Broward County

Broward schools back down on plan to hold graduations in gymnasiums

By Scott Travis South Florida Sun Sentinel
Broward County School Board member Adam Cervera listens to public comments Wednesday, Jan. 21, 2026, in Fort Lauderdale. Parents and students spoke in opposition to a money-saving measure that would move high school graduations to gymnasiums. Superintendent Howard Hepburn announced Friday the district would not use gyms for most graduations.
Broward County School Board member Adam Cervera listens to public comments Wednesday, Jan. 21, 2026, in Fort Lauderdale. Parents and students spoke in opposition to a money-saving measure that would move high school graduations to gymnasiums. Superintendent Howard Hepburn announced Friday the district would not use gyms for most graduations. Joe Cavaretta South Florida Sun Sentinel

The Broward school district has agreed to return most graduation ceremonies to rented venues after a plan to move them to three high school gymnasiums generated a firestorm of controversy.

Superintendent Howard Hepburn issued a memo to Broward School Board members late Friday announcing the change in plans.

The School Board heard from numerous students, parents and elected officials at a Wednesday meeting opposing the use of high school gyms.

Public speakers questioned why some classes got to graduate in expensive venues such as Hard Rock Live at the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel and Casino near Hollywood and Nova Southeastern University’s Don Taft Center, while most others were scheduled for high school gymnasiums.

Click here for more.

This story was originally published January 24, 2026 at 1:13 PM.

Get unlimited digital access
#ReadLocal

Try 1 month for $1

CLAIM OFFER