Broward School Board Votes to Close Six Schools Amid Sharp Enrollment Decline

The Broward County School Board voted Wednesday to close and consolidate six public schools as part of an effort to address declining enrollment and mounting financial strain across the district.

Superintendent Dr. Howard Hepburn said Broward schools have lost more than 40,000 students over the past decade, leaving over 50,000 empty seats and costing the district more than $30 million in lost revenue. Closing the six schools is expected to save approximately $8 million annually.

“These are tough decisions, but they’re necessary to ensure the district is sustainable for the future,” Hepburn said.

The schools slated for closure are:

• Sunshine Elementary

• Palm Cove Elementary

• Panther Run Elementary

• North Fork Elementary

• Plantation Middle School

• Seagull Alternative High School

Bair Middle School was also considered for closure, but an eleventh-hour push by students, alumni, and parents persuaded board members to keep it open.

Student advocate Mikyle Sukoo addressed the board, saying, “We must protect the schools that shape our children’s futures. Bair shaped mine.”

Under the approved plan, students from the closing schools will be consolidated into nearby campuses. Plantation Middle School students will transition into Plantation High School, which will be reconfigured as a grades 6–12 campus. Seagull Alternative High School will merge into the Whiddon-Rogers Education Center.

District officials said the closed campuses will remain available for other district uses. Planning meetings to guide families through the transition process begin Thursday.

“We want to be transparent and supportive so families understand their options and feel confident in their next steps,” said Dr. Valerie Wanza.