Two elementary schools in Hollywood could close at the end of this school year.
Why it matters: Students at Hollywood Park Elementary and Oakridge Elementary would move to neighboring schools next year.
State of play: As Broward Schools’ enrollment continues to decline, the school district closed six schools this school year and may close 10 more next year.
- A little over 180,000 students are enrolled this school year — a 6% decrease from last year, according to data for the first day of school.
- During the 2022-2023 school year, there were more than 205,000 students enrolled.
- Superintendent Howard Hepburn previously told Axios that Broward’s high cost of living, recent immigration policies and school choice have contributed to the decline in enrollment.
Zoom in: On Tuesday, the school board is hosting a workshop to discuss Hepburn’s proposal to close 10 more schools in Coral Springs, Sunrise, Oakland Park, Hollywood, Fort Lauderdale, Pembroke Pines and Lauderhill.
- Oakridge students would either go to Dania Elementary or Colbert Elementary
- Hollywood Park students would move to Boulevard Heights Elementary and West Hollywood Elementary.
- There are 194 and 243 empty seats at Hollywood Park and Oakridge, respectively.
What they’re saying: Hollywood Park teacher Jenna Miller, who has worked for Broward Schools for 32 years, called the proposed closure “heartbreaking” in written comments to the school district.
- “Our campus is in excellent condition, has updated facilities, and is operating at approximately 80% capacity,” she wrote.
- “We also serve students with significant disabilities whose classrooms require specialized equipment, adaptive resources and additional space.”
What’s next: The school board will vote on the potential closures in December…