Broward County School Board Workshop Meeting
Clarity on “Redefining Schools” Process
Tuesday’s Broward County School Board workshop meeting produced more clarity on the direction of the district’s “Redefining Schools” process. The district’s School Boundary Committee recommended converting some schools to the K-8 model and the 6-12 model, and some other changes to deal with declining enrollment.
School Closures
The community was initially expecting more drastic changes, including the closure of five schools. However, it appears that only one school, Broward Estates Elementary, is on the endangered list. The school has the lowest enrollment in the district and would be converted into an early childhood learning center, with its current students attending Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Elementary School.
Community Feedback
The community has been vocal about its desire for early education services, with a waiting list of 4,000 families in the area. Board member Dr. Jeff Holness described the change as a “winner all around,” and Superintendent Dr. Howard Hepburn believes the community will be happy with the outcome.
Boundary Committee Recommendations
The boundary committee recommended the following changes:
* Hollywood Central, Coral Cove, and Coconut Creek elementary schools be converted to K-8 schools
* Pines Middle School would be a 6-12 academy
* Combining Silver Lakes and Silver Shores elementary schools
* Part of Silver Shores would be moved to Silver Palms Elementary School
Goal: Reverse Declining Enrollment
The goal of these changes is to reverse declining enrollment and provide more options for parents. Deputy Superintendent Dr. Valerie Wanza explained that the district is providing “other options in the district for parents to choose because they don’t have that option here and they’re seeking it elsewhere.”
Challenges Ahead
Board member Dr. Allen Zeman suggested that the district should be looking to close at least 40 schools to consolidate resources and money. He emphasized that the district still has not lived up to its challenge of serving 197,000 students, despite previously having 250,000 students.
Superintendent’s Recommendations
Superintendent Hepburn will release his recommendations on Wednesday, which will be “very similar” to the proposal discussed at Tuesday’s workshop meeting. The school board will vote on the proposal in January.
Conclusion
The Broward County School Board workshop meeting provided clarity on the direction of the district’s “Redefining Schools” process. While the changes may not be as drastic as initially expected, the community appears to be pleased with the outcome. The district will continue to work towards reversing declining enrollment and providing more options for parents.
FAQs
Q: What is the goal of the “Redefining Schools” process?
A: The goal is to reverse declining enrollment and provide more options for parents.
Q: Which school is on the endangered list?
A: Broward Estates Elementary School, which has the lowest enrollment in the district.
Q: What will happen to Broward Estates Elementary School?
A: The school will be converted into an early childhood learning center, with its current students attending Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Elementary School.
Q: When will the school board vote on the proposal?
A: The school board will vote on the proposal in January.
Q: What is the superintendent’s plan for the proposal?
A: The superintendent will release his recommendations on Wednesday, which will be “very similar” to the proposal discussed at Tuesday’s workshop meeting.
