Good morning, School Board:

I want to state that I am completely OPPOSED to the closure of Dolphin Bay Elementary (DBE), and its subsequent consolidation to Sunset Lakes. Additionally, I feel that my alternate position, to consolidate the students of Silver Lakes Elementary (SLE) into DBE, has not been sufficiently considered.

As one of a set of parents with special needs students, I state without hesitation that DBE has been an absolute good in my child's life - he has developed into a strong academic performer (above 90th percentile in state testing), and has grown social skills he did not previously have. The growth and improvement is due to the supportive environment and tireless efforts of the truly excellent staff. I would not send my child elsewhere, regardless of options.

From your own numbers, a significant percentage of other parents seem to agree: 40.8% of DBE's students are out-of-boundary, mine included (as opposed to SLE's 22.5%), which means we CHOSE to attend. Attending students within DBE's boundaries (41.9%) eclipse SLE's (25.5%). When looking at boundary students who have chosen to attend charters, DBE again does better, with 43.5% going charter, as opposed to SLE's 51.7%; far fewer of DBE's boundary students are attending other BCPS - 14.6% vs SLE's 22.7%. Based on that alone, DBE has healthier trends.

And yet, the choices we've been given appear to have been dictated - consolidate into Sunset Lakes for a new K-8. I do not want this. K-8 seems to be the popular suggestion, but those who want K-8 are already served by both charters and public options (an underenrolled Coral Cove); Sunset Lakes would be yet another entrant into a crowded field. But BCPS has pushed this solution heavily, with capital improvements and building makeovers ready to go. Funds seem to exist for these projects but when it comes to operations, closure seems to be the only solution. If allocation is the issue, then we should address that.

If future enrollment is concerning - stop closing schools. No parent will move to a new area and begin laying roots to then fight to keep schools open - that's no selling point. Be the stability we need, and we will be there for you.

I strongly oppose closing Dolphin Bay Elementary—the only A-rated elementary school serving West Miramar. The current plan leaves our community without a traditional PreK-5 school and forces young children into a middle school environment built for older students. Data clearly shows that parents will look elsewhere rather than send elementary students to Glades Middle, leaving Glades still underutilized despite millions of dollars invested in bathrooms.

I strongly oppose the closure of Sheridan Park Elementary.

I am very concerned and frustrated with the procedural inequity and lack of transparency of this whole "Redefining Schools" process. The presentation that has been put together does not present all proposals. It only presents two proposals- Proposal 6a that puts Hollywood Park into West Hollywood and Boulevard Heights and Proposal 6b- Sheridan Park into Driftwood Elementary, Hollywood Park and Boulevard Heights.
Proposal 6d (consolidating Hollywood Park into Sheridan Park) was just added yesterday, although parents and staff members have been advocating for this option since we found out we were being added to the list in September.

Where is the data for proposals 6c and 6d?
Proposal 6d talks about CONSOLIDATING ALL OF HOLLYWOOD PARK IN TO SHERIDAN PARK.
Where are the considerations, analysis and impacts for this proposal?
I will tell you the impact- It will be a much more positive impact to go with proposal 6d as it keeps two communities together.

I am for keeping two communities together.
I am for uniting two communities that are low enrolled and making them stronger and better.
I am for keeping a whole community of not just students, but of staff as well, together.
I am for the idea of higher enrollment so we can offer our kids more specials and more opportunities.

I am not for splitting a gen ed population of kids into 3 different schools.
I am not for splitting a special program into 4 other schools.
I am not for spending more money in having to open new ASD programs in schools to accommodate.

Sheridan Park Elementary has the room capacity, staff capacity, land capacity and it has the heart!
Sheridan Park has the room to bring all of the students and staff from HPE and keep them together.
Sheridan Park has a great location to prove to others that the public school system is thriving.
Sheridan Park has the ability to grow and expand.
Sheridan Park is off a gem because it is a great neighborhood school that also sees a lot of traffic on the side of it.
Sheridan Park is a school that can stand tall and strong.
Sheridan Park is a school that can show the public eye that in a time where schools are closing right and left, we are here to stay.

