Superintendent: Broward graduation rate rises to 91.4%; board hears ongoing facility and scoreboard shortfalls

Superintendent Howard Hepburn told the board that Broward County Public Schools’ federal graduation rate climbed to 91.4 percent for the most recent school year, a 2.4‑point increase from the prior year.

"Broward County Public Schools federal graduation rate is 91.4 percent," Hepburn said, noting gains across multiple student groups and highlighting schools that reached 100 percent graduation.

The meeting’s committee reports emphasized older, recurring facility problems: intercom/PA reliability, perimeter fencing and athletic facilities. Several board members noted longstanding scoreboard issues and asked facilities staff for exact timelines and budgets. Chief operating officer Mark Doriset said the board previously approved significant funds for scoreboard repairs and that work is underway; he promised a follow‑up with a schedule and completion timeline.

Library and media services also showed gaps: the report flagged that more than half of some school collections have publication dates older than 15 years and that media‑specialist coverage is uneven. Academic staff said principals have unspent local funds and that district media specialists are supporting schools while hiring restrictions remain in place.

Board members asked staff to return with explicit timetables and cost estimates for scoreboard repairs, turf field rollouts and other facility investments, and requested that facilities task‑force members be looped into RFQ and master plan work. The district agreed to provide follow‑up materials.