Ryan Nicol
Broward County public school teacher Sarah Leonardi has announced her bid to run for the District 3 seat on the Broward County School Board.
Leonardi filed to enter the 2020 race on Friday. But Monday morning served as her public announcement that she’s competing in the contest.
“As a seasoned public school teacher and community activist, I understand the needs, challenges, and opportunities of both the teachers and students of Broward County,” Leonardi said in a statement.
“I have dedicated my career to making a difference in students’ lives as a teacher, but I realize that truly standing with students means also working for changes that must be made at the school board level.
“We need to put resources back into the hands of teachers. That means paying them more, and providing them with the concrete resources they need to do their jobs.
Leonardi earned her Bachelor’s degree in Education from the University of Miami. She’s worked as a teacher in Broward County since 2014. Leonardi was voted Teacher of the Year at Coconut Creek High School in 2016.
Leonardi has authored multiple op-eds in the Sun Sentinel on topics ranging from the need for paid maternity leave to a push for increased funding regarding school safety.
“We need to commit to improving school safety by building a mental health infrastructure in our schools with social workers, school psychologists, counselors, and other mental health professionals who are given the time and space to do their jobs,” Leonardi said.
“We need a system that is transparent and navigable for all parents, students, teachers, and community members. This is why I am running.”
The District 3 seat is currently held by Heather Brinkworth, who was unopposed during her reelection in 2016. The only other candidate to officially file for the seat so far is Dr. Jonathan May of Oakland Park.
