Broward may combine schools to combat loss of students

Many of Broward’s most popular charter schools, including Renaissance, Franklin Academy and Somerset Academy, are K-8 schools. District-run elementary schools have lost about 20,000 students in the past 15 years, while middle schools have lost 10,000. High school enrollment has been more stable, as fewer charter schools have wanted to invest in costly programs such as athletics and band, which are popular with high school students.