Broward County Public Schools is confronting a major financial crisis as student enrollment drops and federal pandemic relief funds dry up. Officials project a $76 million budget shortfall ahead of the next school year, with 8,000 fewer students expected to enroll.
“This is a defining moment—every dollar counts,” said board member Rebecca Thompson. Over the past decade, enrollment has declined by 17%, but the district’s operating costs have not followed suit, noted board member Dr. Allen Zeman.
To address the deficit, the school board approved a reorganization plan that will save $7 million, primarily by not filling vacant positions, such as 104 unfilled security monitor roles. No layoffs are planned—yet.
Superintendent Dr. Howard Hepburn warned tougher decisions lie ahead, including the consolidation and closure of underenrolled schools. “We have too many schools, and students would benefit more from better-resourced, consolidated campuses,” he said.
The district’s goal is to cut $100 million without harming classroom instruction. Simply reducing overtime could save up to $50 million, Hepburn noted.
Board members also pointed to systemic underfunding by the state as a major hurdle. “Florida ranks 45th nationally in education funding,” said Thompson. Board Chair Debbi Hixon added, “We receive about $9,000 per student, compared to the national average of $16,000 to $20,000.”
With the state legislature possibly making further cuts, the district will begin community consultations next month on school closures, as it works to stabilize its budget.
