Broward Schools Lose 8,000 Students as Parents Seek Alternatives

Broward County Public Schools is facing a sharp decline of over 8,000 students this school year, translating to an estimated $80 million loss in state funding. Despite the district earning a second consecutive “A” rating, parents are opting for other education options.

Superintendent Dr. Howard Hepburn attributes the drop to various factors, including affordability, school choice, state vouchers for private education, and families leaving the area altogether. A district-commissioned survey found that parents who chose private or charter schools cited teacher quality, smaller class sizes, and better college and career readiness programs.

Hepburn defended the district’s offerings, which include AP, IB, AICE, dual enrollment, and workforce certification courses. Security also remains a concern, prompting the district to issue panic buttons to all staff this year.

Still, the survey found 72% of parents rated the district’s education quality as good or excellent, and 74% reported being somewhat or completely satisfied. The problem, Hepburn says, is messaging: “We need to get our message out.”

To do so, Broward is launching a targeted marketing campaign, but closures of under-enrolled schools are likely on the horizon as the district grapples with the funding shortfall.