I oppose closing Dolphin Bay Elementary in Miramar. The bond among students, staff, the principal, and the community may seem easy to build, but it is rare. From the parking lot to the hallways and classrooms, you feel something special: warmth, respect, and cooperation. This school is a family where children feel safe, supported, and valued.

That feeling reflects real care, especially for children who need additional support. Closing Dolphin Bay would break essential relationships and dismantle an environment that cannot simply be recreated elsewhere.

Every school matters, but few share such a deep connection with their community. Closing this school would deal a devastating blow to West Miramar’s children and families. School Board members have a responsibility to protect this extraordinary community and must be held accountable for the consequences of their decision.

Dear Members of the School District Board,

I am writing to you today as a deeply concerned member of this community to respectfully request that the Board reconsider its proposal to close Dolphin Bay Elementary. This decision, if carried forward, would cause lasting harm not only to our students, but to the very fabric of the neighborhood it has served for.

Dolphin Bay has not received a fair treatment. We did not receive any communication the previous year letting us know that we need to work in promoting the school because on the next school year it is going to be in the list of schools that will be closings. Even without a plan Dolphin Bay has about 40 % school choice students that attend. We feel that even though the board has hosted meetings, we feel that when we talk in the meetings or when we send emails we are not been heard. Other schools might feel that the some members of the board are advocating for them but for some reason Dolphin Bay has being treated differently.

Dolphin Bay also offers one of the most secures campuses for our most vulnerable students. There is a huge gate around the school, also a lot of greenery around the fence, a school guard at the gate, long drive way. I wish you would also consider these details when choosing what Elementary schools to keep. Please think about our little kids.

Please kindly reconsider Dolphin Bay and gives us time to have a strategy for the future and keep a successful A plus school.

Thank you for all your help,

Maria Rennich

Dolphin Bay Elementary should remain open. It is an A-rated school in West Miramar, located in an accessible area that serves many families in our community. The school also serves as a designated voting location and emergency shelter, providing important services that benefit the entire community, not just its students.

It is frustrating and disappointing that our voices and concerns continue to go unheard. Parents, students, and community members have spoken up time and time again, yet we still have not received clear answers about what is going to happen next. We deserve to know what is happening to our school and why these decisions are being considered.

Closing Dolphin Bay would affect more than just the students and families who attend the school today. It could also have a lasting impact on the future of Broward County Public Schools. Decisions like this raise concerns about the future of other neighborhood schools, access to quality education, and the services schools provide to their surrounding communities. We need to consider what these closures could mean for future generations of students.

Dolphin Bay should have never been placed on the closure list without fully considering its academic success and the impact its closure would have on the community. This is not just about closing a school. It is about the children who attend it, the families who depend on it, and a community that deserves to be heard.

Please listen to the people who are directly affected by this decision. We deserve transparency, honest communication, and real consideration of our concerns.

Our community is speaking up, and we want Dolphin Bay Elementary to remain open.

Good morning Board Members,

I am writing to strongly oppose the proposed closure of Dolphin Bay Elementary School. Dolphin Bay is more than just a school; it is an essential part of our West Miramar community and a vital resource for our children and families.

As a parent of a child with special needs, I am deeply concerned about the impact this closure would have on students who depend on the school’s specialized programs, including ESE services. Dolphin Bay provides an A-rated education and a unique combination of programs that cannot simply be replaced by sending our children to schools in other cities.

West Miramar deserves to have its own neighborhood elementary school. Closing Dolphin Bay would disrupt our children’s education, create additional hardships for families, and take away an important community resource.

I respectfully urge the Board to reconsider this proposal, listen to the concerns of our families, and explore alternatives that would allow Dolphin Bay Elementary to remain open.

Our children deserve stability, access to quality education, and a school that understands their needs. Please protect Dolphin Bay Elementary and the community it serves.

Thank you for your time and consideration.

I oppose the closure of Dolphin Bay Elementary School.

