Haitian American women win historic school board seats across South Florida

Three Haitian American women won seats on public school boards in Broward, Miami-Dade, and Palm Beach counties in South Florida.

These victories mark the first time individuals from the Haitian American community have served on the school boards of these three major regions. Cynthia Alcéus Dominique won the District 7 seat in Broward County during an August primary.

Dominique is a registered nurse and educator who previously served as a volunteer and leader in various school advisory councils and the Parents and Teachers Association. She will represent an area including Coconut Creek and Pompano Beach. Christina Romélus won the District 4 seat in Palm Beach County during the November 3 elections. Romélus previously served as a city commissioner and vice mayor in Boynton Beach.

She is a nurse and professor of anatomy and physiology who also operates a government affairs consulting firm. Linda Cothière won the District 1 seat in Miami-Dade County in a November 3 runoff election. Cothière has taught in Miami-Dade Public Schools for more than 30 years. She will represent communities such as Miami Gardens and North Miami. These elections occurred as Broward County Public Schools managed a $90 million budget deficit and a decline in student enrollment.