Please take a moment or two today to read the very important essay by Torey Alston in Monday's Sun Sentinel, preceded by one printed over the weekend penned by Broward Public Schools Supt. Peter Licata.
They follow very closely on the heels of my follow-up tweets last week, below, regarding the not-so-great reality of student attendance at Broward County Public Schools the past few years.
As I have been writing about in this space for for YEARS, as well as at city meetings all around Hollywood, that's especially the case with respect to three -3!- schools in Hollywood and Hallandale Beach that are within two miles of one another: Hallandale High School, McNicol Middle School and Hollywood Central Elementary School.
So, one BCPS school located in a mostly residential neighborhood of HB, one located on the Hollywood side of Pembroke Road two blocks east of 1-95, and one located on the east side of US-1 located just a few blocks south of Young Circle, which Hollywood City Hall has for years been telling us was the area of the city that was just waiting to POP with activity once a few things were done to bring the area into the 21st Century from its longstanding state of arrested development.
As I wrote last year on both my blog as well as in a few emails that you may well have received, there was ZERO public discussion by the announced candidates for the BCSB District 1 seat of the grim reality about declining enrollment and the future of those schools and the land beneath them -and the long-term consequences of that- here in SE Broward, before, during and after last year's August primary and November general election.
ZERO. 
Keep an eye on this space as I may well expand upon it in the coming days.
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South Florida Sun-Sentinel
OPINION
OPINION
Major reform needed now by Broward School Board
By TOREY ALSTON
PUBLISHED: November 27, 2023 at 11:00 a.m.
PUBLISHED: November 27, 2023 at 11:00 a.m.
UPDATED: November 27, 2023 at 11:01 a.m.
Five former School Board members were mentioned in a grand jury report for incompetence and neglect of duty, leading to four of them being removed from the School Board of Broward County.
This action by the governor led to “reform board” actions that began the new focus on becoming an “A”-rated school district, focused attention on the learning crisis as a result of the pandemic, ceased legal payments to School Board members named in the grand jury report, set aside millions in unallocated funds for a rainy day fund, supported new training for board members, created a public comment period at the start of board meetings and ultimately led the charge to push out a former superintendent, who many knew was in over her head but many elected and community leaders did not have the courage to stand up and do the right thing.
As Board chair during this period, those were all tough decisions made by a balanced board with a diversity of thought and experiences.
There would be no Dr. Peter Licata, Dr. Earlean Smiley or Dr. Valerie Wanza if not for the tough questions and hard decisions started by the reform board.
As we fast forward, we need additional reforms now more than ever before within our district — many decisions that prior Board members shunned, and some that current Board members may also hesitate to address with 2024 elections approaching.
The truth matters, and the public appreciates a clear understanding of the issues and opportunities ahead.
While we are the sixth largest school district in the country, with amazing students and top-notch employees, our school board needs to show courage to preserve our district and prevent the fiscal catastrophe I and others have highlighted.
With continually declining enrollment at our traditional public schools, low capital reserves, a low fund balance and parents increasingly choosing charter and private schools over traditional public schools, this moment requires leadership.
We must also be clear that much needed school construction projects will be heavily monitored and the board must address roofing, air quality and basic beautification in all of our schools.
I will not support any board action that reallocates funds for any maintenance away from our schools, with $3 billion in current school site facility needs and routine maintenance visibly lacking in many schools.
I do not support redirecting safety or security funds, mental health or school site dollars for employee compensation. We need to make some painful cuts now and look for more cost avoidances — that’s how we can increase compensation. Our No. 1 priority should remain our 250,000 children learning in safe and clean classrooms.
Now is the time to start the process to repurpose or close at least 40 to 50 school sites due to drastic under-enrollment, sell vacant school district land to bring in more revenue, demolish unused portables that impact state funding and take a critical look at how we compensate all employees.
Re-purposing or closing 40 to 50 schools will lead to a smaller district footprint, better targeted funding for our kids, an increased fund balance to preserve the district’s fiscal health and could ultimately lead to newly built schools in later years.
Now is the time for the district to demonstrate the value of our employees, share with the public how the district compensates its employees compared to neighboring districts, and push back on false attacks from Broward Teachers’ Union leadership against the district about lack of compensation, when the district has provided more compensation to employees in the last two years than both Miami-Dade County Public Schools and Palm Beach County Public Schools.
I believe there is mutual agreement that costs have increased on all families, and we must increase overall compensation to our employees. We should lower the temperature and work together to get things done, as the Police Benevolent Association, the Broward Principals and Assistant Principals Association, and other public worker unions have done collegially.
Now is the time for our parents, community leaders and key stakeholders to join together in a common purpose of maintaining the fiscal health of the district, so that we provide quality education to all Broward children, regardless of zip code, in a more efficient environment.
Now is the time for my colleagues to make the tough decisions. Our children and this community will reflect years later on how we banded together in a nonpartisan way to truly become an “A” school district and the premier choice for Broward families.
