Broward County Public Schools will no longer move most high school graduations to gymnasiums, following strong feedback from students, parents, and school board members.
Earlier plans had called for the Class of 2026 to hold ceremonies at district-owned gyms — including Dillard, Pompano Beach, and Blanche Ely High Schools — as a cost-saving measure. Superintendent Dr. Howard Hepburn said the move could save at least $500,000.
But students and families argued that high school gyms were a downgrade from larger venues such as Hard Rock Live, NSU’s Rick Case Arena, or the Broward Center for the Performing Arts.
After extensive discussion at the Jan. 21 School Board meeting, the district confirmed that funding has been secured to allow each school to hold its commencement ceremony in the same venue, or a comparable venue, as in 2025. Each graduate will be guaranteed a minimum of four guest tickets, and to ensure reliable, high-quality livestreaming for all families, graduations will be limited to five locations.
According to a memorandum to the School Board, staff had initially moved forward with the gym plan based on guidance from the October 21, 2025, School Board Workshop. However, after hearing feedback from the board and the community, the district will publish a revised graduation schedule next week.
“Staff will continue to collaborate with schools and engage the community as we plan for graduation venues in future years,” the memorandum states. “We look forward to celebrating the accomplishments of the Class of 2026 and ensuring this milestone remains a meaningful and memorable experience for our students and their families.”
The reversal marks a win for students and parents who advocated for the continuation of larger, more traditional venues for graduation ceremonies, ensuring that the Class of 2026 can celebrate this milestone in a setting comparable to prior years.
