Questionnaire: Debra Hixon, Candidate for Broward County School Board District 9, At Large

Name: Debra Hixon

Residence: Hollywood, Florida

Educational Background

Florida State University, 1989
BS in Biology and Education

Have you ever been arrested?
No

Have you ever been convicted of a crime?
No
Have you declared bankruptcy in the last 7 years?
No

Are you a first time candidate?
No

Offices you've run for or have served in. If you were elected, list the years/terms you served in that office.
Countywide School Board Seat 9 - elected in 2020 and term ends November 2024.

Candidate's Net Worth
See Filed form 6

Campaign Website
https://www.reelectdebbihixonforschoolboard.com/

Office Seeking
Broward County School Board, At Large

How much has your campaign raised to date?
$54,809

How much has your campaign spent to date?
$3,223

Cash on hand.
Roughly $50,000

‍Campaign Email Address
electdebbihixon@gmail.com

List all endorsements
I am so honored to have the following endorsements: BTU, BPAA, AFL-CIO, PBA, Sierra Club, BYDs, Equality Florida, Hindu American PAC, I.U.P.A 6020, Commissioner Jennifer Andreau, Representative Robin Bartleman, Commissioner Kevin Bederman, Commissioner Mark Bogen, Senator Lauren Book, Commissioner Nancy Metayer Bowen, Vice Mayor Simeon Brier, Mayor Scott Brook, Mayor Felicia Brunson, Commissioner Traci Callari , Commissioner Joy Carter, Representative Hillary Cassel, Commissioner Shawn Cerra, Commissioner Maxwell Chambers, Congresswoman Shelia Cherfilus-McCormick, Judge Geoff Cohen, Honorable Emma Collumn, Mayor Joy Cooper, Commissioner Ken Cutler, Representative Dan Daley, Commissioner Don D'Armino, Commissioner Joyce Davis, Honorable Debby Eisinger, Honorable Karen Fortman, Commissioner Bean Furr, Mayor Bill Ganz, County Commissioner Steve Geller, Commissioner Steve Glassman, Commissioner Tom Good, Honorable Jennifer Gottlieb, Representative Michael Gottlieb, Commissioner Jacqueline Guzman, Mayor Rex Hardin, Honorable Carolyn Hardy, Commissioner Carol Hattan, Representative Christine Hunchofsky, Commissioner Jordan Isrow, Commissioner Byron Jaffe, Commissioner Tamara James, Honorable Joyce Jullian, Honorable Tom Kallman, Commissioner Jeremy Katzman, Property Appraiser Marty Kiar, Mayor Josh Levy, Commissioner Timothy Longeran, Commissioner Lawerence "Jabbow" Martin, Commissioner Bob Mayersohn, Congressman Jared Moskowitz , Honorable Alfredo Olvera, Mayor Frank Ortis, Senator Rosalind Osgood, Commissioner Bernie Parness, Honorable Lori Parish, Mayor Judy Paul, Senator Jason Pizzo, State Attorney Harold Pryor, Commissioner Ildema Quantnia, Commissioner Tommy Ruzzano, Mayor Mike Ryan, Mayor Josh Rydell, Commissioner Arlene Schwartz, Honorable Elaine Schwartz, Commissioner Joey Scutto, Commissioner Caryl
Schuham, Honorable Elenaor Sobel, Mayor Nick Sortal, Honorable Richard Stark, Commissioner Warren Sturnman, Mayor Ken Thurston, Honorable Becky Tooley, Mayor Dean Trantalis, Mayor Rich Walker, Congresswoman Debbie Wasserman-Schultz, Vice Mayor Sandra Welch, Representative Marie Woodson

Do you currently serve, or have you ever served on any municipal, county, or school board appointed committees/boards?
Yes

List the committee/board, who/what entity appointed you, your terms on that board, and your position.
Children's Services Council appointed by School Board Nov. 2023-present board member Performing Arts Center Authority appointed by School Board Nov. 2023-present board member Museum of Discovery and Science appointed by School Board Nov. 2020-present board member Broward Housing Council appointed by School Board Nov. 2023-present member Broward Climate Change Task Force appointed by School Board Nov 2020-present member Oversight Committee appointed by School Board NOv. 2033-present member Broward Behavioral Health Coalition voted in Oct. 2022-present member Special Needs Advisory Coalition selected Nov.2020-present, Co-chair Broward County Public School Wellness Committee appointed by School Board Nov. 2020- present Chair.

List all civic associations, nonprofits, private associations and organizations that you are active in.
I am a board member of Stand With Parkland
I am the President of the Chris Hixon Foundation
I am a Hollywood Rotarian
I am a Hollywood Lions Club member and treasurer of the Lions Club Scholarship
I am a coach for the Broward County Special Olympics
I am a member of the Hollywood Park East Civic Association
I am a member of the Grand United Community PTA-District 5

Introduce yourself to our readers by telling us why you're running for School Board.

