Superintendent Hepburn to host town hall meetings on the state of Broward County Public Schools

Broward County, Florida – Broward County Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Howard Hepburn will host a series of town hall meetings beginning September 30 to discuss the current state of the district, including student enrollment trends, financial challenges and the future of school funding.

The meetings will give families, employees, community members and other stakeholders an opportunity to hear directly from district leaders and ask questions about issues affecting Broward County Public Schools. Broward County School Board members, BCPS leadership and staff, and members of the community are also expected to participate.

One of the main topics will be the district’s changing enrollment. BCPS has lost more than 10,000 students since the previous school year, according to the district. The decline has financial consequences because lower enrollment results in the loss of millions of dollars in funding.

During the meetings, Dr. Hepburn is expected to explain some of the challenges created by those changes and discuss considerations as the district prepares for the years ahead. The goal is to provide attendees with information about where the district stands and some of the issues officials are examining as they plan for the future.

Read also: Florida Department of Education launches statewide B.E.S.T. Science Standards listening tour to gather public input

The town halls will also focus on the Secure the Next Generation referendum. District staff will provide information about the referendum, which is scheduled to appear on the November 3, 2026, general election ballot.

Attendees will have an opportunity to learn more about the proposed renewal and ask questions. The meetings are intended to give members of the community a chance to better understand the referendum and the issues surrounding it before voters consider it in November.

The first town hall is scheduled for Wednesday, September 30, from 6:30 to 8 p.m. at Charles W. Flanagan High School, 12800 Taft St. in Pembroke Pines.

The second meeting will take place Wednesday, October 7, from 6:30 to 8 p.m. at the KCW Administration Center, 600 S.E. Third Ave. in Fort Lauderdale. Unlike the other meetings, this event will also be livestreamed for people who cannot attend in person. The livestream will be available at becon.tv/referendum2026.

Read also: Blanche Ely High School launches student-run food truck through partnership with Intuit

The final scheduled town hall will be held Wednesday, October 14, from 6:30 to 8 p.m. at Monarch High School, 5050 Wiles Road in Coconut Creek.

The district said the meetings are part of its effort to share information with the community as BCPS responds to enrollment changes and considers its financial situation. The discussions will also give residents an opportunity to raise questions directly with district officials.

More information about the Secure the Next Generation Referendum is available through the district’s referendum information page at browardschools.com/referendum2026. With the November election approaching, the town halls will provide several opportunities for families, employees and community members to hear about the proposal and the broader challenges facing the district.