Broward County School Board members met Tuesday to discuss the next phase of the district’s Redefining Schools initiative, a sweeping plan that could see several schools across the county closed or repurposed in response to declining enrollment and reduced state funding.
So far, 34 schools have been identified for review, with at least six elementary and middle schools potentially slated for closure by the 2026–27 school year. Superintendent Dr. Howard Hepburn told board members that the district has lost nearly 10,000 students since last year, resulting in a $90 million drop in funding.
“We can no longer afford to fund empty, or have empty schools,” Hepburn said. “We must fund students and the quality of their educational experiences. Every dollar should strengthen instruction, expand programs, and enhance the learning environments where our students thrive.”
Under the current proposal, the schools most likely to close include Bair Middle in Sunrise, North Fork Elementary in Fort Lauderdale, and Plantation Middle, which would merge with Plantation High to form a 6–12 public safety magnet school. In Miramar, either Fairway Elementary or Sunshine Elementary could be consolidated, while Glades Middle may be repurposed as a branch campus of Sheridan Technical College. The board is also weighing whether to close either Palm Cove Elementary or Pines Lakes Elementary in Pembroke Pines.
Most members supported the plan to close six of seven recommended schools. The only major proposal that did not advance was to shut down Forest Glen Middle in Coral Springs. Board member Lori Alhadeff, who represents the district, objected, noting that 19 other middle schools are more under-enrolled. “I think that it’s ridiculous that we would even be thinking about potentially closing Forest Glen Middle School when compared to the other middle schools within the district,” she said.
Parents and teachers voiced strong opposition during the meeting, especially over plans to close Glades Middle School. “This is a school, not to close or repurpose, but to invest in,” said teacher Christine McMahon Nebe. Parent Cindy Kim, whose child attends Glades Middle, said the proposal “devastated” her family. “Glades is a longstanding school,” she added.
Critics argue that the closures could push families toward charter schools and deepen enrollment losses. “Forcing those students back or dispersing our students amongst elementary schools will not strengthen Broward schools,” Nebe warned.
District leaders estimate that closing one elementary school could save $1.8 million, while shutting down a middle school could save $2.7 million and a high school $4.3 million.
The board also expressed willingness to sell or lease the K.C. Wright administrative headquarters in downtown Fort Lauderdale and relocate operations to unused school buildings. Additionally, proposals are being considered to redesign Hallandale Beach High to mirror Pompano Beach High’s four-day academic model and to use portions of certain campuses for community purposes in Dania Beach, Hollywood, Pembroke Park, and Sunrise.
Broward County, home to thousands of Caribbean families, could see significant community impacts if the closures are approved. Three regional town halls are scheduled before final recommendations are made: Oct. 27 at Coral Springs High (north), Nov. 6 at Dillard High (central), and Nov. 13 at Miramar High (south).
“We don’t take closing schools or talking about consolidation lightly,” Hepburn said. “We want to ensure that no matter what school our students attend in the future, it’s going to provide the best opportunity for them to learn and exceed their potential.”
The final decision could be made early next year, with changes taking effect as soon as fall 2026.