Torey Alston, a former Broward County commissioner, represents District 2 on the Broward County School Board.
Five former School Board members were mentioned in a grand jury report for incompetence and neglect of duty, leading to four of them being removed from the School Board of Broward County.
This action by the governor led to “reform board” actions that began the new focus on becoming an “A”-rated school district, focused attention on the learning crisis as a result of the pandemic, ceased legal payments to School Board members named in the grand jury report, set aside millions in unallocated funds for a rainy day fund, supported new training for board members, created a public comment period at the start of board meetings and ultimately led the charge to push out a former superintendent, who many knew was in over her head but many elected and community leaders did not have the courage to stand up and do the right thing.
As Board chair during this period, those were all tough decisions made by a balanced board with a diversity of thought and experiences.
There would be no Dr. Peter Licata, Dr. Earlean Smiley or Dr. Valerie Wanza if not for the tough questions and hard decisions started by the reform board.
As we fast forward, we need additional reforms now more than ever before within our district — many decisions that prior Board members shunned, and some that current Board members may also hesitate to address with 2024 elections approaching.
The truth matters, and the public appreciates a clear understanding of the issues and opportunities ahead.
While we are the sixth largest school district in the country, with amazing students and top-notch employees, our school board needs to show courage to preserve our district and prevent the fiscal catastrophe I and others have highlighted.
With continually declining enrollment at our traditional public schools, low capital reserves, a low fund balance and parents increasingly choosing charter and private schools over traditional public schools, this moment requires leadership.
We must also be clear that much needed school construction projects will be heavily monitored and the board must address roofing, air quality and basic beautification in all of our schools.
I will not support any board action that reallocates funds for any maintenance away from our schools, with $3 billion in current school site facility needs and routine maintenance visibly lacking in many schools.
I do not support redirecting safety or security funds, mental health or school site dollars for employee compensation. We need to make some painful cuts now and look for more cost avoidances — that’s how we can increase compensation. Our No. 1 priority should remain our 250,000 children learning in safe and clean classrooms.
Now is the time to start the process to repurpose or close at least 40 to 50 school sites due to drastic under-enrollment, sell vacant school district land to bring in more revenue, demolish unused portables that impact state funding and take a critical look at how we compensate all employees.
Re-purposing or closing 40 to 50 schools will lead to a smaller district footprint, better targeted funding for our kids, an increased fund balance to preserve the district’s fiscal health and could ultimately lead to newly built schools in later years.
Now is the time for the district to demonstrate the value of our employees, share with the public how the district compensates its employees compared to neighboring districts, and push back on false attacks from Broward Teachers’ Union leadership against the district about lack of compensation, when the district has provided more compensation to employees in the last two years than both Miami-Dade County Public Schools and Palm Beach County Public Schools.
I believe there is mutual agreement that costs have increased on all families, and we must increase overall compensation to our employees. We should lower the temperature and work together to get things done, as the Police Benevolent Association, the Broward Principals and Assistant Principals Association, and other public worker unions have done collegially.
Now is the time for our parents, community leaders and key stakeholders to join together in a common purpose of maintaining the fiscal health of the district, so that we provide quality education to all Broward children, regardless of zip code, in a more efficient environment.
Now is the time for my colleagues to make the tough decisions. Our children and this community will reflect years later on how we banded together in a nonpartisan way to truly become an “A” school district and the premier choice for Broward families.
Torey Alston, a former Broward County commissioner, represents District 2 on the Broward County School Board.
------
South Florida Sun-Sentinel
OPINION
An opportunity to redefine Broward public schools
(Special to the Sun Sentinel). Dr. Peter B. Licata is superintendent of Broward County Public Schools.
By PETER B. LICATA
PUBLISHED: November 26, 2023 at 5:00 a.m.
PUBLISHED: November 26, 2023 at 5:00 a.m.
UPDATED: November 27, 2023 at 12:36 p.m.
I am honored to be the Superintendent of Broward County Public Schools (BCPS), and although I’m no longer in the classroom, I will always consider myself a teacher. I grew up in a family of teachers and continue to be surrounded by lifelong educators in my personal life.
Although three of my children are lawyers and a doctor, I am as proud, if not more so, of my fourth child for pursuing a career as a teacher. I know firsthand the dedication it takes, and the daily sacrifices being made in classrooms across Broward County.
The teaching profession is invaluable. Our society can never fully repay educators for their impact on our world. While our district is grateful to the state for prioritizing teacher salaries, we know those increases are not enough for teachers living in South Florida. As we continue to manage declining student enrollment and the increasing cost of living, we must ensure that teachers can afford to live in the communities they serve.
Since 2018, thanks to the community’s investment in education through the voter-approved referendum, the Broward County School Board has consistently provided compensation supplements to our teachers. For the 2023-24 school year, BCPS has agreed to increase the average teacher compensation package by more than 9%.
