FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. — All elementary schools in the Broward school district will now have at least three specialties like music, art and physical education, officials announced on Tuesday. It is all part of an attempt to draw students back after enrollment took a major dip.
Fourteen Broward County elementary schools offered fewer than three specials last school year. After receiving negative feedback, district officials said they’re changing course.
“Specials like music, art, PE, media, those are the classes that really get kids excited about school, that nurture our students’ learning and make parents feel good about sending their kids to our schools,” Broward County School Board Chair Sarah Leonardi said.
Leonardi joined Superintendent Howard Hepburn and the rest of the school board in making the announcement on Tuesday.
“There was a call to action by our board, from listening to parents, constituents, teachers, and even students, to ensure that we have special instructional opportunities for all of our kids, especially in our elementary schools,” Hepburn said.
All 128 Broward elementary schools will have a minimum of three specials. Those are non-core subjects like art, music, or physical education. Previously, 14 smaller elementary campuses only offered two.
Frustration over some schools’ lack of specials was a driving factor for some families opting for charter or private schools. But district leaders are hoping this new $800,000 specials allocation will help bring families back.
“Our board wanted to make sure, regardless of the situation or the low enrollment at that school, that they get the best learning opportunities, just like any school that’s well-equipped to do the capacity,” Hepburn said.
Hepburn also announced an $8 million allocation to high schools to offer more classes and balance out class sizes.
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