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Broward board approves new general counsel with amended contract language
Summary
The School Board approved the appointment of Ms. Dupuy Bruno as general counsel and amended the proposed contract to exclude referendum supplements from her compensation, add statutory carve‑outs to indemnification language and limit relocation repayment to six months.
The School Board approved the hire of Sarah (Ms.) Dupuy Bruno as general counsel and amended the negotiated employment agreement to address board concerns about referendum supplements and indemnification.
Ms. Dupuy Bruno, a board‑certified education law specialist serving as general counsel in another Florida district, negotiated concessions including a lower starting salary than the prior incumbent and a reduction in requested fringe benefits. During negotiations the board removed language that could have allowed referendum supplements to be treated as automatic compensation, and the board added explicit contract language excluding referendum supplements from increases tied to 12‑month administrative pay bands. Ms. Dupuy Bruno told the board she did not request referendum money and that she is willing to accept the amended language.
The board also approved a substitute amendment to the indemnification clause that makes clear the board is not obligated to indemnify for claims, losses or damages “solely and directly caused” by gross negligence or willful misconduct (language references Florida Statutes 1012.26 and 111.07). The board and candidate agreed to limit repayment of relocation expenses to six months if the new hire voluntarily separates or is terminated for cause within that period; the candidate agreed to the change as part of additional give‑and‑take.
Board members praised the candidate’s qualifications and stressed the need for prompt transition. "We're getting a proven leader with a strong background in education law," said a member who shepherded the negotiations. The motion to approve the amended contract passed after members discussed evaluation language, the start date, benefit changes and the indemnification carve‑out.
Outcome and next steps: the board approved the amended agreement and directed staff to incorporate the contract changes discussed in open session. Ms. Dupuy Bruno said she intends to relocate and begin as soon as logistics permit and asked for support during the transition; an interim general counsel will serve until she assumes full duties.