‍I am a 35-year Nationally Certified teacher in Broward County, having worked at both Blanche Ely High School and South Broward High School. Born and raised in Hollywood, I have been an active and involved member of the Broward County community for over fifty years, as a student, teacher, and parent. I am acutely aware of the changes that need to be made in our district. I am proud of the safety changes I have made and been part of during my first term in office and know that there is more work to be done. We have started the repurposing process and I am excited to continue to be part of the decisions to ensure we make all our schools places of excellence, growth and opportunity for all of our students. I have also been very involved in improving the mental health services for our students and staff and I look forward to continuing to build partnerships with community organizations to create wellness centers across our district. I am also proud of the decisions I have made to increase staff pay and ensure teachers have the resources they need to help our students be successful. I know there is more to be done to increase staff pay and I look forward to continuing to be a strong advocate for even greater increases. As a 35-year Nationally Certified teacher in Broward County, I have had the privilege of working at both Blanche Ely High School and South Broward High School. I was born and raised in Hollywood, and have been an active and involved member of the Broward County community for over fifty years, as a student, teacher, and parent. I am acutely aware of the changes that need to be made in our district. During my first term in office, I am proud of the safety changes I have made and been part of, and I know that there is more work to be done. We have initiated the repurposing process, and I am excited to continue to be part of the decisions to ensure that all our schools become places of excellence, growth, and opportunity for all of our students. I have also been very involved in improving the mental health services for our students and staff, and I look forward to continuing to build partnerships with community organizations to create wellness centers across our district. I am also proud of the decisions I have made to increase staff pay and ensure teachers have the resources they need to help our students be successful. I know there is more to be done to increase staff pay, and I look forward to continuing to be a strong advocate for even greater increases.

What specific experience or qualifications do you bring to this role that makes you the best candidate?
With three decades of teaching experience at Blanche Ely High School and South Broward High School, I possess comprehensive knowledge of the educational system and the challenges faced by teachers and students. As the former Marine Science and Technology Magnet Coordinator, I have proactively created exceptional learning opportunities and built= strong community partnerships. My proven record as a school board member includes personally visiting every school in the district, advocating for improved teacher compensation, and implementing measures to enhance school safety and mental health support.

I have dedicated my entire career to education and have an intimate understanding of the inner workings of our schools. My direct experience as a teacher for thirty-plus years gives me a unique perspective on the needs of both educators and students. I have hands-on experience creating and managing specialized educational programs, such as the Marine Science and Technology Magnet program, demonstrating my ability to innovate and enhance student learning experiences. Furthermore, I have been deeply involved in the community, personally visiting every school in the district to understand their unique strengths and challenges. This level of engagement ensures that I relate to the community and am responsive to their needs. My track record as a school board member is marked by tangible achievements in advocating for better teacher compensation, enhancing school safety, and improving mental health support. In terms of school safety, I have championed initiatives to upgrade security infrastructure, implement comprehensive safety drills, and foster a culture of vigilance and preparedness among staff and students. I have worked to ensure that our schools have the necessary
resources, such as secure entry points, surveillance systems, and trained security personnel, to create a safe learning environment. Regarding mental health support, I have been a strong advocate for increasing the availability of mental health resources in our schools. I have supported hiring additional counselors, providing professional development for teachers on identifying and addressing mental health issues, and integrating social-emotional learning into the curriculum. I have also worked with community partners and staff to bring additional wellness centers to different locations across the county. One has opened at Walter C. Young and two more are scheduled to be open at Blanche Ely HS and William Dandy MS in the near future. These
efforts aim to create a supportive environment where students feel safe to express their concerns and seek help when needed. My lifelong residency in Broward County, where I have raised my family and faced personal loss, underscores my deep-rooted dedication to this community. My comprehensive understanding of our schools, combined with my proven dedication and actionable results, makes me the better choice to serve as a school board member.

From your standpoint, what are the top three issues impacting the district? What is your plan to address these issues, and what specific initiatives or strategies will you champion?

‍From my standpoint, the top three issues impacting the district are teacher burnout, student mental health, and school safety. To address teacher burnout, I will continue to advocate for reduced workloads and improved pay, ensuring supportive leadership and consistent, yearlong
support for educators. For student mental health, I will continue to push for increased mental health resources and support programs within schools. To enhance school safety, I will continue to champion initiatives like the implementation of metal detectors and comprehensive safety protocols. These strategies aim to create a supportive, secure, and thriving educational environment for all.

Ensuring community engagement and transparency is crucial in government. If you were elected, how would you go about involving residents in decision-making processes and ensuring accountability?

