How much will Broward’s new schools superintendent make? Here’s what we know
Howard Hepburn, Broward Public Schools’ new superintendent, will likely get $10,000 less in annual salary and slightly less rights to severance pay than his predecessor, according to what Hepburn negotiated with the Broward School Board’s Chair Lori Alhadeff on Friday.
Both parties agreed to an annual salary of $340,000. That’s a $120,000 raise from his $220,000 salary as deputy superintendent for teaching and learning, his former post — but $10,000 less than Licata’s $350,000 annual salary as superintendent.
Alhadeff and Hepburn also agreed he would get no severance pay if terminated without cause during the first six months on the job. After six months, he will gradually accrue severance pay — getting 3.3 weeks per month — until he hits 20 weeks of severance on his first-year anniversary.
Licata’s contract entitled him to 20 weeks of severance if he got terminated without cause regardless of how long he stayed in the role. He only occupied the seat for about 10 months, and it’s unclear how much severance he will get, if any, because the board voted to mutually separate from him.
The board made the decision to part ways with Licata right after Licata abruptly announced on April 16 that he would retire come Dec. 31 due to health reasons. Instead of accepting his anticipated retirement, the board decided to separate immediately and named Hepburn as his replacement.
The board now has to negotiate Licata’s exit. Those negotiations were also scheduled for Friday, but got canceled Thursday night. A district spokesperson said Licata’s attorney couldn’t make it, and they plan to meet as soon as possible.
The nine School Board members now have to meet to approve the drafted three-year contract with Hepburn, which would be backdated to April 16 and run until June 30, 2027. They will likely discuss that sometime in mid to late May.
READ MORE: After 10 months, Broward Schools superintendent to retire. Board replaces him immediately
How did the contract negotiations play out?
The two main sticking points in the contract Friday were the salary and severance.
The board’s chair first offered $335,000 in salary. Hepburn asked for $350,000, but the board’s chair only went up $5,000 to $340,000. Hepburn settled.
Alhadeff first offered no severance at all until he hit the first-year mark. He countered by asking for 10 weeks only, or half of what his predecessor got. Alhadeff and Marilyn Batista, the district’s general counsel, didn’t back down, and Hepburn came up with the six-month proposal.
Other details also brought tension, like him being required to move to Broward County and undergo a physical examination.
The board asked for a medical examination to make sure Hepburn could perform his duties. Hepburn argued it’s confidential information. Eventually he agreed to do it as long as only the district’s general counsel sees it and then attests to the board that he’s OK.
Hepburn’s tentative agreement also includes a provision that forces him to move from Palm Beach County to Broward County by Dec. 31, 2025. Hepburn’s lawyer, Carmen Cartaya, tried to argue that his 50-minute daily commute back and forth wouldn’t affect his performance, but the board’s chair insisted. The district agreed to pay him a $15,000 moving stipend.
If the board green lights the contract, Hepburn would also get a $1,200 vehicle allowance and the most comprehensive plans for health, dental and vision insurance for him and his family.
The contract would also guarantee than in a year from now, the board would at least consider adding a provision that requires a supermajority, or that six out of the nine board members vote on it, to fire him without cause.