Unlike most school districts, BCPS continues to guarantee our employees have access to healthcare by fully covering not basic insurance, but the top-tier coverage plan. Still, we know we must do more for our teachers.
This is our opportunity to “Redefine BCPS” and make it the organization the entire community deserves.
BCPS is committed to finding strategic ways to increase compensation. In a few short months, we have reorganized our corporate structure to maximize central office efficiencies while reducing costs.
We have eliminated more than 50 district office positions and redundant technology and educational programs. We also have limited access to our reserves as it is near the state minimum funding requirements. We have taken steps to ensure we remain fiscally responsible while not impacting the classroom.
BCPS has a great foundation. Our current classroom teacher vacancy rate is approximately 1%, which is unheard of, as other districts nationwide are struggling with teacher shortages.
Many of our high schools are ranked among the best in the nation and we are looking to replicate those academic programs as we strategically plan to meet the needs in our communities.
We have closed out more than 20 capital construction projects that had been delayed and broke ground on rebuilding the campus at Rickards Middle School. We must continue this momentum and work as a team to accomplish our goals, with a guiding focus on putting students first.
After taking a tour of the county with my executive cabinet, I realize we must consider making difficult decisions, as our budget is not aligned with our current student enrollment. We will evaluate repurposing schools and expand and replicate successful programs along with selling district-owned lands or properties.
The savings from these moves will be reinvested in our schools and our teachers. I will also explore how some of these excess properties can be utilized to provide affordable housing.
We owe much gratitude to our educators. I am personally committed to ensuring our teachers receive the support and recognition they rightfully deserve. Their dedication and sacrifices are critical to our communities, and our collective responsibility is to support them as they shape the future.
The entire BCPS team, especially teachers, has my commitment to start planning my first official budget in December. It will include line items for compensation increases for teachers and other staff so we can retain our incredible team members and “Redefine BCPS” as a leader and example for districts across the nation.
Dr. Peter B. Licata is superintendent of Broward County Public Schools.
I am honored to be the Superintendent of Broward County Public Schools (BCPS), and although I’m no longer in the classroom, I will always consider myself a teacher. I grew up in a family of teachers and continue to be surrounded by lifelong educators in my personal life.
Although three of my children are lawyers and a doctor, I am as proud, if not more so, of my fourth child for pursuing a career as a teacher. I know firsthand the dedication it takes, and the daily sacrifices being made in classrooms across Broward County.
The teaching profession is invaluable. Our society can never fully repay educators for their impact on our world. While our district is grateful to the state for prioritizing teacher salaries, we know those increases are not enough for teachers living in South Florida. As we continue to manage declining student enrollment and the increasing cost of living, we must ensure that teachers can afford to live in the communities they serve.
Since 2018, thanks to the community’s investment in education through the voter-approved referendum, the Broward County School Board has consistently provided compensation supplements to our teachers. For the 2023-24 school year, BCPS has agreed to increase the average teacher compensation package by more than 9%.
Unlike most school districts, BCPS continues to guarantee our employees have access to healthcare by fully covering not basic insurance, but the top-tier coverage plan. Still, we know we must do more for our teachers.
This is our opportunity to “Redefine BCPS” and make it the organization the entire community deserves.
BCPS is committed to finding strategic ways to increase compensation. In a few short months, we have reorganized our corporate structure to maximize central office efficiencies while reducing costs.
We have eliminated more than 50 district office positions and redundant technology and educational programs. We also have limited access to our reserves as it is near the state minimum funding requirements. We have taken steps to ensure we remain fiscally responsible while not impacting the classroom.
BCPS has a great foundation. Our current classroom teacher vacancy rate is approximately 1%, which is unheard of, as other districts nationwide are struggling with teacher shortages.
Many of our high schools are ranked among the best in the nation and we are looking to replicate those academic programs as we strategically plan to meet the needs in our communities.
We have closed out more than 20 capital construction projects that had been delayed and broke ground on rebuilding the campus at Rickards Middle School. We must continue this momentum and work as a team to accomplish our goals, with a guiding focus on putting students first.
After taking a tour of the county with my executive cabinet, I realize we must consider making difficult decisions, as our budget is not aligned with our current student enrollment. We will evaluate repurposing schools and expand and replicate successful programs along with selling district-owned lands or properties.
The savings from these moves will be reinvested in our schools and our teachers. I will also explore how some of these excess properties can be utilized to provide affordable housing.
We owe much gratitude to our educators. I am personally committed to ensuring our teachers receive the support and recognition they rightfully deserve. Their dedication and sacrifices are critical to our communities, and our collective responsibility is to support them as they shape the future.
The entire BCPS team, especially teachers, has my commitment to start planning my first official budget in December. It will include line items for compensation increases for teachers and other staff so we can retain our incredible team members and “Redefine BCPS” as a leader and example for districts across the nation.
Dr. Peter B. Licata is superintendent of Broward County Public Schools.
Dave
David Bruce Smith,
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