not complete a questionnaire. From online sources, Vasquez claims to have served as a "school board member for Military Bases Public Schools", and is an expert in budgets, programs, and security. His website states that he is "educated, certified, and experienced in managing large scale budgets, programs/projects, and implementing organizational strategies." His top priorities appear to be school safety, and mental health. "I am running for school board because our Broward County Public Schools are in desperate need of positive changes. We need an experienced and business minded leader that can restore "trust and credibility", especially with our diverse communities around the school district/county."

Hixon, however, says her educational background experience is crucial. "By choosing me, voters are selecting a candidate with a profound grasp of the educational system, a demonstrated dedication to its enhancement, and a clear vision for the future of Broward County Public Schools." We agree. While both candidates have experience and qualifications that stand out, Vasquez has not made a strong case for voters to remove Hixon from office. Hixon has raised $59,019.50 to defend her seat, with roughly more than half of it on hand. Vasquez has raised $45,044.24, with roughly more than half of it on hand. This is a countywide, nonpartisan race, meaning all Broward County voters can vote on this August 20th contest. The winner gets a 4-year term and a roughly $47,000 salary. For this contest, The County Editorial Board endorses Debra "Debbi" Hixon.

Endorsements are the viewpoints of The County's Editorial Board members Elijah Manley, and Luc Saint-Genies. Endorsement may or may not reflect the personal beliefs and preferences of individual members of the Editorial Board, or The County's writers.