Questionnaire: Carmen Jackie Gimenez, candidate for Broward School Board District 1 – Sun Sentinel

Name: Carmen Jackie Gimenez

Campaign website: carmenjackiegimenez.com

Date and place of birth: 11/10/1961 CARACAS VENEZUELA

On a scale of 1 to 5 (with 5 the highest), rate the job performance of Superintendent Howard Hepburn, emphasizing his strengths and weaknesses.
Rating: 2/5 According to Florida Statutes (1001.41 and related), the Superintendent must ensure operational efficiency, fiscal transparency, and student success. Reports from the Florida Auditor General have highlighted serious issues, including overstated student attendance (recommending repayment of nearly $878,000) and weak controls. Best practices at the state (Florida DOE), national (National School Boards Association), and international levels (OECD) demand strong accountability and results-driven leadership. While there have been some academic improvements, overall performance has been deficient in transparency and prioritizing the classroom.

The Broward school district received an “A” grade for the third straight year for student academic performance. Who deserves the most credit for this?
While we celebrate the “A” rating, best practices from Florida DOE, national assessments (NAEP), and international benchmarks (PISA-OECD) emphasize that an “A” is a minimum acceptable standard, not true excellence. It is only one step toward the quality our children deserve. The greatest credit belongs to parents, teachers, front-line school staff, and the students themselves, who do the real work every day despite bureaucratic obstacles.

Voters will decide whether to extend a school property tax increase. If it passes, the School Board will allocate 90 percent of the money for raises for teachers and school-based staff. Do you agree or disagree with this decision and why?
Disagree. It is absurd that while the State of Florida works to reduce or eliminate property taxes, the BCSB is considering taking more money from our residents — especially seniors who do not even have students in the system. This contradicts best fiscal practices.

Will you vote for or against the tax extension and why?
I will vote against it. Following best practices in governance (Florida Legislature, National School Boards Association, and efficient international funding models), my full-time job as a Board member will include traveling to Tallahassee to meet with necessary leaders to improve our schools without burdening our residents. District 1 will have a strong voice and attentive ears to protect taxpayers.

A series of fiscal missteps in the past year has placed the school board and the administration on the defensive. How well has the district responded to these controversies?
The response has been inadequate. Best practices at the state level (Auditor General and Governor’s recommendations), national level (proactive transparency from NSBA), and international level (OECD governance standards) require active listening to the community and swift corrections. Governor DeSantis has publicly called the Broward School District “a disaster,” underscoring the need for deep reform that puts students and parents first.

One such controversy involved using past referendum money to pay large bonuses to highly-paid administrators. Should those who received bonuses have been required to refund the money? Why or why not?
Yes, they should be required to refund the money. Best practices from Florida and national standards (Government Finance Officers Association) mandate that referendum funds be used strictly for the approved purpose. Rewarding poor management with bonuses violates accountability principles and erodes public trust.

To reduce a financial deficit, the board approved a reorganization plan that critics say is unfair because it eliminates front-line positions while leaving bureaucratic jobs largely untouched. Do you agree or disagree with this criticism and why?
I completely agree with the criticism. Best practices from the State of Florida (Florida DOE and Auditor General), national level (zero-based budgeting in leading districts), and international level (OECD and high-performing systems such as Finland and Singapore) prioritize protecting front-line positions (teachers and direct student support staff) and reducing redundant bureaucracy first during financial reorganizations.

We must work for the people of the district. Positions should be assigned based on seniority and merit, not favoritism. Only minimal trust positions for each elected member are justified. The bureaucracy must end. A smart reorganization cuts administrative waste first, protects the classroom, and reinvests in what truly produces results: students and teachers.

The school board has voted to close six underenrolled schools to save money. Do you think the district should close more schools or not, and why?
The BCSB must maintain the schools necessary to serve the real population demand. Before closing more, we must apply best practices: independent external audits, elimination of waste, and resource optimization. Florida, national leading districts, and top international systems (OECD) recommend addressing inefficiencies first. Education quality must not be sacrificed by poor planning.

Why should voters elect you instead of your opponent(s)?
Voters should elect me because I am the only candidate bringing proven experience in leadership, post-crisis reconstruction, and advocacy, fully aligned with best practices at the state, national, and international levels. I will implement real fiscal transparency, classroom protection, parental rights, and operational efficiency. I bring solutions that have worked in the world’s best education systems, adapted to Broward’s needs.

What in your life experience best qualifies you to serve as a school board member?
My life experience uniquely qualifies me to serve on the Broward County School Board. As a Venezuelan American immigrant, doctor with advanced degrees (doctorates and masters), and lifelong educator and leader, I have dedicated my career to education, human development, and community reconstruction.

I am the founder and President of USA REFUGEES & IMMIGRANTS Foundation, where I advocate daily for vulnerable families, immigrants, and children — ensuring they receive the support and educational opportunities they need to succeed. My work in Venezuela included high-level roles such as Manager of Finance and Operations at FEDECAMARAS, Coordinator of Commissions on Education, Modernization, and New Enterprises, and developing the state of Apure through international investment and educational partnerships.

As an author of motivational and leadership books (including “Más Allá de Todas las Barreras” and the “Método Miller” framework for rebuilding after crisis), I have helped thousands develop resilience, discipline, and leadership skills — principles I will bring to improve Broward’s schools.

I have run for public office before, demonstrating my commitment to public service, and I am currently the “Presidents Washington and Lincoln’ advocated candidate for District 1. I approach this role as a full-time responsibility: listening to parents, teachers, and constituents, defending parental rights, promoting fiscal responsibility, and implementing best practices from Florida, the nation, and top international education systems.

My personal journey — overcoming persecution, rebuilding after crisis, and dedicating myself to service — has given me the empathy, expertise, and determination to deliver real results for Broward’s students, families, and educators.

Have you ever been a party to a lawsuit, including bankruptcy or foreclosure? If so, provide details of the case and disposition.
NO

Have you ever been charged or convicted of a felony or misdemeanor, including an adjudication of guilt withheld? If so, provide charges, dates and terms of sentence.
Yes, I was involved in one case that was clearly a political action against me. ● Plea(s): 10/28/2024 – Written Plea Not Guilty – Jury 12/27/2024 – Plea ● Disposition(s): 05/08/2025 – Nolle Prosequi (the case was dropped by the prosecution). The case was ultimately dismissed and never resulted in any conviction. This experience has only strengthened my commitment to justice, transparency, and fighting for the rights of citizens against politicized actions.