Allen Zeman wins Broward School Board seat; Donna Korn gives ‘heartfelt thank you.’

Donna Korn conceded defeat Wednesday in her effort to reclaim a seat on the Broward School Board that she first lost when Gov. Ron DeSantis suspended her.

Korn, 50, issued a “heartfelt thank you” on Facebook late Wednesday morning to those who supported her during her 11 years on the School Board, an indirect acknowledgment that businessman Allen Zeman defeated her.

Korn first ran the race as an incumbent but lost her seat Aug. 26 after the governor suspended her and three other board members following a scathing grand jury report that found widespread mismanagement in the district.

But she hoped to get it back by defeating Zeman in a runoff.

Former Broward County School Board member Donna Korn appears Aug. 24 at her board meeting before Gov. Ron DeSantis suspended her. (Carline Jean / South Florida Sun Sentinel)

Instead, Zeman won with more than 51% of the vote, compared to just under 49% for Korn, with all but two precincts reporting Wednesday afternoon.

“I am proud of the many successful initiatives that I have championed over the years, with the support of the community,” she wrote. “My passion for public education & child advocacy is part of my core & I look forward to the next chapter of my public service to our community. I am blessed & again thank Broward County for the opportunity to serve.”

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Korn was first appointed by Gov. Rick Scott to fill a vacancy in 2011 and then won.

Korn also wished the four new board members who were elected during Tuesday’s election “great success as they help shape the focus & direction of public schools for our kids.”

Allen Zeman, who won a seat on the Broward County School Board, speaks during a news conference Aug. 29 in Fort Lauderdale. He defeated Donna Korn in a closely watched race. (John McCall/South Florida Sun Sentinel)

Zeman said he hadn’t personally heard from Korn but appreciated the note she posted, including the well wishes for the new board.

“I’m really looking forward to working with the School Board and looking forward to an environment where we focus on what matters the most, academic progress,” Zeman said.

He said his priorities include helping Broward improve accountability issues and rise above its perennial status as a B-rated district from the state. Miami-Dade and Palm Beach County are both A-rated.

“We need to immediately figure out how to become an A-rated school district. That’s got to be our goal,” he said.

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