I support Dolphin Bay Elementary School continuing to serve the West Miramar community. Schools like Glades MS and Sunset Lakes ES were designed with larger student populations in mind. Dolphin Bay is a welcoming and adaptable setting for a generation that is smaller in size than the generation before it. Rather than study in the shadow of the past, with shuttered wings, students of today should have an accessible and age-appropriate building designed with them in mind. Dolphin Bay offers the opportunity to serve students and achieve 75% to 85% utilization. It most location on Miramar Parkway in the heart of West Miramar only lends to its strength as a school.

In addition, the combination of two schools on one campus, as proposed by Dolphin Bay, has precedent within Broward County Public Schools and in Miramar.

Dolphin Bay Elementary is a school for a new generation of students and a strong school for West Miramar and District 2.

𝙄 𝙨𝙩𝙧𝙤𝙣𝙜𝙡𝙮 𝙤𝙥𝙥𝙤𝙨𝙚 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙥𝙧𝙤𝙥𝙤𝙨𝙚𝙙 𝙘𝙡𝙤𝙨𝙪𝙧𝙚 𝙤𝙛 𝘿𝙤𝙡𝙥𝙝𝙞𝙣 𝘽𝙖𝙮 𝙀𝙡𝙚𝙢𝙚𝙣𝙩𝙖𝙧𝙮.
Our coalition of parents, staff, and community members have been advocating for DBE since we first received news of this proposal. Our ask could not be clearer; families in West Miramar should have a 𝗣𝗥𝗘-𝗞 through 5 option, and that option should be the only 𝗔-𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗲𝗱 elementary school out of the 3 schools involved in the southwest proposal, the school built for safety & security that is 𝟯𝗗 𝗺𝗮𝗽𝗽𝗲𝗱 𝗶𝗻 𝗽𝗮𝗿𝘁𝗻𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗵𝗶𝗽 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗖𝗶𝘁𝘆 𝗼𝗳 𝗠𝗶𝗿𝗮𝗺𝗮𝗿, and the school with a culture of 𝗲𝘅𝗰𝗲𝗹𝗹𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗲, 𝗼𝗽𝗽𝗼𝗿𝘁𝘂𝗻𝗶𝘁𝘆, 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗶𝗻𝗰𝗹𝘂𝘀𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗘𝗦𝗘 𝘀𝘁𝘂𝗱𝗲𝗻𝘁𝘀, Dolphin Bay Elementary.
Over 2 decades ago, my parents chose to move our family into Broward County so we could attend BCPS schools. Now, as I teach in the same school district I attended as a student I see the school board driving families away with their choices. We are all well aware of the issue of declining enrollment and the factors which contribute to it, so it is quite discouraging to witness BCPS respond so this problem not only by closing high quality schools like Dolphin Bay, but also by not even providing adequate answers to the necessary questions posed by the DBE community.
Because we have a great culture for our ESE & Pre-K ESE/Intensive students at DBE, we have been advocating for them each chance we have, and each chance we advocate for them we walk away without concrete answers as to how their services and access to all aspects of the educational experience can continue. How the school board is ok closing Dolphin Bay without being able to secure some tangible, baseline guarantees regarding small class sizes (10 or less students per self-contained cluster class), transportation, location within the school (to ensure more inclusion & seamless transitions), transitions within the school, appropriate location & staffing for Speech/Language, OT, PT, etc, and many other things is beyond me. And to give the families of a more vulnerable population a relatively short amount of time to adjust to all this without some of those baseline guarantees is unconscionable.

I strongly oppose the proposed closure of Dolphin Bay Elementary, an A-rated school with an established history of serving its students and families. The options being presented to our community are simply unacceptable.

Our elementary school children should not be placed in a middle school environment that was never designed or intended to accommodate elementary-aged students. Elementary students have very different developmental, academic, and emotional needs than middle school students. They deserve an environment specifically designed to support those needs, not a makeshift solution created to accommodate a district decision.

