Broward County Leader Lori Parrish Endorses Dr. Sharry Kimmel for School Board

Parrish's decades of experience in education and fiscal oversight align with Kimmel's campaign values

Mar. 21, 2026 at 8:03pm

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Lori Parrish, a longtime Broward County public servant who has held positions on the School Board and County Commission, has formally endorsed Dr. Sharry Kimmel for the Broward County School Board District 4 seat. Parrish cited Kimmel's experience as an educator and commitment to accountability, transparency, and supporting public schools as key reasons for the endorsement.

Why it matters

Parrish's endorsement carries significant weight, as she is a respected and influential figure in Broward County politics with a long history of championing education and fiscal responsibility. Her support for Kimmel lends credibility to Kimmel's campaign and could sway voters who value Parrish's track record of public service.

The details

Parrish served on the Broward County School Board for over a decade, including stints as Vice Chair and Chair. She then went on to serve on the County Commission for 12 years, during which time she was recognized for her focus on fiscal restraint, environmental protection, and supporting victims of domestic violence. Parrish was also inducted into the Broward County Women's Hall of Fame in 1997 for her efforts to expand opportunities for women and minorities.

  • Parrish was first elected to the Broward County School Board in 1984.
  • Parrish served as School Board Chair at various points during her tenure.
  • Parrish was elected to the Broward County Commission in 1992 and served until 2004.
  • Parrish was elected Broward County Property Appraiser in 2004, winning with 61% of the vote.
  • Parrish's endorsement of Dr. Sharry Kimmel for the Broward County School Board District 4 seat came in 2026.

The players

Lori Parrish

A longtime Broward County public servant who has held positions on the School Board and County Commission, and was inducted into the Broward County Women's Hall of Fame in 1997.

Dr. Sharry Kimmel

A 30-year education veteran and former Broward County Teacher of the Year who currently serves as a professor of teacher education at Broward College and holds a Doctorate from Nova Southeastern University.

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What they’re saying

“Dr. Sharry Kimmel is exactly the kind of leader our School Board needs. She has spent her career in the classroom and understands what teachers and students need to succeed. Sharry is the real deal—she has the experience, the expertise, and the commitment to make a real difference for Broward County families.”

— Lori Parrish, Former Broward County Commissioner and School Board Chair

“Lori Parrish is a Broward County institution. She began her public service on the School Board, and her endorsement means the world to me. Her decades of experience in education and fiscal oversight reflect the same values I bring to this race—accountability, transparency, and an unwavering commitment to our public schools.”

— Dr. Sharry Kimmel, Candidate for Broward County School Board District 4

What’s next

Voters in Broward County School Board District 4, which includes Coral Springs, Parkland, Tamarac, Coconut Creek, and portions of Margate and North Lauderdale, will decide the seat on August 18, 2026.

The takeaway

Lori Parrish's endorsement of Dr. Sharry Kimmel for the Broward County School Board highlights the importance of experienced, values-driven leadership in education. Kimmel's campaign is bolstered by Parrish's decades of public service and commitment to fiscal responsibility, transparency, and supporting teachers and students.