Broward County Public Schools is considering reducing up to 1,000 positions through attrition and targeted layoffs as officials confront an estimated US$80 million budget shortfall and continued declines in student enrollment.
The move comes weeks after the school board voted to close six schools in an effort to cut costs and align operations with falling enrollment. District projections indicate that Broward could lose an additional 9,000 students in the coming year, further reducing funding tied to student numbers.
Superintendent Howard Hepburn said staffing levels have not decreased at the same rate as enrollment, creating financial strain for the district.
“We have not right-sized our actual staffing footprint like we’ve done in the past two years with our facilities footprints,” he said.
Hepburn said the district has already imposed a hiring freeze, with vacancies being filled only for critical safety or special circumstances. Officials are aiming to reduce staffing primarily through natural attrition, such as retirements and resignations, before moving to layoffs if necessary.
“We have to make some difficult decisions,” Hepburn said. “Right now our goal is to reduce personnel by 1,000 positions through attrition first, followed by targeted layoffs and non-renewals.”
He added that any layoffs would begin at the administrative level and not include classroom teachers.
“Teachers won’t be included in that,” he said. “They’re already impacted by a fluctuation in student enrollment just at their schools.”
School board member Lori Alhadeff stressed the need for careful evaluation as the district explores cost-cutting options.
“We need to understand what our options are. We can’t just be loosey-goosey about this,” she said.
During a Tuesday meeting, district officials presented projections showing continued financial challenges, including a possible additional shortfall of nearly $90 million next year if enrollment continues to decline.
Board member Adam Cervera warned that the district’s projected fund balances should raise alarm.
“When you look at these numbers in the projected fund balance analysis in the presentation, it should scare the heck out of you. If it doesn’t, maybe you need to get your eyes checked,” he said.
Officials noted that declining enrollment has been a persistent issue for Broward and other large school districts nationwide, leading to reduced funding and difficult budget decisions. The recent closure of six schools was part of a broader cost-saving strategy aimed at consolidating resources.
The district is also exploring potential new revenue streams, including renting out space at its headquarters, though no final decisions have been made.
“We remain committed to high-quality instruction, safety, transparency and also responsible budgeting as we move forward with the difficult challenges that are right here in front of us,” Hepburn said.
The school board is expected to reconvene in the coming weeks for further budget discussions.
