About 1,800 fewer students attend Broward’s district-run schools this year, and School Board members are looking for ways to deal with that.
Parents cite a lack of individual instruction, safety and bullying concerns, mediocre school grades and poor discipline for pulling their kids out of traditional public schools, according to surveys conducted by the district.
The quality of schools is also a factor for many parents who move away from Broward County. Other factors include new job opportunities and housing costs.
The School Board is scheduled to discuss enrollment trends at a workshop tentatively set for 3 p.m. today.
The number of students attending traditional schools dropped from 226,424 to 224,634, while charter school enrollment increased by 826 students to 45,919.
Enrollment declines leave school districts with fewer dollars and more empty classrooms.
District administrators say improving school quality or addressing concerns about safety could help stop the exodus. About 45 percent of Broward’s schools are rated C or below. Safety has been a heightened concern since the massacre at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High in Parkland on Feb. 14, 2018.
The School Board will also discuss reconfiguring schools, such as consolidating more elementary and middle schools into K-8s. Enrollment declines could also lead to changes in the $800-million bond-funded school renovation program, with the district limiting repairs to only buildings where the classrooms are actually needed.
The meeting can be viewed online at the district’s website.
This is a developing story. Check back for more information.
stravis@sunsentinel.com, 561-243-6637 or Twitter @smtravis