Parents and students in Broward County are voicing their concerns over a proposal to close down Oakridge Elementary, sparking a heated debate at a special meeting held at Hollywood City Hall.
School board member Dr. Allen Zeman listened to the emotional pleas of parents and students who are opposed to the closure. One student expressed, “I love my teachers and I have learned a lot from them,” while a parent questioned, “What’s gonna happen now when you guys close the school?”
The proposal also includes shutting down two other schools, Broward Estates Elementary and Olsen Middle School. However, the community is pushing back, with one parent stating, “We shouldn’t close Olsen for the sake of the kids in Dania Elementary, for the sake of the kids that come from Hollywood.”
Hollywood Mayor Josh Levy echoed the sentiment of the community, emphasizing that closing schools is not the solution. The school district cited low enrollment, low grades, and aging buildings as reasons for the proposed closures.
Despite the pushback, school district officials emphasized that the proposals are not set in stone. A workshop with the school board is scheduled for next week to finalize the plan this summer.
Dr. Zeman acknowledged the concerns raised by the community and pledged to address issues such as demographic projections, special needs children, and special programs. The debate over the closure of Oakridge Elementary continues as parents and students advocate for the preservation of their beloved school.