I am particularly concerned about the future of our ESE students and the cluster classrooms. These students often depend on consistency, familiar surroundings, established routines, specialized programs, and dedicated support systems to thrive. Disrupting that environment is not merely an inconvenience for families. It has the potential to negatively affect their academic progress, emotional well-being, and overall development. We cannot overlook the very real possibility that this displacement could set some of our most vulnerable students back.

Dolphin Bay is more than a school building. It is a community, a support system, and an educational environment that families have trusted for years. Many of us have chosen this school because of the programs, teachers, resources, and opportunities it provides our children.

Before making a decision that will permanently affect so many students and families, the district needs to seriously consider the consequences beyond enrollment numbers, building capacity, and administrative convenience.

Our children deserve better than being displaced and expected to simply adjust. Our ESE students deserve stability, continuity, and consideration. And our community deserves meaningful solutions, not options that compromise the educational environment our children need and deserve.

I urge the district to reconsider this proposal and keep Dolphin Bay Elementary open

I strongly oppose the potential closure of Sheridan Park.

Why is closing SPE even being considered when there was a discussion about keeping our school open, strengthening it, and allowing it to receive additional students?

Rather than closing SPE and scattering our children across 3, 4, or even 5 different schools, why aren't we exploring ways to keep SPE open and use it as an option to receive students?

Our children are not just numbers on a spreadsheet. They are young children who have built friendships, formed bonds and developed a sense of comfort, and belonging in their school. Splitting them up and sending them in multiple directions disrupts more than just their school routine. It affects their emotional well-being & their sense of stability.

The way this process has unfolded has been incredibly frustrating & disheartening. Families were not given adequate time or notice to process the possibility of closure, understand the proposed changes, or meaningfully voice their concerns. Instead, it feels as though schools and communities are being pitted against one another, creating an atmosphere of competition and division rather than collaboration. It feels like an attack on the very communities these schools are supposed to serve.

Then there’s the faculty at these schools. They deserve job security, stability, & the reassurance that their hard work and commitment matter. They should not have to live with constant uncertainty about their positions & futures.

There are also larger consequences of these decisions. As more schools continue to appear on potential closure lists, parents like myself are beginning to question the long-term stability of BCPS. It makes families consider looking outside BCPS to explore other school options because we no longer feel confident BCPS our children attend will be there in the future.

Is this really the direction we want to take? Pushing families away because they can no longer count on consistency and stability for their children?

I am asking the board to slow down, genuinely listen to the families and educators affected, and explore alternatives that do not involve dismantling established school communities.
Keep children together and preserve the future of BCPS.

Strongly oppose closing the only A rated school in the area (Dolphin Bay Elementary) in order to support the Glades K-8 proposal. Dolphin Bay parents will not be sending the great majority of their children (over 90%!) to Glades under the current proposal. There is a better alternative for the district. Consolidate Silver Lakes Elementary into Dolphin Bay, and look into consolidating Coral Cove or New Renaissance into Glades due to market saturation. This would also save over 5 million dollars in improvements (track) towards Coral Cove if so. Make the smart community and financial decision. Keeping the top rated and only A-rated school (Dolphin Bay) in the area should be the absolute top priority for Broward county and it's redefining plan. Not keeping it in any list of potential closures. Closing Dolphin Bay Elementary would have a major immediate negative financial impact in the community and the district's enrollment by having that many parents choosing alternative schools other than Glades (public or charter/private) as they have already confirmed they will not be sending their children to Glades.

