School Boss Robert Runcie: A Divider, Not A Uniter

Here is the question that Broward School Board members should answer before they vote on the fate of Superintendent Robert Runcie next week:

How has the debate over school safety become a toxic row over Runcie’s future?

Blame Runcie.

Since the Parkland massacre, Runcie has been a divider, not a uniter.

Under fire for his response to Parkland, Runcie’s defense has devolved into poking the school system’s suppurating wounds left by the shooting.

With his five School Board supporters cheering him on, Runcie has failed to calm an increasingly nasty split between his supporters and his critics.

Last week’s town hall meeting on school safety was a prime example.

Held at J. P. Taravella High in northwest Broward, Runcie supporters were encouraged to pack the auditorium.

“Word spread in black churches, across neighborhoods and through social media: Come to a town hall meeting on security issues and make your support known for Robert Runcie. An email from a school district department head went out urging attendance and accusing Runcie’s detractors of using ‘vile language’ not seen ‘since desegregation orders were enforced,’” according to the Sun-Sentinel.