Broward school district lays out proposals to close some schools, repurpose others
CORAL SPRINGS - Broward County Public Schools continued their public outreach to inform families about proposed school system changes.
Tuesday night there was a town meeting at Taravella High School.
The school district is considering changing grade level configuration, merging some schools, repurposing schools, and even closing schools to help deal with under-enrollment and money issues.
On Tuesday, new superintendent Dr. Howard Hepburn confirmed that three schools are likely to close.
The schools mentioned are Olsen Middle School in Dania Beach, Oakridge Elementary School in Hollywood, and Broward Estates Elementary School in Lauderhill.
CBS News Miami spoke to parents at Oakridge Elementary about a possible closure.
Parent Luke Bellot has sent three of his children there. His youngest is in kindergarten. He says he's concerned about a closure.
"When I started school, it went from K to 10th. It bothers me if he changes, it means he will have to make new friends," he says/
Twenty-seven other schools would go through changes that could include boundary changes, public-private partnerships, repurposing, and program and grade reconfigurations.
Another much more aggressive plan was discussed. It would involve shutting down 42 schools, only making seats available for students currently enrolled in Broward County.
"This initiative is more than just a conversation, it's a collective call to action. We are committed to working with our stakeholders through this process and it's important that we work together," said school board member Daniel Foganholi at a meeting Monday.
More meetings are planned this week.
On Wednesday, school board member Dr. Jeff Holness will host a town hall at Dillard High School.
Next week, on Monday May 6th, school board member Sarah Leonardi will be at Fort Lauderdale High School.
On the following Tuesday, board member Torey Alston will be at Charles Flanagan High School in Pembroke Pines
Wednesday of that week, Brenda Fam will be at Western High School in Davie and Thursday, board member Nora Rupert will be at Deerfield Beach High School.
After the town halls conclude, the discussion and information will be presented in front of the school board in May.
The district is set to make a final decision on what's next for students in June.