Name: Nicole Morst

Campaign website: nicolemorst.com

Date and place of birth: 10/01/1980 Atlanta, Ga.

On a scale of 1 to 5 (with 5 the highest), rate the job performance of Superintendent Howard Hepburn, emphasizing his strengths and weaknesses.
From the perspective of a parent and advisory chair, I would give him a 3. He has not been very responsive to our committee’s concerns. The issues I bring to our monthly round table conversations, or even simply in emails to his office, have largely been ignored, dismissed, or taken a very long time to address. I feel there needs to be more communication, transparency,  and collaboration with the community. As for his strengths, he was able to maintain an A district in the middle of declining enrollment and closing schools.

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 it certainly took a team effort from everyone in our schools, I would say our teachers and students deserve the most credit. There has been a great deal of pressure on our teachers to raise test scores while working with limited resources, yet they continue to go above and beyond for our kids every day. Our students have shown perseverance and hard work, and their success is a testament to their dedication and the commitment of the educators who support them.

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?
I agree. As a voter and a tax payer, I want this money to go to the people in the schools who are working with our students every day. That includes mental health professionals and safety personnel.

Will you vote for or against the tax extension and why? 
I will vote for it. I understand that without this extension our teachers and school based staff will take a pay cut, and they simply cannot afford to be paid any less.

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 district has not done a good job of  being accountable to the people of Broward County. Too often, mistakes are made without a clear explanation, or even an apology. I have repeatedly told the Superintendent and his staff that the best way to rebuild trust is to honestly communicate with the community, explain how they will fix the problem, and take responsibility.

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?
I would like to say yes, because that is what happens to our teachers when they are overpaid. However, after investigating how it happened, speaking with district staff, and listening to legal opinion, it appears that because the board legally passed the item there is nothing that can be done. I would like to see those that should not have received the bonuses voluntarily return the money.

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 agree that we cut too many positions that directly affect students and not enough positions that are far removed from schools. We have too many administrative and director level positions while our schools are facing increasing class sizes due to budget cuts. Our priority must be protecting the resources, staff, and programs that have the greatest impact on student learning.

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?
If enrollment continues to decline, we will have to consolidate more schools to prevent Schools of Hope from moving in, and ensure students receive the full range of services they deserve.  Funding and staff allocations are based on student enrollment, so schools that are under enrolled cannot offer the same extent of programs or specials as schools operating at capacity. However, school closures should be a last resort. The district must make every effort to attract families back to our public schools by maintaining the condition of the facilities in every neighborhood,  listening to the community’s academic needs, and regaining trust.

List in reverse chronological order each college or university attended, with years of attendance.
Interactive College of Technology. 1 year technical degree.

List in reverse chronological order your work history for the past 15 years.
I have been at home with my children for the past 17 years. In that time, I have dedicated myself to serving at their schools and serving in our community. I have served as PTSO president, chaired many school committees, sat on community advisory boards, served in our church, and served on district advisory committees.

Why should voters elect you instead of your opponent(s)? 
As a parent with a child currently enrolled in Broward Schools and someone who is actively involved at both the school and district levels, I have a better understanding of the issues and needs today as opposed to someone who has been removed from the district for decades. Through my current involvement on school and district advisory committees, I have firsthand knowledge of what is happening across our communities, not just in my own neighborhood. I have a proven record of advocating for students and families across Broward, standing up for underserved communities, holding district leadership accountable, and consistently showing up to solve problems. I have been a very effective leader as an advocate and volunteer, and I would like the opportunity to bring that same dedication, collaboration, and accountability to the School Board. Also, I am a genuine representation of the families in District 4 because I live the same day-to-day experiences as the people I would represent. My family is a working class family, and I am an everyday mom with a child in our public schools, navigating the same challenges as other parents. I don’t just hear about what’s happening in our schools, I experience it. This perspective will help me make decisions that are centered on the needs of our students, families, and educators.

What in your life experience best qualifies you to serve as a school board member? 
I have nearly a decade of hands-on experience serving students, teachers, and families in our Broward schools. I have served on School Advisory Councils, chaired School Advisory Forums, led as President of my schools PTSO, and served on the District Advisory Council. This past year I served as Chair of the North Area Advisory Council, representing the schools in the north region of Broward County. These roles have given me firsthand experience working with parents, teachers, principals, district staff, and School Board members on a variety of issues. I have built trust and relationships across District 4 over the years. I believe the best School Board members are those who understand both district policy and the everyday experiences and needs of the people they represent.

Have you ever been a party to a lawsuit, including bankruptcy or foreclosure? If so, provide details of the case and disposition.
N/A

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. DUI, 05/2008. Probation and defensive driving course. I made a very bad choice, I drove home alone from a local restaurant after having drinks at dinner, nearly 20 years ago. There was a license check point about .5 miles from the restaurant. This is not something I am proud of. I use this hard life lesson as a teaching moment for my children that you should not ever drink and drive, even after one drink.