School board member Debbi Hixon officially endorses Nicole Morst in the Broward County district 4 race ahead of the upcoming election
Coral Springs, Florida – Broward County’s District 4 School Board race is gaining momentum as endorsements continue to shape the contest ahead of the August election. The latest support comes from a well-known figure in local education and school governance, adding new weight to Nicole Morst’s campaign.
Debbi Hixon has officially endorsed Morst, joining a growing group of community leaders backing her bid for the seat. Hixon, who spent more than three decades working as a public school educator before entering elected office, currently serves on the Broward County School Board after being elected countywide in 2020 and re-elected in 2024.
In her endorsement, Hixon highlighted Morst’s active involvement in education issues and her hands-on approach to community concerns.
“I am proud to wholeheartedly endorse Nicole Morst for School Board,” Hixon said. “She doesn’t just speak about issues, she shows up, does the work, and stays engaged until solutions are found.”
Hixon also emphasized Morst’s consistency and her approach to problem-solving, pointing to what she described as a balance of “compassion and determination” when dealing with challenges in the school system. That combination, she suggested, makes Morst a strong fit for a role that often requires both policy knowledge and direct engagement with families and educators.
Morst, who is a parent and serves as chair of the North Area Advisory Council, has been active in community discussions across Broward County. Living in Coral Springs, she has worked closely with families and school stakeholders to bring local concerns into broader district conversations. Her campaign has centered on making sure those voices are not only heard but reflected in decision-making at the school board level.
Responding to the endorsement, Morst expressed appreciation for Hixon’s support and long career in education.
“I’m honored to have the support of School Board Member Debbi Hixon,” Morst said. “She has dedicated her life to public education and understands what it takes to lead with focus and integrity.”
Hixon’s endorsement adds to an expanding list of public officials and community leaders backing Morst. Her campaign has also received support from Jeff Holness, Coral Springs commissioners Joe McHugh and Josh Simmons, and Margate Vice Mayor Anthony Caggiano. In addition, Morst previously received the endorsement of the late Coral Springs Vice Mayor Nancy Metayer, whose support continues to be referenced in the campaign.
The District 4 race will be decided in the August election, where Morst faces challenger Sharry Kimmel. Kimmel brings a strong academic and professional background in education, holding a doctorate in Child, Youth, and Family Studies from Nova Southeastern University. She was named Broward County Teacher of the Year in 1996 for her work with gifted students at Pembroke Lakes Elementary School.
For more than two decades, Kimmel has worked as a professor of teacher education at Broward College, according to her campaign information. Her experience in higher education and classroom instruction forms the foundation of her candidacy.
Morst’s campaign platform focuses on several key issues affecting the district. These include improving school safety, supporting teachers in their daily work, strengthening communication between schools and families, and ensuring equitable distribution of resources across neighborhood schools. Her message has consistently centered on accessibility and responsiveness, particularly in addressing concerns raised by parents and educators.
As the election date approaches, both candidates are expected to continue engaging with voters across District 4, which includes a diverse mix of communities within Broward County. Local education policy, funding priorities, and student support services are likely to remain central topics throughout the campaign.
The Broward County School Board District 4 election is scheduled for Aug. 18, 2026, and is shaping up to be a closely watched race as voters prepare to choose who will help guide the future of public education in the region.
