Broward school board votes to close six campuses after daylong meeting
The Broward County School Board voted Wednesday to close six schools, citing declining enrollment and financial pressures after a daylong meeting that also sparked debate over potential changes to graduation venues.
Board Chair Sarah Leonardi said the district is confronting significant financial realities as members considered school closures, boundary adjustments, and a proposal to move some high school graduations from large venues to on‑campus gymnasiums.
Students criticize graduation proposal
The graduation plan drew immediate criticism from students, who said the district failed to communicate clearly with families.
Sebastian, a senior at Fort Lauderdale High, told the board that families received little notice and some were instructed not to discuss the proposal.
"These plans were made with almost no community input, and many families found out late, some even being told to keep it quiet; that is not transparency!" he said.
Rebecca, also a senior, argued that schools allowed to graduate at Hard Rock Live tend to be in cities with higher median incomes and higher minority enrollment, calling the pattern intentional.
"Schools graduating at Hard Rock Live are in cities with higher median incomes and higher minority enrollment in their schools. This pattern is not accidental," she said.
A decision on graduation locations wasn't made on Wednesday, but the board did move forward with school closures.
Six schools approved for closure
The board approved the closure of:
- Sunshine Elementary
- Panther Run Elementary
- Palm Cove Elementary
- North Fork Elementary
- Plantation Middle School
- Seagull Alternative High School
Emotional testimony saves Bair Middle
Bair Middle School in Sunrise was also recommended for closure, but emotional testimony from students and community members shifted the outcome.
A young student urged the board to keep the school open, saying she and her brother had earned straight A's there and would be devastated to see it close. She was one of many who spoke in support of the school.
Community celebrates decision
When the vote came, the recommendation to close Bair failed, prompting cheers before the board called for order.
Cleo Milled Geallen, president of the Bair Middle School PTSA, called the decision a monumental moment for the Sunrise community and said the board "put children first."
Next steps for the district
The district expects to finalize graduation venue decisions by week's end, while transition planning for the affected schools will begin immediately.