Broward County Public Schools is asking for community feedback on the potential closure of several schools.
Currently, 10 schools in the Florida district are being considered for closure as part of the 2026-2027 "Redefining our Schools" initiative, according to a presentation shared during an Aug. 25 school board workshop, though the idea of possibly adding another 10 was floated during the meeting.
According to the district's website, a series of meetings discussing the schools are scheduled throughout Sept., with "parents, students, employees and community members" invited to attend to have "conversations about the future of schools" throughout the district.
The Broward County School Board previously voted to close and consolidate six schools
in January of this year.
The schools suggested for closure and/or consolidation are as follows, according to the presentation contained in the Aug. 25 agenda:
- Banyan Elementary, with students assigned to Discovery Elementary and Village Elementary.
- Coral Springs Elementary, with students assigned to Eagle Ridge Elementary and Parkside Elementary.
- Silver Lakes Elementary, with students assigned to Glades K-8.
- Dolphin Bay Elementary, with students assigned to Glades K-8.
- Sunset Lakes Elementary would be reconfigured as a K-8 school, but is not currently marked for closure.
- Hollywood Park Elementary, with students assigned to Boulevard Heights Elementary and West Hollywood Elementary.
- Lloyd Estates Elementary, with students assigned to Cypress Elementary and Oakland Park Elementary.
- Oakridge Elementary, with students assigned to Dania Elementary and Colbert Elementary.
- Forest Glen Middle into Coral Park Elementary, Forest Hills Elementary, James S. Hunt Elementary, Park Springs Elementary and Coral Springs High.
- Walter C. Young Middle School, with students assigned to Pines 6-12 and Silver Trail Middle School or Charles W. Flanagan High.
- William E. Dandy Middle School, with students assigned to Parkway Middle.
Compared to 2025, the Broward County school district began the year with around 13,475 fewer students, counting enrollment at charter schools, which represents a decrease of 5.6%, according to an Aug. 10 memo from the Office of the Superintendent.
Over the past few years, Superintendent Howard Hepburn said the district has seen a further decrease in enrollment around December, January and February, "where families are coming and going," during an Aug. 10 press conference.
"Following that trend, we may see another dip in the spring as well," Hepburn said.
Florida public schools have seen drops in student enrollment
The five largest school districts in Florida by enrollment, including Miami-Dade and Broward, have collectively lost about 67,000 non-charter students from the 2023-2024 school year through the 2025-2026 school year.
That’s according to figures compiled by the Lee County school district, provided in May as part of a discussion surrounding its “budget realignment.” The numbers are as of February 2026, and refer to total membership for grades from PreK-12.
From 2023-2024 to 2024-2025, Miami-Dade Public Schools lost 6,947 non-charter students and gained 1,331 charter students. From 2024-2025 to 2025-2026, the district lost 15,288 non-charter students and gained 428 charter students. In February, the district had 232,617 non-charter students enrolled for the 2025-2026 year, along with 86,802 charter students.
School vouchers, immigration enforcement blamed for student attendance drops
It’s a dip that WLRN previously reported has been frequently attributed to Florida’s expanded voucher program, which allowed for the rapid growth of charter and private schools. Miami-Dade County officials, however, said the drop is partially due to fewer immigrant families moving to South Florida.
In Broward, meanwhile, the district lost 9,512 non-charter students from 2023-2024 to 2024-2025 and gained 68 charter school students. From 2024-2025 to 2025-2026, the district lost 6,955 non-charter students and 1,328 charter students. The district had 185,864 non-charter students enrolled at the start of the 2025-2026 year, as well as 48,460 charter students.
Collectively, the Broward and Miami-Dade school districts lost 38,702 non-charter students from 2023-2024 through 2025-2026.
Sarah Perkel is a South Florida Connect Reporter for the USA TODAY Network's Florida Connect team. You can get all of Florida’s best content directly in your inbox each weekday day by signing up for the free newsletter, Florida TODAY.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Florida district weighs closing 10 schools, seeks feedback
