A state inspector general has decided not to open an investigation into Broward School Board member Torey Alston’s allegations that some of his fellow board members have improper relationships with the Broward Teachers Union.
Some board members say they believe the state isn’t pursuing the case because the allegations are baseless. But Alston said what prevented the investigation was concerns from Marylin Batista, the district’s general counsel, that board members might reveal confidential information from closed door meetings.
One of Alston’s allegations actually centered on disclosing closed-door matters. He reported to the state that he believed some School Board members shared with union members information from negotiation strategy meetings held in the shade.
Alston also alleged that some board members may have supported raises after receiving union endorsements and campaign contributions, which he described as “pay to play.”
Alston sent a five-page letter on March 8 asking Mike Blackburn, inspector general for the Florida Department of Education, to investigate the matter.
But Blackburn has decided against that, at least for now, Nathalia Medina, press secretary for the Department of Education, told the South Florida Sun Sentinel in an email.
“The Department of Education Office of Inspector General (OIG) notified Mr. Alston that we we were closing the complaint,” Medina wrote. “If more information, evidence or details come to light, the OIG will reevaluate to determine if further action is warranted.”
Alston told the Sun Sentinel that Batista “advised me I couldn’t share information I observed with FDOE. That’s why it was closed. I disagree with her legal opinion clearly.”
Asked why he didn’t participate in an investigation despite Batista’s advice, Alston said, “I raised all the red flags publicly and all board members are fully aware of the facts. … My ultimate guidance was from the general counsel in her capacity as my counsel as a school board member. I disagreed with her advice as I have many times before.”
General Counsel Marylin Batista would not comment on discussions she may have had with Alston, district spokesman John Sullivan said.
“It is standard protocol that the General Counsel does not disclose information regarding her private conversations with board members,” Sullivan said. “Additionally, in general terms, closed-door sessions are confidential.”
Alston’s complaint relates to series of meetings that culminated with a Feb. 27 vote to approve teacher raises of about 3.96%. School district administrators revealed they were using about $20 million in federal COVID relief dollars to help pay for the raises, money that is expiring.
The state is giving the district money this year earmarked for teacher raises, but the district still must find $20 million to maintain last year’s salaries. The district is facing a tough budget year due to declining enrollment and a charter school settlement that’s expected to exceed $80 million.
Six of nine board members supported the raises, but some of Alston’s more serious allegations focused on three union-backed board members facing reelection in August: Debbi Hixon, Sarah Leonardi and Jeff Holness. Alston didn’t name them specifically but provided specific details that identified them.
Alston said contributions made to three board members came between late September and early October “during the height of intense negotiation.” A review of campaign finance reports showed the contributions were for Hixon, Holness and Leonardi for $1,000 each. Alston alleged this may equate to “pay to play.”
He said closed-door protocols may have been violated, because he saw teachers posting potentially confidential information about the board’s discussions online, and Batista sent board members multiple memos reminding them not to disclose what they learned during closed-door meetings.
Leonardi, Hixon and Holness denied they shared confidential information or that union support had any influence on their votes. They said they didn’t expect anything to come of Alston’s allegations. Broward Teachers Union President Anna Fusco declined to comment.
“I’m glad that the truth prevailed,” Leonardi said Tuesday. “It’s important that taxpayer resources be used to uncover real corruption — not baseless accusations. I hope that we can all now collectively focus on the work of educating our children and concentrating on our shared goal of becoming an ‘A’-rated school district.”
Hixon said she was never concerned about the allegations.
“The accusation was completely false. I’ve been a teacher for 32 years. Regardless of BTU’s support, I will always advocate for increased pay, not just for teachers but across the board for all employees. I’m not surprised the state came back with nothing, because there was nothing there.”
Holness told the Sun Sentinel that he has no knowledge of candidates engaging in “pay to play” with the teachers union.
“I am very appreciative of the BTU endorsement and confidence in me to support teachers and staff,” he said. “However, regardless of endorsements or support by any source, I will always fight for teachers and staff to be properly compensated and will always be a strong advocate for our teachers and staff.
“Every successful person almost always attributes his or her success to a teacher,” Holness said. “They deserve to be properly compensated, valued, and appreciated.”