DAVIE, FLA. (WSVN) – Broward Schools Superintendent Howard Hepburn is praising major overhauls to educational plans for the upcoming school year following the board\u2019s intense battle with budget issues that led to several closures.<\/p>\n
A 3D zone at Nova Middle School, magnet programs centered on artificial intelligence, aviation and the marine industry are just some of the significant expansions in educational opportunities for Broward County Public School students after the board held several meetings<\/a> to address declining enrollment numbers and budget shortcomings.<\/p>\n In a one-on-one interview with 7News, Hepburn said the district has found ways to innovate and offer top-class education for students despite the substantial changes, which included several school closures and cutting hundreds of staff positions.<\/p>\n \u201cWe\u2019ve been able to, overall, we\u2019ve been able to overcome and prioritize the students we have in our building,\u201d said Hepburn.<\/p>\n One major change that was made a priority for the upcoming school year: a decrease in screen time for the youngest students.<\/p>\n \u201cSo they can have that human interaction with their teachers and their peers,\u201d said Hepburn.<\/p>\n Elementary schools will also have expanded opportunities for art and music lessons.<\/p>\n BCPS officials said some students already got the opportunity to experience some of those changes during an early pilot program last school year.<\/p>\n \u201cThey\u2019re not learning only on a screen; they\u2019re learning physically in front of themselves,\u201d said BCPS professional development specialist Lauren D\u2019Apuzzo.<\/p>\n One of those features included the 3D zone, which provides students a chance to work with 3D printers, ushering in a new way for them to explore creative avenues while offering teachers a new tool to enhance their lessons.<\/p>\n \u201cKids are really excited to be in here. They get so stoked to see the 3D printer and think, \u2018I made that design, that\u2019s something that I created,’\u201d said D\u2019Apuzzo.<\/p>\n The expanded magnet programs will feature unique opportunities for older students to explore fields in conjunction with local organizations.<\/p>\n \u201cWe have a partnership with Space Florida, nine high schools have space academies,\u201d said Hepburn.<\/p>\n Hepburn added that parents with older students will find a wealth of different options across high schools, offering numerous programs they would only get through BCPS.<\/p>\n \u201cI guarantee you, if parents go visit our schools, set up a tour, they will learn we have programs no private or charter school is offering,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n Despite the budget struggles that plagued district officials, the school system was given an A-rating by the state of Florida for the third consecutive year.<\/p>\n Another major change coming for the 2026-2027 school year is a bus camera program<\/a> aimed at improving safety for students.<\/p>\n The new stop-arm cameras will be utilized to capture drivers who illegally pass stopped buses that are picking up or dropping off students.<\/p>\n While the district has assured residents that there will be a grace period at the start of the term on Aug. 10, standard penalties for any violations will be doled out starting on Sept. 9.<\/p>\n Hepburn reiterated that after a long year filled with substantial changes and a long, hot summer, BCPS has a clear vision of vastly improved academic year built to fit the current demands of its students and community.<\/p>\n \u201cJust to make sure our students get the best learning opportunities possible to help them excel and meet their potential,\u201d said Hepburn.<\/p>\n For any Broward County parent with further questions<\/a>, you can find out more information about the upcoming school year here<\/a>. Parents can also reach out directly to their child\u2019s school for any specific concerns at any time even before the first day of school.<\/p>\n Copyright 2026 Sunbeam Television Corp. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.<\/p>\n \tJoin our Newsletter for the latest news right to your inbox<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"DAVIE, FLA. 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