I oppose the closure of Dolphin Bay Elementary School. I have been following this process from the beginning, and, frankly, it has left many questions unanswered. It is highly frustrating, and the decision-making process lacks a reliable foundation. I respectfully ask you to look beyond the financial and logistical aspects of this decision and consider what is truly at stake. Closing Dolphin Bay would mean losing a high-performing school and disrupting a specialized program that has made a meaningful difference in the lives of children with special needs and their families.
For families of children with special needs, Dolphin Bay is much more than a school. It is a place where our children are known, supported, and given the opportunity to develop in an environment that understands their individual needs. For children with developmental differences, changes in their environment, routines, teachers, and support systems can have a significant impact on their emotional well-being, behavior, and progress. For parents, the uncertainty surrounding this transition creates tremendous anxiety, especially when clear answers about the future of these students and their services remain unavailable.
I am particularly concerned about the possibility of placing young children with special needs, including nonverbal children, in an environment with significantly older students. The proposed placement at Glades Elementary raises additional concerns because of reported school safety incidents.
https://resources.finalsite.net/images/v1781203084/browardschoolscom/beyxmeyg4txr8yarxq3p/PreliminaryReportedSchoolSESIRData_June2026.pdf
We understand that the district faces budgetary challenges. However, we believe that financial responsibility and the preservation of successful educational programs should not be treated as mutually exclusive goals.
We are asking you to protect a program, preserve stability, and recognize the importance of an environment in which our children can thrive.
Please do not allow a successful school and a valuable ESE program to be lost without fully examining a viable alternative.

I strongly oppose the proposed closure of Dolphin Bay Elementary School and urge the School Board to reconsider a decision that would negatively impact our students, particularly those receiving Exceptional Student Education services.

Dolphin Bay is the only A-rated traditional elementary school serving western Miramar. It has demonstrated academic excellence, maintained a stable student population, and provided a safe, nurturing, and developmentally appropriate learning environment.

Of particular concern is the impact this closure would have on our ESE students, many of whom depend on smaller classroom settings, consistent routines, familiar educators, and specialized services to achieve meaningful academic, social, and developmental progress. Disrupting these established support systems could jeopardize the progress these children have worked so hard to achieve.

Furthermore, relocating elementary-aged children to a middle school campus raises legitimate concerns regarding safety, developmental appropriateness, and the overall learning environment.

Closing a successful, high-performing elementary school should not come at the expense of educational quality, student stability, or the specialized needs of our ESE population.

I respectfully urge the School Board to prioritize students over proposed cost savings, carefully consider the long-term consequences of this decision, and keep Dolphin Bay Elementary open as a dedicated Pre-K through 5th grade campus.

Our children deserve continuity, stability, and an educational environment where they can continue to thrive.

I am opposed to the closure of Dolphin Bay Elementary because of our ESE students who thrive in smaller classes and with familiarity.

Why is option for consolidating Hollywood Park into Sheridan Park still not showing up on the presentation? At the last meeting, they told us it would be added!

I am writing to express my strong opposition to the proposed closure of William Dandy Middle School. As a new teacher at this school, I have already witnessed something truly special: a school community built on family, compassion, dedication, and a genuine commitment to student success. William Dandy Middle School is more than a building where students attend classes; it is a place where students are supported, encouraged, and prepared for their futures.

One of the things that stands out to me most is the family atmosphere within the school. The teachers genuinely care about their students, and their commitment extends beyond academics. They invest in their students’ growth, recognize their potential, and strive to provide the guidance and encouragement they need to succeed. As a new educator, I can honestly say that I do not see this same level of connection and unity everywhere.

Career readiness is an essential part of preparing young people for an increasingly competitive and ever-changing global economy. Middle school is a critical time for students to begin discovering their interests, identifying their strengths, and understanding the opportunities available to them. Programs like Career Clusters help bridge the gap between classroom learning and real-world application. Closing William Dandy Middle School could disrupt this valuable opportunity and leave students and families questioning where they can access comparable programming in the future.

I respectfully urge district leadership and all decision-makers to reconsider the proposed closure of William Dandy Middle School and explore alternatives that will allow this school to continue serving its students.

Our students deserve stability, our teachers deserve the opportunity to continue making a difference, and our community deserves to retain a school that fosters a sense of belonging while preparing young people for the future.

Thank you for your time, consideration, and commitment to making decisions that place students and their futures at the center.

My name is Kuristan Jackson, and I have proudly served as a teacher at William Dandy Middle School since 2012. I am asking you to keep our school open because I have witnessed firsthand the lasting difference it makes in the lives of students and families in this community.

Our school’s grade rose from a C to a B, reflecting the hard work of our students, teachers, staff, and school leadership. That progress deserves continued investment and an opportunity to grow.

