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Back-to-school season starts soon. What’s new for Broward students and parents?

Recent stories about Broward County Public Schools highlighted a back-to-school shoe giveaway, new statewide test results showing academic gains and more.
Recent stories about Broward County Public Schools highlighted a back-to-school shoe giveaway, new statewide test results showing academic gains and more. Photo from Feliphe Schiarolli via Unsplash

From free back-to-school shoes and rising lunch prices to improving test scores and school board races, there’s a lot that Broward families need to know as the 2026-27 school year approaches.

Here’s a rundown to catch up:

Preparing for new school year? Score free shoes at this giveaway

A Broward commissioner is hosting a back-to-school shoe giveaway in Pembroke Pines, offering one new pair per child while supplies last. Families can also get uniform assistance as well as help with vaccines and physicals.

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Broward students continue academic gains on statewide assessments

Broward County Public Schools says spring 2026 FAST scores improved or held steady across every tested subject, with English language arts rising at every grade level. Algebra 1 saw the biggest jump.

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Breakfast will remain free for Broward County Public Schools students even as lunch prices increase.
Breakfast will remain free for Broward County Public Schools students even as lunch prices increase. Photo from Mario Gogh via Unsplash

School lunch prices are rising. How much more will students pay?

Broward school board members approved a lunch price hike for the 2026-27 academic year, citing rising food and labor costs and the end of pandemic-era meal support. Breakfast stays free.

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School board’s 10-acre lot in Parkland to be sold to Broward Health

The Broward school board voted to sell a long-vacant 10-acre property to Broward Health for $14 million as it faces a major budget shortfall. A separate debate continues over a potential $850,000 repayment.

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Who’s running for school board? Meet the candidates for the 5 races

Five Broward school board seats are up in the August election, with a mix of incumbents, newcomers, and open races after two members opted not to run again. We break down districts, key candidates and backgrounds.

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This report was produced with the assistance of a proprietary tool powered by artificial intelligence and using our own originally reported, written and published content. It was reviewed and edited by our journalists.

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