New BTU Administrator Named

WASHINGTON (CBSMiami.com) – The Broward Teachers Union will have a new administrator, at least for the next six months.

The American Federation of Teachers announced Monday that AFT vice-president John Tarka will step in as the administrator of the Broward Teachers Union. An official announcement is scheduled for Tuesday at the BTU building in Tamarac.

The Broward Teachers Union asked for the American Federation of Teachers to take over after the AFT became aware of financial irregularities of improper BTU political contributions to candidates for political committees.

Broward Teachers Union president Pat Santeramo was temporarily removed from his position last week amidst the financial probe at the BTU. Santeramo has refused to answer questions about the situation.

Tarka is a former president of the Pittsburgh teachers federation and has been involved in education for the last 43 years.

"I am honored to be here with such an outstanding group of teachers and support staff," Tarka said. "I know how hard educators in Broward County work every day to make sure that all children succeed and realize their full potential. Their work is critical, and we must all support them."