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

Broward school district officers held a town hall to hear from group members on prospective 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 support It s critical because we want to get feedback from our families and our communities revealed Dr Angela Fulton Deputy Superintendent of Broward County Citizens Schools With enrollment numbers down across the county district administrators explained meetings like this one are central 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 stated 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 bureaucrats are only listening before making a decision There are no predetermined choices that we have at this time but there are multiple options on the table announced Fulton Of module the one option is possibly closing down certain of our under-enrolled schools Particular other options are repurposing our schools bringing more programs into particular of our schools changing various of the programs A few of those students in the affected schools craved 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 maturation of great minds of future leaders explained elementary school learner Liam Mitchell Glades is a perfect school which has nothing that necessities to be shut down announced middle school participant Angelo Russo School officers know that their tough decision could impact families across the county These type of enrollment changes they aren t unique to Broward County reported 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 specific decisions right now for the students that we are serving revealed Fulton Following these town hall meetings officers 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