Broward County schools moved Tuesday to address a growing budget gap by directing the superintendent to develop a three-year plan that could cut as many as 1,000 non‑teaching positions a year — up to 3,000 jobs total — a measure the district says could save roughly $250 million.
Superintendent Howard Hepburn cited an estimated $180 million shortfall, and other school board members mentioned a decade-long enrollment decline of more than 40,000 students while staffing levels have remained largely unchanged. The directive specifically excludes classroom teachers.
“Are we in a financial deficit at this time? asked school board member Jeff Holness.
“Yes — we definitely have a budget shortfall,” Superintendent Hepburn answered.
Holness stressed the need to restore fiscal stability.
Supporters argue the cuts are necessary to balance the budget and free funds for priorities such as teacher pay and salary increases.
“You either stop talking about paying people well, or you start doing things so we have money to do that,” board member Allen Zeman said.
Opponents warned the move ties the superintendent’s hands and could harm employees and services.
“I don’t think it’s right that we’re dictating how many positions,” Lori Alhadeff said while Broward Teachers Union President Anna Fusco urged clarity for staff: “Nobody wants to lose a job… Is it me? Are we going to specify a time frame?”
Superintendent Hepburn is expected to return to the board in July with a detailed proposal outlining which positions would be reduced, the timeline and the exact projected savings.