By Joanne Clark
(Source: CNW)
According to a Sun Sentinel report, city leaders in Parkland and Margate are weighing whether to open charter schools or convert existing public schools as Broward County Public Schools moves forward with plans to close and consolidate under-enrolled campuses.
Parkland officials recently launched a feasibility study to explore their options, with Mayor Rich Walker saying a report is expected by this fall. “I think it’s prudent for us to just weigh our options,” Walker told the Sun Sentinel. Though Parkland’s schools are currently full and highly rated, city leaders are eyeing future growth, especially with nearly 800 acres of undeveloped land along Loxahatchee Road.
Charter schools, unlike district-run schools, are not subject to state restrictions that prevent new construction in areas where classroom seats are available elsewhere in the county.
In Margate, Commissioner Tommy Ruzzano is pushing for the city to take control of its educational future by bringing in an outside charter operator, such as Charter Schools USA. He raised concerns about the school district’s long-term plans and criticized its handling of a 2014 bond referendum, which he says left some schools in disrepair. Ruzzano has also questioned the district’s interest in rezoning land near Margate Elementary for affordable housing, potentially for teachers. “They want to do affordable housing for the teachers because they don’t pay the teachers enough,” he said at a June 18 commission meeting. “I think this is absolutely ridiculous.”
The recent push comes after a new state law took effect on July 1, making it easier for municipalities to open their own charter schools or convert district campuses. Previously, conversion charter schools required majority votes from both parents and teachers. Now, only a majority vote from participating parents is needed.
The interest from cities comes as Broward schools grapple with declining enrollment — the district has lost over 50,000 students in the last 20 years and is carrying more than 45,000 empty seats.
Margate Mayor Arlene Schwartz, a former Broward teacher and administrator, said she’s hesitant to compete with the district. However, she later said she might support creating a charter high school, since Margate students currently attend high schools outside city limits.
While Coral Springs and Pembroke Pines already operate city-run charter schools, both cities told the Sun Sentinel they have no plans to expand. School Board member Allen Zeman warned that small city-run systems could lead to inefficiencies and higher costs.