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(Fort Lauderdale, FL) - Broward schools Superintendent Dr. Howard Hepburn announcing massive job cuts today as a result of losing 60-thousand students over the past decade.
Hepburn says in addition to the cuts there's a hiring freeze, meaning no new positions. Those who remain will do so with consolidation of functions.
"The position we find ourselves in is not unique to Broward County. The same decline in enrollment and resulting staff cuts are happening across the state and country." explains Hepburn.
"And 80% of budget is tied to personnel so declining revenue means reducing staff and adjusting programs."
He adds the priority is still on teaching and learning but enrollment decline results in less revenue to run the district.
According to Dr. Howard Hepburn most of the 862 positions cut are unfilled positions and administrative but, there's 200 more to come through attrition.
Dr. Hepburn says the current reductions are in positions furthest from the classroom and will generate $40 million in savings.