School board advances ‘redefining our schools’ process, sets regional meetings and studies consolidations and new programs

Superintendent Dr. Hepburn told the School Board of Broward County on Oct. 7 that the district must “no longer afford to fund empty or half‑empty schools” and asked for board guidance on a second phase of the district’s “redefining our schools” work.

The board directed staff to proceed with three regional public meetings (North at Coral Springs High, Central at Dillard High and South at Miramar High), confirmed a boundary‑committee review and adjusted the schedule leading to superintendent recommendations later this year and board action in December/January. The workshops will focus on proposals to consolidate or repurpose underused schools and to launch new program models designed to attract students.

Why it matters: Broward faces years of declining enrollment and rising upkeep costs for underused campuses. Staff presented facility‑condition data, enrollment maps and program ideas aimed at concentrating students in fewer, better‑resourced buildings and expanding career and magnet programming. The district wants public feedback before final boundary or closure recommendations.

Most prominent options staff put forward and the board’s direction: - Glades Middle School: staff suggested studying repurposing Glades as a branch campus for Sheridan Technical College to expand workforce training in Western Broward; that option would require shifting middle‑grade students into other local schools or expanded K–8 configurations. Board members asked for further study and community input rather than an immediate vote. - Hallandale High School: staff proposed a full redesign to a specialized magnet model similar in concept to Pompano Beach High School (a revamped schedule and career‑focused pathways). Several board members said they would support a Hallandale redesign if the district commits funding to upgrade facilities. - Plantation Middle/High and Bear/West Pine: staff proposed combining Plantation Middle and Plantation High into a 6–12 campus, with the Plantation city government exploring public‑safety career pathways; Bear Middle and West Pine Middle were proposed for consolidation to increase utilization and free a campus for district or municipal uses. - Seagull/Whitten Rogers alternative high schools: staff proposed consolidating Seagull into Whitten Rogers and repurposing the Seagull site. Fort Lauderdale Fire Rescue leaders told the board the Seagull location could host a regional public‑safety training facility that cities and first responders would use. - Coral Springs/Forest Glen debate: community members urged keeping Forest Glen open and expanding its magnet offerings; some board members signaled they want to prioritize programmatic solutions rather than closure and asked for more enrollment and facilities data.

Board direction: members repeatedly said program quality, marketing and clear communication must accompany any physical changes. Several members asked staff to return cost and enrollment projections tied to each proposal, and to estimate potential savings or revenue from leasing or selling buildings before the board takes final action.

What’s next: staff will hold the three regional meetings, present additional analyses to the boundary committee on Nov. 18, and return timeline updates and more detailed financial and enrollment projections at future workshops. The board invited municipal partners and community organizations to submit alternative proposals for underused sites.

“Every dollar should strengthen instruction, expand programs, and enhance the learning environments where our students thrive,” Superintendent Dr. Hepburn said at the workshop.

The board did not adopt final closures or boundary changes on Oct. 7; members instructed staff to gather more community input and follow‑up data before formal votes.