Broward County Public Schools welcomes back Superintendent Vickie Cartwright—for now at least—after they announced Tuesday to rescind her Nov. 14 termination.
Her firing came after a controversial vote by five school board members who were appointed by Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis. The spontaneous 5-4 vote came before four of the DeSantis appointees were replaced by newly elected School Board members.
After the vote was made, the board’s Chair Torey Alston said in a statement that Cartwright simply wasn’t a good fit.
“Dr. Vickie Cartwright is a wonderful individual, but leading the nation’s sixth-largest school district required a hands-on leader and someone that will make real change,” the statement reads. “Based on recent systemic issues, the Board decided to go in a different direction. The Board thanks Dr. Cartwright for her service to Broward County. It’s time for reform and healing, and we will do that with a seasoned educator who will lead our District, make tough decisions and engage with all stakeholders.”
The school board agreed to revisit Cartwright’s performance come Jan. 24 per the initial agreement, which was to allow her 90 days to come up with an improvement plan for the district. However, they also agreed to continue the national search for a new superintendent in case they decide to dismiss her next month.
“I’m very grateful to the board for the decision they made today,” she said. “I look forward to working with every board member as we move forward.”
With her potential dismissal looming, she said she is “confident the board will keep an open mind and that they will see where we are after the 90 days,” according to the Miami Herald.
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