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Debra Hixon is a 35-year Nationally Certified teacher in Broward County, having worked at both Blanche Ely High School and South Broward High School. Born and raised in Hollywood, she has been an active and involved member of the Broward County community for over fifty years, as a student, teacher, and parent. Debra is the mother of two sons, both of whom attended Broward County Public Schools, and she is the widow of Chris Hixon, the Athletic Director at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School who tragically lost his life on February 14, 2018 while trying to disarm the shooter.  

Debra’s career in education began in 1989 as a science teacher and swim coach at Blanche Ely High School. In 1994, she transferred to South Broward High School, where she continued to teach and served as the swim coach for 15 years and as the water polo coach. At South Broward, she sponsored numerous clubs, including Girls Get IT, Shark Club, ROV, and Interact.  She was the Harvest Drive organizer for South Broward for 10 years. Additionally, Debra has held several peer leadership roles, including workshop facilitator, NESS coach, Marzano facilitator, AICE assessor, head of the CTE Department, as well as a member of the Faculty Council. She was an appointee on the Parent and Community Involvement Task Force for Broward County Schools and served on the Marine Industries Education Committee. Most recently, Debra served as South Broward’s Maritime/Marine Science & Technology Magnet Coordinator. She has been recognized in the District with a variety of awards. In 2010, she was selected by her peers as Teacher of the Year at South Broward High School, and in 2018 was selected as the Environmental Educator of the Year for Broward County.  Debra was elected as a Countywide School Board Member in November of 2020.

Currently, Debra serves on a variety of community and business organizational committees as a representative of the School Board of Broward County. Debra holds leadership positions as the chair of the BCPS Wellness Committee and co-chair of Special Needs Advisory Council with Children’s Services Council. She is also a board member of Performing Arts Center Authority, Museum of Discovery & Science Museum, Climate Change Task Force, Broward Behavioral Health Coalition, Broward Housing Council, Interlocal Planning Oversight Committee, and the Broward Education Foundation. 

Debra currently holds various leadership roles in community groups committed to supporting students and making our schools and community safe, including serving as President of the Chris Hixon Athletic Scholarship dedicated to the memory of her husband. She serves on the board of Stand With Parkland, the National Association of Families for Safe Schools. Debra serves on the scholarship committee for the Orange Bowl and Hollywood Lion’s Club. She is also a member of the Hollywood Lion’s Club as well as the Hollywood Rotary Club.

Passionate about Broward County’s schools, its students, its teachers, and its staff, Debra is dedicated to providing students with educational excellence that will allow them to not only advance but also enhance their skills and ensure that every student is prepared for their path after they leave our school system. 

This board member’s biography was taken from the Broward County School District website.