Broward School Board Finalizes Solutions

FT. LAUDERDALE (CBS4) - After days of discussion and review, the Broward School Board has finalized 30 pages of suggestions, solutions and plans designed to win back the public's trust after a Grand Jury report lambasted them from gross mismanagement and possible public corruption.

To make matters worse, it was the third scathing Grand Jury report in the last 14 years.

"So the hope is that this is going to be the last Grand Jury," asked CBS4 reporter Ted Scouten.

"It's more than a hope, it's a reality," said Broward Schools Superintendent James Notter. "We believe that we have those checks and balances now put in place or soon to be in place as we continue to pass policies to increase public confidence."

In their report, the Grand Jury pointed out wasteful spending, mismanagement and corruption. In their finalized report, the Board laid out for the state how they were going to fix the problems, but it won't happen over night.

"It's going to be an ongoing process. It's not going to be a simple fix, but it will be fixed," said Board member David Thomas.

One of the solutions they came up with was a new 'code of ethics' which prohibits Board members from accepting gifts of value, campaign contributions from vendors or contractors and ethics training.

Charlotte Greenbarg has kept a skeptical eye on the School Board for years. She's happy to see that new code of ethics and is encouraged by fresh faces on the board.

"I see a big difference now with the newly elected (members), I really do, so I think you're going to see a change. I'm hopeful," said Greenbarg.

Some of the issues which still need to be addressed according to the Grand Jury recommendations are reducing the School Board from nine to five members, electing instead of appointing a Superintendent and creating an Inspector General position.

Click Here to read School Board Chair Benjamin William's cover letter to Commissioner Eric Smith

Click Here to read the District's response to the Grand Jury's findings.