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Broward schools face possibility of more layoffs due to $80M deficit. What to know

By Produced using AI, based on original work by Carla Mendez
The Broward County Public Schools organizational restructuring plan is part of a broader effort to align staffing with shrinking student enrollment and stabilize finances while protecting classroom instruction. 
The Broward County Public Schools organizational restructuring plan is part of a broader effort to align staffing with shrinking student enrollment and stabilize finances while protecting classroom instruction.  Allen Y via Unsplash

The Broward County School Board is proposing a sweeping reorganization that would eliminate at least 1,000 positions as the district confronts declining enrollment and an $80 million budget deficit.

An external review by consulting firm MGT found Broward’s central office staffing exceeds that of peer Florida districts and supports deep reductions.

FULL STORY: External review supports deep staffing cuts for Broward schools. What it found

The Broward County Public Schools organizational restructuring plan is part of a broader effort to align staffing with shrinking student enrollment and stabilize finances while protecting classroom instruction. 
The Broward County Public Schools organizational restructuring plan is part of a broader effort to align staffing with shrinking student enrollment and stabilize finances while protecting classroom instruction.  Miami Herald file photo

Here are key takeaways:

  • About 856 positions are targeted in the superintendent’s initial reorganization plan, including 300 occupied positions and 159 vacant ones. Additional cuts through the spring and summer would bring the total to at least 1,000.
  • The district has lost nearly 40,000 students over the past decade, including about 10,000 this school year, with another 10,000 projected to leave next year. Because state funding is tied to enrollment, revenue has dropped accordingly.
  • MGT’s review found Broward has about 6,613 central office positions, roughly 20% of total staff, which is above the peer district median. The superintendent’s recommended plan would generate about $36.6 million in net savings.
  • After community feedback, Superintendent Howard Hepburn restored 22 previously proposed cuts to exceptional student education roles, or ESE, including family counselor and program specialist positions.
  • Board members clashed over whether the plan spares top administrators. Member Adam Cervera said it “disproportionately impacts our lower-level staff,” while member Jeff Holness pushed to look at eliminating or reclassifying chief-level roles. Hepburn stated that 16% of reductions are for directors and above, and 15% for organizational leaders.
  • The district’s reserve sits at about 3.8% — roughly $1.6 million above the 3% threshold that would trigger potential state intervention. A follow-up workshop is scheduled for Tuesday, April 28.

This report was produced with the assistance of a proprietary tool powered by artificial intelligence and using our own originally reported, written and published content. It was reviewed and edited by our journalists.