Broward County Public Schools officials began a series of community meetings Wednesday night to discuss the future of dozens of schools facing declining enrollment and shrinking resources.
The town hall at a Miramar school gym was the first of eight scheduled as part of the district’s “Redefining Our Schools” initiative, which evaluates enrollment trends, academic programs, and how resources are allocated.
“It’s critical, because we want to get feedback from our families and our communities,” said Dr. Angela Fulton, Deputy Superintendent of Broward County Public Schools.
Enrollment across the district has dropped by nearly 10,000 students compared to last year, resulting in a $90 million funding decrease. Officials say the trend is unlikely to reverse soon, and tough choices may need to be made.
“There are no predetermined choices that we have at this time, but there are many options on the table,” Fulton said. “Of course, the one option is possibly closing down some of our under-enrolled schools. Some other options are repurposing our schools, bringing more programs into some of our schools, [or] changing some of the programs.”
The first meeting focused on schools including Fairway Elementary and Glades Middle, but more than 30 others are under review. Students from the impacted campuses also spoke out.
“This is my sincere petition: that every measure that can be taken to keep the doors open, allowing further development of great minds, of future leaders,” said elementary student Liam Mitchell.
“Glades is a perfect school, which has nothing that needs to be shut down,” added middle schooler Angelo Russo.
Parents at the meeting acknowledged the challenges the district is facing but urged officials to weigh the impact carefully. “These type of enrollment changes, they aren’t unique to Broward County,” one parent noted.
District leaders say that after the town halls conclude, they will hold a workshop before making final recommendations by year’s end. Any changes would take effect at the start of the next school year.
