Robert Runcie’s critics outnumbered as they lose bid to oust him as schools chief

Robert Runcie, the embattled superintendent who’s come under increasing criticism since the Parkland shooting, survived an attempt to topple him from his post Tuesday.

The vote on whether to fire Runcie came at the request of new School Board member Lori Alhadeff, whose daughter was killed in the Feb. 14, 2018 massacre at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High in Parkland, which left 17 people dead. She cited “willful neglect” in his handling of safety, school renovations and other matters. The board voted 6-3 not to fire him.

The debate lasted for nearly seven hours and included comments from about 90 speakers, all but a few of whom spoke wholeheartedly in favor of Runcie, who has been the school district’s leader since 2011. His support came from business leaders, minority groups, principals, PTA representatives, former School Board member Abby Freedman — and from Runcie’s wife.

They praised him as a tireless worker and dynamic leader who cares about students and employees.

Brenda Snipes, a former elections supervisor who worked for the school system for 39 years, stood in the hallway with dozens of other Runcie supporters. Snipes said she thinks he handled the horror of Parkland as well as anyone could have.

“The parents, I don’t know how they get up to move every day,” she said.

A long line of supporters urged the school board to stand by their superintendent.

“This community suffered a great tragedy,” Holness said. “We all feel the pain. We continue to share the grief and suffering of everyone who lost someone in that tragedy. We ought to be bringing about healing. This will not bring about healing.”

Levinson said Runcie was the best person to lead the district and provide stability.

“It is just wrong to make Superintendent Runcie the scapegoat,” she said.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published.