Broward school district officials hold first of 8 town halls to discuss potential options for several schools

Broward school district leaders held a town hall to hear from district members on foreseen options for several dozen schools Wednesday s meeting held in Miramar is the first of eight expected in the coming weeks to discuss the second phase of Redefining Our Schools which evaluates enrollment numbers academic programs and school guidance It s critical because we want to get feedback from our families and our communities revealed Dr Angela Fulton Deputy Superintendent of Broward County Residents Schools With enrollment numbers down across the county district executives revealed meetings like this one are key We just really want to make decisions that are going to be best for the greater good of Broward schools so we can provide better opportunities for all of our students commented Fulton The first meeting focused on a handful of schools including Fairway Elementary and Glades Middle Those schools as well as more than others need to be addressed But so far executives are only listening before making a decision There are no predetermined choices that we have at this time but there are a large number of options on the table explained Fulton Of curriculum the one option is possibly closing down chosen of our under-enrolled schools Selected other options are repurposing our schools bringing more programs into chosen of our schools changing certain of the programs Chosen of those students in the affected schools longed their voices heard They also joined the packed gym to provide their insight This is my sincere petition that every measure that can be taken to keep the doors open allowing further expansion of great minds of future leaders reported elementary school candidate Liam Mitchell Glades is a perfect school which has nothing that necessities to be shut down commented middle school participant Angelo Russo School functionaries know that their tough decision could impact families across the county These type of enrollment changes they aren t unique to Broward County revealed a parent at the meeting The district declared compared to last school year they ve lost nearly students resulting in a million funding decrease in funding It doesn t look like that enrollment is going to be recaptured in the near future which is why we need to make selected decisions right now for the students that we are serving explained Fulton Following these town hall meetings functionaries will hold a workshop and then will make a final decision before the end of the year Any changes are expected to take effect in the next school year For more information on the Redefining Our Schools Initiative click here