Broward County Public Schools to host community meeting in Coral Springs to discuss programs aimed at increasing middle school enrollment
Coral Springs, Florida – Broward County Public Schools (BCPS) officials are inviting Coral Springs families and community members to a public meeting to discuss ways to enhance programs at area middle schools and encourage higher enrollment. The meeting, scheduled for 6 to 8 p.m. on October 27 at Coral Springs High School, will focus on program offerings rather than school closures, marking a shift in the district’s approach after recent community feedback.
The meeting comes amid declining enrollment across Broward County, which has been a growing concern for district officials. Just this school year, BCPS reported losing 10,000 students, a trend attributed to families opting for charter or private schools and others relocating out of the area due to the high cost of living. Some schools in the district are operating at less than half capacity, creating financial challenges and prompting the district to review options for under-enrolled schools.
Forest Glen Middle School, which had previously been considered for closure, is now set to remain open. The school operates at 57.5 percent of capacity, but district leaders recently decided that adding programs to the school could be a better solution for attracting students and sustaining the school community. “Redefining Our Schools,” as the initiative is being called by BCPS, focuses on expanding educational opportunities and improving program offerings at schools rather than simply shuttering them.
The upcoming Coral Springs meeting will allow parents, students, and community members to provide input on programming for Forest Glen, Coral Springs Middle, Ramblewood Middle, and Margate Middle. School officials hope the dialogue will generate ideas for curriculum enhancements, extracurricular activities, and specialized programs that could make the schools more appealing to families in the area.
The last public meeting in Coral Springs, held on September 30, drew hundreds of residents who voiced strong support for keeping Forest Glen open. That outpouring of community engagement played a significant role in the district’s decision to shift from a closure plan to a program enhancement strategy.
“Community input is essential as we work to redefine our schools,” a BCPS spokesperson said. “We want to ensure that our middle schools provide programs that meet the needs of our students and attract families to stay within the district.”
While Forest Glen is now safe from closure, the district continues to evaluate other schools under the “Redefining Our Schools” initiative. Six other schools remain under review as the district works to balance resources, optimize capacity, and ensure fiscal responsibility.
By focusing on program expansion rather than closures, BCPS hopes to address the declining enrollment problem while maintaining neighborhood schools that are vital to the community. Proposed programs may include advanced academic tracks, STEM initiatives, arts and music enhancements, and other offerings aimed at attracting and retaining students in the district.
The October 27 meeting at Coral Springs High School will provide residents with a platform to discuss these initiatives directly with district leaders, share ideas, and ask questions about how the new programs might impact students and families. School officials encourage all community members to attend and participate in shaping the future of Coral Springs middle schools.
As the district navigates the challenges of declining enrollment and shifting demographics, BCPS emphasizes that the long-term goal is to provide high-quality educational opportunities while maintaining financial sustainability. Keeping Forest Glen open and enhancing programming is a step toward ensuring that middle schools in Coral Springs continue to serve students effectively while responding to the evolving needs of families.
