Days after Miami-Dade and Broward voters approved a school tax renewal to keep paying for teacher salaries, officials in both districts said they still intend to explore closing several campuses because enrollment is falling.
In Miami-Dade, Superintendent Raphael Villalobos named five schools under consideration: Golden Glades Elementary, Myrtle Grove Elementary, Carol City Middle, Lorah Park Elementary and Hammocks Middle. The district also proposed expanding Southside Preparatory Academy, which now serves kindergarten through eighth grade, to include high school grades. Villalobos said each campus is operating at about 40% capacity. He stressed that no decisions have been made and that the process is in its early stages, with workshops planned for affected communities.
Broward is looking at closing as many as 10 schools. Officials said a final list was expected Thursday. The district has seen five straight years of enrollment declines, which officials cite as a reason for the cuts.
Opponents, including Broward Teachers Union President Anna Fusco, criticized the board at a Wednesday workshop for what she described as circular discussions. Speakers asked the board to first publish a long-term plan and strategic goals. Fusco said the new tax revenue could allow the district to step back.
Once Broward officials settle on a list, the School Board is expected to vote in December on the fate of those campuses.
