Broward County Public Schools consider closing 10 more campuses as enrollment drops by 13,000 students

After closing six campuses this school year, Broward County Public Schools is considering closing 10 more for the next school year. The potential closures follow yet another drop in enrollment.

"These aren't decisions that we take lightly," Superintendent Howard Hepburn said.

Total enrollment, including charter schools, dropped by more than 13,000 students on the first day of school.

"We want to make sure we focus on using taxpayer dollars wisely and supporting our students appropriately," Hepburn said. "We know we have underenrolled and small schools. We're spending more money on operating these schools than actually educating the child."

The proposal includes the following schools for consideration: Silver Lakes Elementary, Banyan Elementary, Coral Springs Elementary, Dolphin Bay Elementary, Hollywood Park Elementary, Lloyd Estates Elementary, Oakridge Elementary, Forest Glen Middle, Walter C. Young Middle and William Dandy Middle.

"It's horrible," said Alan Peña, whose child attends Silver Lakes Elementary in Miramar. "As a parent, you want consistency for your kid, and they've already closed so many schools."

Factors contributing to the enrollment decline include private school vouchers and the cost of living driving some families away from South Florida.

The proposal is not a final decision. Public input is being requested at a meeting next Tuesday, with other meetings to follow. Students from shuttered schools would be diverted to other nearby campuses.

"I understand that other schools, such as private schools and charter schools, are eating everything up," Peña said. "But the kids who are enrolled in public schools shouldn't have to pay for that."