- The Broward schools superintendent has recommended closing seven schools in a new memo amid budget constraints.
- Students from several elementary and middle schools will be reorganized to different facilities under the plan.
- The school board will convene in January to make a final decision on these recommendations.
Background of Broward School District’s Financial Strain
Recently, the Broward County Public Schools (BCPS) have faced significant financial challenges. Dr. Howard Hepburn, the superintendent, outlined in his latest memo that the district has experienced a loss of 9,000 students over the past year and is grappling with a nearly $95 million budget shortfall.
Superintendent’s Recommendations for School Closures
In response to these financial pressures, Dr. Hepburn proposed closing seven schools starting next school year. The memo specifies detailed changes in student allocations across various elementary and middle schools.
For instance:
- Sunshine Elementary in Miramar would close, with its students moving to Fairway Elementary.
- Panther Run Elementary in Pembroke Pines will be consolidated into Chapel Trail Elementary.
- Blair Middle School in Sunrise is set to reassign students to Westpine Middle School.
- Seagull Alternative High School in Fort Lauderdale would transfer its students to the Whiddon Rogers Education Center.
- Palm Cove Elementary in Pembroke Pines will also close, with its students moving to Pine Lakes Elementary.
- The Plantation Middle School is slated for closure; students would be transferred to Plantation High School, which would then function as a combined 6-12 grade facility.
- The North Fork Elementary School will also close, with its students being divided among Walker Elementary or four other schools.
This plan is part of the broader strategy to “right-size” facilities and optimize spending on educational resources. Dr. Allen Zeman, a member of the Broward School Board, emphasized that these changes are essential for maintaining the district’s financial stability while ensuring quality education for students.
Community Reactions and Future Plans
Zeman also highlighted upcoming developments in the school infrastructure, including new facilities set to open next year. For instance, a new K-8 school is expected to open in Pembroke Pines, leading to the closure of two underutilized elementary schools later this decade—specifically by 2027 or 2028.
“It may be a mile or two farther, but it’ll have better education going on. It’ll have more programs going on.
It’ll be operated in a way that allows their students to do more, different things, activities, and sports,” Zeman stated. “So at the end of the day, even though it may be inconvenient to go to a different school, your student is gonna be going to a better school if you’re directly affected by these closures today.”
The Broward School Board will hold a meeting in January to formally vote on Superintendent Hepburn’s recommendations. This decision will have significant implications for the community and families who rely on these schools.