By CNW Reporter\u00b7Monday, August 10, 2026\u00b72 min read<\/p>\n
More than 200,000 students across Broward County Public Schools are set to return to classrooms Monday as the district begins the 2026-27 school year with a focus on academic achievement, school safety and expanded career opportunities.<\/p>\n
The first day of school is Aug. 10, and BCPS Superintendent Dr. Howard Hepburn will visit schools across the county to welcome students, families, teachers and staff.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe\u2019re excited to welcome all our students back,\u201d Hepburn said. \u201cOur teachers are already back. They\u2019re preparing classrooms and readying themselves to welcome their students.\u201d<\/p>\n
Hepburn will also host a first-day-of-school news conference at 3 p.m. Monday at the Kathleen C. Wright Administration Center. He is expected to provide an update on the opening of schools and outline the district\u2019s priorities for the new academic year.<\/p>\n
District schools and departments have spent the summer preparing classrooms and facilities, planning learning experiences and putting support services in place for students returning to school.<\/p>\n
The new school year comes as BCPS continues to deal with declining student enrollment, which can translate into less funding for the district.<\/p>\n
School leaders are also emphasizing specialized curriculum and career-focused programs as they seek to provide students with more opportunities beyond traditional coursework.<\/p>\n
One example is the space and aviation technology program at Miramar High School, which gives students opportunities to explore careers in aviation, aerospace and related fields.<\/p>\n
The district will also continue initiatives focused on school safety and security, expanded academic opportunities and career and technical education programs.<\/p>\n
Free breakfast for all students<\/p>\n
School meals will be another focus as students return.<\/p>\n
Nearly 150 BCPS schools qualify to provide free meals to students, while families at schools that do not participate in the free-meal program can apply for reduced-price lunches.<\/p>\n
Although full-price lunch will increase by $1 across all grade levels this school year, breakfast will remain free for all students.<\/p>\n
The district said its meal programs are part of its broader effort to ensure students have access to the support they need to succeed in the classroom.<\/p>\n
As students return Monday, BCPS said it will focus on improving student achievement, expanding career pathways, maintaining safe learning environments and providing resources designed to help every student thrive.<\/p>\n
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