Re-elect Sarah Leonardi to Broward County School Board, District 3

Broward County School Board District 3 covers Northeastern Broward County and has been represented by 34-year-old educator Sarah Leonardi since 2020. We recommend that voters in that district re-elect her to the school board on August 20th, 2024. Leonardi has been spectacular on the school board. She has been accessible, informed by the residents of her district, and competent for the job. With a B.S. in Education from the University of Miami and years of experience as a teacher, she appears best prepared for the position. Leonardi's supporters include the Broward Teachers' Union, the AFL-CIO, and several labor organizations. She has raised $52,570.23 to defend her seat.

Leonardi's priorities include school safety, protecting public schools, and upgrading school facilities. In her questionnaire, she identified under-enrollment, funding, and equity as the top three issues in the district. She wants to address under-enrollment through outreach that includes various stakeholders such as PTAs, SACs, faith-based organizations, and civic organizations. To address funding issues, Leonardi intends to cut down on top-heavy administrative positions that don't directly serve schools. She's also argued for new ways to ensure that vulnerable populations get access to facilities and services in the district.

We asked Leonardi about an issue that is on top of everyone's mind: the plan to close certain school facilities. She told us that the process could have been more open and engaging to the public. We agree. Leonardi correctly identified the reasons behind the need to close some facilities: under-enrollment and underinvestment. She has thought these issues through extensively and presented a well-rounded understanding of the challenges the district is faced with. "My teaching experience has really informed how I serve on the board. I have been able to speak to how policy decisions play out in schools, provide knowledge about the work teachers do, and vote in ways that prioritize our students and the people who have the single biggest impact on our students."

In contrast, her opponent Jason Loring, appears unready to handle these tasks. Loring, 40, of Oakland Park served in the U.S. Army in Iraq. He has owned several beauty salons. He boasts his business skills and financial acumen. He has a good background. However, he didn't submit a questionnaire, therefore his website and public affiliations give us hints as to the type of school board member he would be. On his website, Loring states that he wants to bring education "back to the basics. I will bring accountability and leadership to the School Board, especially in the areas where current leadership has missed the mark the greatest - fiscal responsibility, school safety, and bringing the district to an A rating." These are all worthwhile ideas, but they are platitudes. Loring doesn't state how we will make those changes, and his understanding of the issues facing District 3 appears to be much less detailed than Leonardi's strong understanding.

"My teaching experience has really informed how I serve on the board." -Sarah Leonardi

This takes us to Loring's public affiliations. Loring is closely tied to the conservative Moms for Liberty group, an organization that focuses largely on removing school curricula that mention LGBT rights, race and ethnicity, critical race theory, and discrimination. The group has been labeled a hate organization by the Southern Poverty Law Center. It is safe to say that Loring is not the best choice for this district. He should get more involved with the community. If you are looking for culture war chaos, go with Loring. If you value experience and informed readiness, Leonardi is your best choice. The winner will serve a four-year term and draw a salary of roughly $47,000 annually.

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.