Broward Teachers union withholds endorsement

The Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School massacre has drawn a field of candidates with strong ties to the school, but none are receiving support from the Broward Teachers Union.

The union is withholding an endorsement for the District 4 seat that includes Parkland, Coral Springs and Tamarac. The three candidates vying to replace Abby Freedman are Lori Alhadeff, whose daughter Alyssa was killed at the school; Tennille Doe-Decoste, whose son’s best friend was killed; and Michael Kottler, a Coral Springs parent.

All are political newcomers without “a proven record of supporting teachers, support personnel, and high student achievement,” BTU President Anna Fusco said.

The union also chose not to endorse two candidates with ties to Stoneman Douglas who are challenging School Board incumbents.

For a countywide seat, BTU chose Donna Korn, who has served on the board since 2011, over Ryan Petty, whose daughter Alaina was killed. Elijah Manley is the third candidate in the race.

Laurie Rich Levinson, a board member since 2010, was favored over challenger Richard Mendelson, a former Stoneman Douglas teacher, for the District 6 seat, which includes Davie, Weston and Cooper City.

The union is also backing Nora Rupert, a board member since 2010, in her District 7 race against challenges Mike Obel and Hubert St. Clair. Her area includes Deerfield Beach, Pompano Beach and Coconut Creek.

Fusco said the three incumbents have supported salary increases and other issues important to teachers.

The only challenger to receive BTU’s endorsement was Jim Silvernale, who represents maintenance workers through the Federation of Public Employees union. He is hoping to unseat Ann Murray, who has been on the board since 2008, in a seat that includes Hollywood, Dania Beach and Hallandale Beach.