Over the years, I have watched students become successful adults who give back to others. In fact, our current school nurse was once a student in my sixth-grade language arts class. Today, she serves the very school that helped shape her future. Her story is a powerful example of this school’s lasting impact.

As the sponsor of our girls’ mentoring program, I also see how students benefit from a place where they feel supported, valued, and encouraged to lead. We help our girls build confidence, recognize their potential, and envision bright futures.

I understand that this Board faces difficult decisions. However, I urge you to consider the relationships, stability, and opportunities that would be lost through closure. Behind every enrollment number is a child, a family, and a future.

Please work with our educators, families, and community to explore solutions that keep William Dandy open and build on the progress we have made. Our students have shown growth. Let us continue giving them the support and opportunities they need to succeed.

Thank you for your time and thoughtful consideration.

I am writing to respectfully urge you to reconsider any plans to close William Dandy Middle School for the upcoming school year. William Dandy is more than just a school; it is a historic institution, a source of pride, and an important educational resource for the Fort Lauderdale community.

As the only historically Black middle school in Fort Lauderdale, William Dandy represents a significant part of our community’s history, culture, and legacy. Closing this school would mean losing more than a building. It would mean taking away an institution that has served generations of students and families and continues to provide opportunities for future generations.

Although William Dandy missed achieving an A school grade last year by just one point, that should not be viewed as a reason to close its doors. Instead, it should demonstrate how close the school is to reaching that goal. The administration, teachers, staff, and students have recommitted themselves to working harder, improving academic performance, and achieving the A rating this school year. They deserve the opportunity and support to demonstrate what they can accomplish.

Equally important are William Dandy’s Pre-Med and Pre-Law Magnet Programs, which provide students with unique opportunities to explore careers in medicine and law at an early age. These programs expose students to challenging academic experiences, encourage critical thinking, build confidence, and help prepare them for future college and career opportunities. These are not simply elective programs; they are pathways that inspire students to dream bigger and recognize their potential.

I strongly believe that William Dandy Middle School deserves the opportunity to continue building on its history while strengthening its academic future. Rather than closing this valuable institution, I ask the School Board to invest in its continued improvement and recognize the positive impact it has on students and the surrounding community.

Please keep William Dandy Middle School open. Give our students, educators, and community the opportunity to prove that William Dandy's best days are still ahead.

Thank you for your time, consideration, and commitment to the students of Broward County.

I strongly oppose the proposed closure of William E. Dandy Middle School, where I have proudly taught since 1998. Over the years, I have witnessed firsthand the positive impact this school has had on countless students, families, and our community.

It would be a crying shame to see such a rich legacy come to an end. William E. Dandy Middle School is more than just a school building; it is a place where dreams are nurtured, futures are shaped, and students are prepared to succeed in life.

Throughout my years at Dandy, I have witnessed former students return to share their success stories and inspire the next generation. We have seen students grow into professional football players, doctors, lawyers, and successful individuals in many other fields. Their accomplishments demonstrate the value of the education, guidance, and opportunities they received at our school.

William E. Dandy offers specialized programs, including our Medical Magnet and Pre-Law programs, that introduce students to potential career paths at an early age. These programs provide meaningful learning experiences and help students discover their interests, develop their talents, and envision successful futures.

Our dedicated teachers, specialists, and staff work tirelessly to build strong relationships with students and their families. We do more than teach lessons; we mentor, encourage, support, and guide our students toward their goals. The connections we establish and the opportunities we provide can make a lasting difference in a child’s life.

After dedicating more than 28 years of my professional life to this school, I know the difference William E. Dandy makes. I have seen the growth, the achievements, the challenges overcome, and the lives changed. I believe our school deserves the opportunity to continue serving future generations of students.

Our students deserve access to quality education, specialized programs, dedicated educators, and a school community that believes in their potential.

William E. Dandy Middle School has a legacy worth preserving, a mission worth continuing, and students worth fighting for. Let us work together to keep that legacy alive!

SAVE WILLIAM E. DANDY MIDDLE SCHOOL!