Group Calls For Broward Superintendent Runcie's Ouster, Collects 7,000 Signatures
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FORT LAUDERDALE (CBSMiami) - The group Concerned Citizens of Broward County' presented a petition to the Broward County School Board with thousands of signatures requesting the removal of School Superintendent Robert Runcie.
"Leading up to February 14th is so well documented. We have a violent offender that was able to just walk into a Broward County campus and start shooting," Petition Organizer John Daly said.
According to the group's Facebook page, they have collected more than 7,000 signatures calling for Runcie's removal. The group formed not long after the Parkland shooting.
"To be honest, it's going to irk a lot of people to see him standing at memorials," Daly said.
The superintendent has received harsh criticism in the aftermath of the February 14 deadly shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School.
Some community members and victim's family members say he did not do enough before and after the Parkland shooting to keep the children safe. They say he needs to be replaced.
A handful of protesters showed up for Tuesday's School Board meeting.
"Nothing has changed since then to protect our kids but in other counties in the state of Florida, they are taking precautions to protect the kids. So we're here to make sure that he either steps down, or resigns, or that he takes the necessary precautions," said Janet Klomburg.
After the Parkland shooting, Runcie announced a number of changes and equipment upgrades to enhance school safety. He said he's making progress in implementing the changes.
The Marjory Stoneman Douglas Safety Commission noted in the draft of their final report that Runcie needs more of a 'sense of urgency' to get the changes done.
School board members and Runcie didn't provide a response during the meeting.
However, Runcie released a statement earlier in the day.
It stated in part:
"I renew my resolve and take steps to make every school in our district safer and more secure than it was the day before."
The superintendent went on to say:
"The community needs stability in School District leadership, increased resources and support. That is what our School Board Members, our entire District and I are focused on providing."
The district hasn't said if it will discuss the superintendent's contract at a future meeting.
Daly told CBS4, if no action happens, he will go to state lawmakers and the governor to ask them to take action against the school board members, since they are elected officials and not appointed, like Runcie.