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Broward schools keep their ‘A’ streak alive. What’s behind district’s success?

By Edited by Mike Garbett and produced with AI assistance
Broward County Public Schools earned an A grade from the Florida Department of Education for the third straight year.
Broward County Public Schools earned an A grade from the Florida Department of Education for the third straight year. Joe Cavaretta South Florida Sun Sentinel

Broward County Public Schools earned an A grade from the Florida Department of Education for the third consecutive year, even after a turbulent stretch of budget cuts, layoffs and school closures.

Superintendent Howard Hepburn credited teachers, resources and school leadership as the district looks ahead to a November funding referendum.

FULL STORY: Broward schools earn another A grade after challenging year of cuts and closures

Broward County Public Schools Superintendent Howard Hepburn and school board members celebrate the district’s third consecutive A rating during a July 1 news conference at the Kathleen C. Wright Administration Center in Fort Lauderdale.
Broward County Public Schools Superintendent Howard Hepburn and school board members celebrate the district’s third consecutive A rating during a July 1 news conference at the Kathleen C. Wright Administration Center in Fort Lauderdale. Courtesy of Beacon TV News Conference live stream

Here are key takeaways:

  • Broward County Public Schools earned an A grade for the 2025-26 school year, marking three consecutive years at the top rating from the Florida Department of Education.
  • Hepburn said the results reflect an intentional approach built on great teachers, strong curriculum resources and school leadership, along with data used to personalize learning.
  • The A grade came during a difficult year that included a major budget overhaul, staff layoffs and school closures. Hepburn said more challenges lie ahead but that “real educators do not let students down.”
  • On declining enrollment over the past decade, Hepburn said the trend is not unique to Broward and pointed to affordability, school choice and immigration laws as factors affecting South Florida and the nation.
  • A November referendum would generate an estimated $282.6 million, with about 90% going to pay supplements for teachers and school-based staff and the remaining 10% split between mental health support, and safety and security services.

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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