FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. – The chair of the Florida State Board of Education suggested Thursday that Broward school district Superintendent Vickie Cartwright be removed from her post, saying she “consciously disregarded” Florida law.
“I am wondering if this board has the authority to suspend a superintendent in a school district or to suggest to a district that such an action be taken,” chairman Tom Grady said.
During a conference call Thursday, Grady was heard questioning another official about the process involved for removing Cartwright.
“I am wondering, why the board should not take further action in light of her decision to consciously disregard rules that the board had issued and to consciously disregard Florida law,” he said.
Grady’s speculation came after a discussion about how Cartwright defied DeSantis’ 2021 order requiring that masks be optional in Florida public schools.
“Superintendent Cartwright has and will continue to follow all laws,” Broward County Public Schools said in a statement. “School boards adopt policies that govern school districts based on laws and other factors; superintendents are required to implement the policies.”
While the state doesn’t have any authority to suspend Cartwright, the school board, a majority of which is now made up by appointees of Gov. Ron DeSantis, can.
Those board members, appointed in the wake of a grand jury report alleging “incompetence” at the district, be more inclined to side with the state.
Cartwright told Local 10 News Friday that student safety is her top priority.