The new Focus system, intended to modernize the district’s IT infrastructure, faced criticism for its complexity and the difficulties it presented for teachers and staff. One board member voiced concerns about the system’s impact on Exceptional Student Education (ESE) services, noting that the problems were not minor but rather “wholesale problems” deeply affecting students and staff. Issues such as excessive time required to prepare for Individualized Education Program (IEP) meetings and barriers parents faced in accessing their children’s IEPs were highlighted. A speaker mentioned, “the law is not going to be patient with Broward schools,” underscoring the urgency of resolving these issues.

The board discussed the comprehensive training plan designed to ensure proper usage of the Focus system. This plan included various formats such as synchronous and asynchronous sessions, structured in-person trainings, and weekly virtual meetings. Despite these efforts, concerns persisted about the system’s user-friendliness and the adequacy of training provided, particularly for ESE staff.

Another issue was the BTU certification process. The board was informed that the BTU had fallen below the 60% threshold required for automatic recertification. This situation was known to the district shortly after the information was sent to the state in April 2024, yet there had been no formal notification about the status. The chief people officer outlined the next steps, which involved an appeal process requiring 30% of the membership to fill out interest cards. The timeline for this process remained uncertain due to a backlog in other districts facing similar issues. Despite the uncertainty, it was clarified that the status of union members would not change during the appeal process.

The board also reviewed significant academic achievements and challenges. Deputy Superintendent Angela Fulton and her team presented data showing that for the first time since 1999, Broward County did not have any schools rated D or F. Notable improvements included Walker Elementary, which rose from an F to a C rating, and Endeavor Primary Learning Center, which advanced from an F to an A rating over two years. The data compared Broward’s performance against other large districts and the state, revealing that students outperformed their peers in several areas, particularly in English Language Arts (ELA) and math.

However, the presentation also highlighted ongoing performance gaps between different student subgroups. The achievement gaps for English Language Learners (ELL) and students with disabilities were particularly concerning, with the gap for ELL students increasing from 38% to 41% and remaining unchanged for students with disabilities. The necessity for targeted support and rigorous curriculum to address these disparities was emphasized.

The meeting included discussions on school facilities, particularly the SMART program, which involves significant investments in capital improvements. Specific projects such as Northeast High School, Blanch Ely High School, and Stran High School were highlighted for their progress. Concerns were raised about the timeline and budget management, with a call for transparency and better communication with the community. The issue of timely payments to contractors was also discussed, with an emphasis on improving processes to prevent financial strain on businesses working with the district.

Community engagement was another focal point, with the board emphasizing the importance of involving stakeholders in decisions about school closures and consolidations. The process for engaging the community was scrutinized, with calls for more explicit timelines and clearer communication. The need for involving advisory groups and ensuring that community feedback is incorporated into decision-making was highlighted.