Superintendent Hepburn praises school achievements and addresses closures and career readiness in Coral Springs Chamber meeting
Coral Springs, Florida – Broward County Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Howard Hepburn took center stage on August 1 at a meeting hosted by the Coral Springs Coconut Creek Regional Chamber of Commerce at Coral Springs City Hall. During his address, Hepburn commended the district’s educators and administrators for their hard work and dedication, highlighting the district’s recent achievement of an overall A grade from the state. He also acknowledged the efforts of schools in Coral Springs and Coconut Creek, where many schools earned grades of A’s and B’s.
“We have seen tremendous growth and dedication from our educators, which is evident in the state’s recognition of our district,” Hepburn said. He celebrated the collective achievement, noting that the successes were a direct result of the commitment of both teachers and school leaders in providing quality education to students.
Despite the positive academic progress, the superintendent also shared some of the challenges facing the district, particularly regarding school closures and the reorganization of educational offerings. One of the most notable changes involves transforming some schools into K-8 grade centers, including the Coconut Creek K-8 Academy of Excellence, which will offer a more streamlined educational path for younger students.
A more sensitive issue discussed was the potential closure of under-enrolled schools. Hepburn explained that while it’s a difficult decision, it may become necessary for the financial sustainability of the district. He likened the situation to parents who, after their children leave home, may downsize to a smaller house to save money.
“It is hard, and we have schools where three generations have attended and local communities want to keep them open,” said Hepburn. “But the reality is that it may not be cost-effective to keep these buildings open. We have to look at how we can repurpose them to serve other community needs, including possibly using them to house educators or offer other services.”
Local government officials have committed to working alongside the district’s leaders to explore solutions for repurposing empty school buildings. By doing so, they hope to find productive ways to use these spaces rather than letting them sit unused.
Another significant focus of Hepburn’s speech was the preparation of students for careers in high-demand fields. He pointed out that the district is collaborating closely with local businesses to better understand their workforce needs and to ensure that high school graduates are equipped with the skills required for success in today’s job market. Some of these initiatives include creating internships that allow students to gain hands-on experience while still in school, with some companies, including the school district itself, providing opportunities.
“We are working closely with local employers to create pathways that will help students transition from high school to the workforce,” Hepburn said. “It’s crucial that our students are prepared for the jobs that are in demand in our region.”
In addition to career readiness, school safety remains a priority for the district. Hepburn reported positive results in reducing incidents of students bringing weapons to school, thanks in part to the installation of metal detectors at many campuses. He mentioned that since their installation, fewer students have been found with dangerous items, and some have even discarded items like vapes before entering the buildings.
Hepburn’s speech also included remarks from local officials who praised the ongoing efforts to improve education in the community. Coconut Creek Commissioner Sandra Welch expressed pride in the work of the district’s educators, while Coral Springs Mayor Scott Brook echoed her sentiments, applauding the dedication of teachers in shaping the future of the community. School board member Lori Alhadeff also encouraged those in attendance to become more involved in their local schools, reinforcing the importance of community engagement in the educational process.
The event provided a platform for open discussions about the future of Broward County schools, with local leaders and educators working together to address challenges while celebrating the district’s achievements. As the new school year approaches, it’s clear that the district is committed to both continuing its educational success and adapting to the evolving needs of its students and community.
