Tamarac, Florida – Broward County students might be marking a new date on their calendars for the start of the next school year. The district superintendent has introduced a proposal that could see students returning to school a week earlier than usual. This change, aimed at enhancing educational outcomes, is currently under consideration and has sparked discussions among parents, educators, and the school board.
The Broward County Public Schools (BCPS) Board recently sought the opinions of parents and families regarding the preferred start date for the next school year. They were given two options: Monday, August 19, 2024, or Wednesday, August 14, 2024. However, Broward’s new superintendent, Dr. Peter Licata, has recommended a different start date, Monday, August 12, 2024. This suggestion aligns Broward with the Palm Beach School District, where Dr. Licata previously served.
Florida law states that the earliest a school district can begin its school year is August 10. Since that date in 2024 falls on a Saturday, the proposed start date would be the following Monday, should the plan receive approval. The decision rests with the Broward School Board, which is scheduled to vote on this proposal on January 23.
This change is part of a broader strategy to elevate Broward County to an A-rated district. “Big picture, this will help close the learning gap and one additional approach of returning to an A school district,” said Broward School board member Torey Alston. The urgency of this initiative is underscored by the recent grading of Broward Schools as a “B” district by the Florida Department of Education, a rating based on student performance throughout the academic year. Broward County Public Schools have been rated “B” for nine consecutive years.