‍During my tenure as a School Board Member, I have actively involved residents in decisionmaking processes by organizing town hall meetings, appointing diverse community members to advisory committees, and maintaining open lines of communication through
email, text, phone calls, and quarterly newsletters. Ensuring accountability involves transparent reporting of decisions, providing progress updates on initiatives, and actively seeking and incorporating community feedback. This inclusive approach has ensured that the voices of residents are heard and valued in shaping the future of our schools.

Broward Schools has faced turmoil over the years. How will you ensure that the district stays on track?

‍To ensure Broward Schools stays on track amid past turmoil, I will prioritize transparent communication, strong leadership, and the mental health and safety of our students andstaff. By supporting teachers with reduced workloads and better pay, fostering community and business partnerships, and advocating for responsible fiscal management, we can create a stable and thriving educational environment. As an accessible and compassionate
leader, I am committed to promoting growth, opportunities, and excellence for all students and staff.

‍
In what ways are you similar of different from your opponent?

‍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. I am a champion of strong public schools because I firmly believe that every student deserves access to a quality education and engaging opportunities, enabling them to thrive in their future careers. I am committed to guaranteeing that our district has the necessary resources and support to provide educational excellence. This will empower every student not only to progress but also to refine their skills, ensuring they are well-prepared for their chosen path post-graduation. As someone who has personally visited every single school in the district, I have been in the field, seeing our schools in action, and identifying both their needs and strengths. My deep connection with the community has made me accessible and responsive to concerns and suggestions. I have lived my whole life here, raised my family here, and, sadly, lost my husband here. This lifelong commitment to Broward County Public Schools fuels my dedication to ensuring the continuous strength and improvement of our public schools. My extensive experience in education and deep roots in the community set me apart as the ideal candidate. I understand the unique challenges and opportunities within our district, and I have the firsthand knowledge needed to address them effectively. My unwavering commitment to the betterment of our schools is not just professional; it is deeply personal. I am invested in the success of every student, every teacher, and every school.

Recently, Broward schools have been in the headlines for plans to close some of its schools and educational facilities. What are your thoughts on the proposal? Are there any schools in particular you think should close? Why or why not?

‍I believe that closing some schools is necessary, but we should focus on optimizing resources and improving educational quality during the consolidation and repurposing process. Many school districts, including BCPS, are experiencing declining student enrollment, which leads to underutilized facilities. Closing some schools would allow us to consolidate students into fewer buildings, making better use of available resources and ensuring fuller, more vibrant classrooms. Consolidating schools can free up funds that can be redirected towards improving the remaining schools. This includes upgrading technology, improving infrastructure, and hiring more qualified staff, which can lead to better educational outcomes. Additionally, closed school buildings can be repurposed to serve the community in other ways. They can be transformed into community centers, vocational training facilities, or spaces for adult education programs, thereby continuing to benefit the community. By closing some schools, we can save on operational costs such as utilities, maintenance, and staffing. These savings can be reinvested into educational programs and services that directly impact students. With more concentrated student populations, we can offer a wider range of extracurricular activities, specialized programs, and support services like counseling
and special education. However, it's also important to consider and address potential challenges and concerns. Closing a school can have a significant impact on the local community, including longer travel times for students and the potential loss of a community hub. The transition to consolidated schools can be disruptive for students, parents, and staff. Proper planning and support are essential to minimize negative effects. Ensuring that the benefits of consolidation are equitably distributed is crucial. All students, regardless of their socioeconomic background, should have access to the improved facilities and resources.

Broward County's school district is often in the headlines due to its reluctance to go along with much of the Governor's social agenda, namely on cultural issue such as LGBTQ+ visibility, and so called "wokeness" in public education. What are your thoughts on this, and do you believe that the district should follow these measures?

‍Although as elected officials, we must follow all the laws of the state, I firmly believe that as educators, it is not our responsibility to pass judgment on any of our students; rather, our role is to educate them. When a student does not feel safe, valued, and cared for, it becomes very challenging for them to be ready to learn. It is immaterial what their skin color is, what religion they practice, or who they love.

Do you believe that transgender students in Broward County's schools should be allowed to use bathrooms that correlate with their gender identity, be referred to by their chosen names, using the pronouns associated with their gender identity, and play sports that correlate with their gender identity? Again, creating an inclusive environment where every student feels supported and included in our schools is important. Although I do believe in some but not all of the issues in this question, I do believe we must treat all students with respect and dignity in a way that doesn't infringe on others. It is not our role to judge students, but to educate them. We must follow the laws of the state and at the same time ensure all students feel safe, valued and cared for. Creating an inclusive environment where every student feels supported and included in our schools is important. While I may not agree with all of the topics mentioned, I do believe that we must treat all students with respect and dignity without infringing on others. It is not our role to judge students but to educate them. We must follow the state laws and ensure that all students feel safe, valued, and cared for.