Broward County School Board unanimously elects Sarah Leonardi as chair and Dr. Jeff Holness as vice chair to lead the district in 2025

Broward County, Florida – The Broward County School Board has selected its new leadership, electing Sarah Leonardi of District 3 as Chair and Dr. Jeff Holness of District 5 as Vice Chair during the Board’s annual Organizational Meeting on Tuesday, November 18, 2025. Both officials received unanimous support from their colleagues, reflecting a strong show of confidence as the Board heads into a new year of overseeing Broward County Public Schools.

Chair Leonardi, who previously served as Vice Chair, has been an active member of the Board since her election in 2022. Her leadership style has been described as collaborative and focused on ensuring all students have access to high-quality educational opportunities. Dr. Holness, also first elected in 2022, brings his experience and dedication to the Vice Chair role, emphasizing student success and strong school-community partnerships.

“Our Board is committed to providing a high-quality education and ensuring student success across Broward County Public Schools,” Chair Leonardi said following her election. Her remarks underscore the Board’s continued dedication to fostering learning environments where every student can thrive academically and personally.

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The current School Board also includes Lori Alhadeff representing District 4, Maura McCarthy Bulman from District 1, Adam Cervera of District 6, Debra Hixon serving Countywide At-Large in Seat 9, Nora Rupert from District 7, Rebecca Thompson of District 2, and Dr. Allen Zeman holding Countywide At-Large Seat 8. Together, this team works to oversee policies, programs, and initiatives that impact over 250,000 students across the county’s public schools.

The Board’s organizational meetings serve as a critical moment to set priorities for the year ahead. With new leadership in place, members are focused on maintaining stability, promoting student achievement, and supporting teachers and staff throughout the district. The election of Leonardi and Holness is expected to bring continuity while also introducing fresh perspectives to guide policy decisions.

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For more information about the Broward County School Board and its ongoing initiatives, community members can visit browardschools.com/schoolboard. The website offers updates on Board meetings, upcoming agendas, and ways for residents to engage with educational leadership in the county.

This new leadership team faces the ongoing challenge of balancing district growth, resources, and innovation in education while keeping student outcomes at the forefront. With a unified Board and a clear commitment to high standards, Broward County schools aim to continue building an environment where students can achieve their full potential.