Our schools are more than just buildings. They are where our kids experience a love of learning, form their first inside jokes, and make their best friends. It’s where teachers walk into their first classroom, nervous but excited to shape lives. Schools are where our communities come together for meet and greets, reading under the stars, and watching children grow into future leaders.
Broward County Public Schools — the second largest district in Florida and sixth largest in the nation — has educated millions of students and employed thousands of our neighbors over the years. Even with current enrollment declines, the vast majority of students living in Broward attend our schools. We can and will continue educating with excellence while serving as one of the county’s top employers. But the truth is, our district must adapt to a new reality.
Rebecca Thompson is a Broward County School Board member. (courtesy, Rebecca Thompson)
Broward Schools can no longer maintain its current footprint. This year alone, we have lost almost 10,000 students. Every empty seat means less funding that we desperately need to maintain our facilities, give our teachers and school staff a much deserved raise, and provide our students with A-rated programs and educational experiences.
The time to act is now. Prior to coming to the community to discuss school buildings, the School Board, the superintendent and staff have been preparing to sell off land and district buildings and are also reviewing contracts to make sure that our limited funds are being spent wisely. Now, we have to make difficult decisions to adjust the number of schools we have to match the student population. This means looking at closing schools. While it would be easy to say, “not my school,” and focus on a building instead of the potential of what could be, that would not be what is best for our students, families or communities. By consolidating schools, we can pool resources to fund teachers and programs rather than pouring money into half-empty facilities.
And with available space, we can bring in new opportunities: a technical school in the west, a center for students with autism, partnerships with municipalities for emergency management or first responder training, or land repurposed for affordable housing. Expanding K-8 models, gifted academies and dual-language programs will also meet long-standing community demands.
At a recent town hall on redefining our schools, a parent said families feel like they’re “begging for scraps.” I believe deeply in public education, and I couldn’t agree more. The fact is, 89% of Florida families are choosing public education — whether that be their neighborhood school or a school within the their school district. They deserve real investment, not attacks and budget cuts, and that starts at the state level. As this legislative session begins, please contact your representatives: Demand full funding for public schools, accountability for all schools that take tax dollars, and an end to policies that undermine education.
In the meantime, please stay engaged in the redefining process. redefining our schools is on the School Board agenda for Tuesday, Oct. 7 at 12 p.m. Join us in person, submit public comment online, or email the Board at schoolboard@browardschools.com. Together, we can navigate these hard choices and build a stronger future for Broward students.
Rebecca Thompson is a social worker and Broward County School Board member representing District 2, consisting of Pembroke Pines, Miramar, Southwest Ranches and portions of Cooper City and Davie. She can be reached at rebecca.thompson@browardschools.com.
