Introduction to the Proposal
Broward schools superintendent Howard Hepburn may remain in his position until 2030, under a new proposal. This potential extension could bring long-term stability to a district that has experienced high turnover of leaders in recent years.
Hepburn, who was hired a year ago, reached a tentative agreement with School Board Chairwoman Debbi Hixon to extend his contract until June 30, 2030. His current contract expires on June 30, 2027.
Key Terms of the Proposal
The contract would also remove a provision that Hepburn opposed last year — that he be required to move to Broward County. Hepburn lives in West Palm Beach, 50 miles away from his office in Fort Lauderdale. The School Board decided last year that was too far for him to travel for his job. The contract required him to relocate to Broward by Dec. 31, 2025.
“As you all know, Dr. Hepburn has been able to fulfill his duties while residing in Palm Beach County,” his lawyer, Carmen Cantaya, told Hixon and General Counsel Marylin Batista. “He’s been able to perform all of his duties excellently, including commitments that require late evening and weekend work.”
Accessibility and Performance
Hixon told the Sun Sentinel in a recent interview she didn’t think it was a necessary requirement anymore.
“He’s been very accessible. I don’t think it matters where he lives,” she said.
Hepburn agreed to forfeit $15,000 in moving expenses allowed under his current contract.
Compensation and Raises
His pay will remain the same for now. Hepburn was hired last year at $340,000, and the contract allows him to receive the same annual raise as other district employees. The School Board recently approved employee raises of 3% last year, bringing his salary up to $350,200.
Stability and Longevity
Hepburn dropped a request that may have been the most contentious — requiring a supermajority of six of nine board members to fire him without cause. The School Board severed ties with three superintendents from 2021 to 2024.
One of them, Vickie Cartwright, was fired by a 5-4 vote in November 2022, rehired in December 2022 and then agreed to mutually separate in January 2023.
Last year, Cantaya fought to get the supermajority provision into Hepburn’s contract.
“It’s important to create stability and longevity within the school district,” she said in 2024. “It’s important to be able to recruit top talent to retain top talent and really be successful under these incredibly challenging times.”
Negotiations and Approval
Several previous candidates for superintendent and general counsel have asked the School Board for the supermajority job protection, but the board has always rejected it, saying it would give away too much of the board’s power. While board members rejected Hepburn’s request for a supermajority last year, they agreed to reconsider at his one-year anniversary, which is mid-April.
That issue is what prompted Hixon to negotiate the contract right now, despite Hepburn still having two more years left on his current contract.
“The superintendent is still seeking the supermajority, correct?” Batista asked during negotiations.
“Dr. Hepburn is willing to remove the supermajority, contingent of approval of the items he’s proposing,” Cantaya said.
Conclusion
The full School Board plans to vote on the agreement at an April 15 meeting. If approved, this extension could mark a significant step towards stabilizing the leadership of the Broward school district, potentially benefiting the community and the educational system as a whole.
FAQs
Q: What is the proposed extension of Howard Hepburn’s contract?
A: The proposed extension is until June 30, 2030.
Q: What provision is being removed from the contract?
A: The provision requiring Hepburn to move to Broward County is being removed.
Q: How much is Hepburn’s current salary?
A: Hepburn’s current salary is $350,200, after a 3% raise.
Q: What is the significance of the supermajority provision?
A: The supermajority provision would require six of nine board members to fire Hepburn without cause, aiming to create stability and longevity in the district.
Q: When is the full School Board expected to vote on the agreement?
A: The full School Board is expected to vote on the agreement at an April 15 meeting.
Originally Published: March 31, 2025 at 5:55 PM EDT
