The Broward School District has agreed to return most graduation ceremonies to rented venues after a plan to move them to three high school gymnasiums generated a firestorm of controversy.
Superintendent Howard Hepburn issued a memo to Broward School Board members late Friday announcing the change in plans.
The School Board heard from numerous students, parents and elected officials at a Wednesday meeting opposing the use of high school gyms.
Public speakers questioned why some classes got to graduate in expensive venues such as Hard Rock Live at the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel and Casino in Hollywood and Nova Southeastern University’s Don Taft Center, while most others were scheduled for high school gymnasiums.
District officials said a graduation at a high school gym cost about $3,000 per ceremony, compared with $25,000 for NSU and $50,000 for Hard Rock Live. The district had planned to use external venues for only the 11 largest graduating classes, which officials said would have reduced graduation costs by $500,000.
School Board members initially had agreed to the idea in October, but they were inundated with complaints once the list became public in mid-January. Board members directed Hepburn to explore other possible options.
“After receiving extensive feedback from Board members and the community during the January 21, 2026, Regular School Board Meeting, staff will publish a revised graduation schedule next week,” Hepburn wrote. “Funding has been secured to ensure that each school will host its commencement ceremony in the same venue, or a comparable venue, as used in 2025.”
He said each graduate will be guaranteed a minimum of four guest tickets, regardless of venue.
“Staff will continue to collaborate with schools and engage the community as we plan for graduation venues in future years,” Hepburn wrote. “We look forward to celebrating the accomplishments of the Class of 2026 and ensuring this milestone remains a meaningful and memorable experience for our students and their families.”
School Board member Adam Cervera, the most vocal advocate on the board for using outside venues, called the decision a “big win” for students and families.
“This victory isn’t just about graduation venues — it’s a testament to what we can achieve when neighbors come together, voices are heard, and elected officials listen to their constituents,” he told the South Florida Sun Sentinel via text. “We still have important work ahead to keep this District moving forward, but for now we should all celebrate this tremendous victory for the Class of 2026!”