Superintendent Hepburn Praises Schools, Discusses Closures and Career Readiness at Coral Springs Chamber Event

by David Volz August 3, 2025

by David Volz August 3, 2025 2 minutes read

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School Board member Lori Alhadeff and Broward Schools Superintendent Dr. Howard Hepburn. {David Volz}

Broward Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Howard Hepburn addressed a meeting organized by the Coral Springs Coconut Creek Regional Chamber of Commerce at Coral Springs City Hall on August 1.

Hepburn praised the work of school administrators and teachers in the district for earning an overall A grade from the state, and educators at schools in Coral Springs and Coconut Creek for earning As and Bs.

New developments and issues concerning schools were also discussed. The district will change some schools to offer grades K-8, including the Coconut Creek K-8 Academy of Excellence. Another concern is the possible closing of under-enrolled schools.

Hepburn acknowledged that it is hard to close an under-enrolled school, but it may not be cost-effective to keep them open. He compared it to parents whose children have grown up and left home, leaving empty bedrooms. Rather than paying for a larger house, they may seek a smaller home. District leaders will work with local government leaders to determine how some under-enrolled school buildings can be repurposed. One option is to use the buildings to provide housing for educators.

“It is hard, and we have schools where three generations have attended and local communities want to keep them open,” said Hepburn.

Another topic includes preparing students for in-demand jobs. Hepburn said that school leaders are working with local business owners to determine their human resources needs and how best to prepare high school graduates for life after school. He said that some companies, including the district itself, are creating internships for high school students.

School safety is an important topic, and Hepburn said that fewer students have been caught bringing weapons to Broward schools with the installation of metal detectors. He noted that some students have discarded questionable items such as vapes before entering campuses.

Local school principals and school leaders attended the meeting. Coconut Creek Commissioner Sandra Welch told the audience she was proud of the efforts of educators. Coral Springs Mayor Scott Brook also praised the efforts of teachers.

School board member Lori Alhadeff participated and encouraged people to become involved in their local schools.

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Author Profile

David Volz

David Volz has worked as a writer in South Florida for 35 years. He has written for the Sun-Sentinel, Hollywood Gazette, School Transportation News, South Dade News Leaders, Observer among others. He has an MA in Communications from Florida Atlantic University and a BA in Communications from Valparaiso University. Volz teaches Communications at Miami Dade College and Palm Beach State College. He lives in Coral Springs and enjoys running and participating in 5Ks and half-marathons.