Parents, students push back as many Broward graduation venues shift to school gyms
A Broward County Public Schools decision to move many high school graduation ceremonies from traditional off-site venues into school gymnasiums is drawing strong criticism from parents and students, many of whom say the change diminishes a life milestone.
Since the district announced the new graduation plan on Jan. 14, board members say they have been inundated with emails and phone calls from families upset about the limited seating and perceived inequities created by the shift.
Parents and graduating seniors voiced those concerns during the Jan. 21 school board meeting, although the issue was not on the agenda on a day when the main topic was discussing which schools will be closed due to low enrollment.
Superintendent Howard Hepburn said staff will “look at all the options available” and follow up with the board by the end of the week. Board member Adam Cervera told the Miami Herald he plans to bring the graduation issue back for the board to revisit in February, the Herald reported.
Graduation ceremonies for district high schools are scheduled to take place between May 28 and June 3.
In Miramar, Everglades High School seniors are set to graduate on Friday, May 29, at Nova Southeastern University in Fort Lauderdale, while Miramar High School will hold its ceremony on Monday, June 1, at the Dillard High School gym in Fort Lauderdale.
In Pembroke Pines, high schools will have their graduation ceremonies at a local college campus. For Charles W. Flanagan High School, graduation day is Friday, May 29, at Nova Southeastern. For West Broward High School, graduation day is Tuesday, June 2, at Nova Southeastern.
In Coral Springs, two high schools will have their graduation ceremonies at a college campus, one will hold it at a high school gym. Coral Glades High School graduation day is Saturday, May 30, at Nova Southeastern. Coral Springs High School graduation day is Sunday, May 31, at Dillard High School. And J.P. Taravella High School graduation day is Tuesday, June 2, at Nova Southeastern. District officials have also emphasized strict rules for commencements, including bans on throwing graduation caps, unsolicited applause, confetti and beach balls, with students or guests subject to removal for disruptive behavior.
Under the district’s plan, numerous ceremonies will be held inside gymnasiums at Dillard High School, Blanche Ely High School in Pompano Beach and Pompano Beach High School — replacing larger, off-campus venues previously used, such as the Broward Center for the Performing Arts, the Lauderhill Performing Arts Center and the Rick Case Arena at Nova Southeastern in Davie.
Parents say the smaller venues mean fewer tickets for families. While all seniors are guaranteed at least four tickets, families argue that number is often insufficient for parents, siblings and extended relatives who want to attend.
Students and parents have also pointed to inconsistencies across the district. The 11 largest graduating classes will still hold ceremonies at off-site venues. Cypress Bay High School in Weston and Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland are scheduled to graduate at Hard Rock Live in Davie, while nine other large schools will use Nova Southeastern in Fort Lauderdale.
District officials estimate the move to in-house graduations will save about $500,000 and say the gyms selected are modern facilities with stadium-style seating. However, the largest of those gyms, at Dillard High School, seats approximately 2,500 people — significantly fewer than Nova Southeastern University’s arena — raising concerns about reduced access for families.
Elected officials from several cities have also expressed concern, saying they would have worked with the district to explore alternative solutions had they known venue costs were driving the decision.
Parents and students continue to urge the district to reconsider, arguing that graduation represents the culmination of years of work and deserves to be celebrated equally — regardless of school size, city or budget constraints.
This story was originally published January 21, 2026 at 6:31 PM.
