After a seven-hour debate, the Broward County School Board has finalized its list of 10 schools to be considered for closure.
Members’ discussion ranged from finances to data and community trust, ultimately adding a handful of additional school-merger options — including turning existing schools into K-8 and junior high schools — for families to consider.
School Board officials also debated how long they would wait to finalize the closures, eventually returning to district staff’s original proposal and scheduling a vote for mid-December.
They did, however, agree to increase the number of regional meetings about the closure and merger options.
Superintendent Howard Hepburn said that the current timeline — with a decision finalized by winter break — allows families to utilize school choice.
Board members debate timeline, number of schools to consider closing
Allen Zeman proposed closing 26 schools next year, then pausing the restructuring process to allow schools to adjust and recruit new students…