Broward schools prepare for new year with lunch changes, bus cameras

BROWARD COUNTY, Fla. — Aug. 10 is right around the corner, which means the first day of school for Broward County students.

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There are a lot of changes parents and students need to know before heading back.

Starting with free and reduced school lunch eligibility, the county is participating in the federal Community Eligibility Provision Program.

That means students at 141 schools are automatically eligible for free lunch.

The remaining 80 schools will determine lunch eligibility through a meal benefits application process.

“There are 80 schools where the kids will get free breakfast only, and their lunch status is determined once the parents fill out a meal application,” said Dr. Valerie Wanza, Broward Schools’ chief strategy and innovation officer.

The district’s Redefining Plan is also top of mind, with six campuses closed this year and as many as 10 schools that could be on the chopping block because of lower enrollment.

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Those closures would be for the 2027-28 school year. It is unclear which schools are on the list, but factors such as enrollment, campus condition and projected enrollment are being considered.

Wanza said parents need to make sure their child is registered at the correct school.

“So the thing that they need to know is make sure that they are registered at their child’s school, that they’re receiving the appropriate parent messages, and all of the great things that schools are sending out to welcome them to their new school,” Wanza said.

The county is launching a school bus camera program with 1,300 buses equipped with AI-powered camera technology.

Officials are warning drivers about tough penalties for passing a bus while students are getting off.

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Violators could receive a $225 citation.

The Redefining Plan will be finalized on Aug. 25.

One more note: All Broward schools will continue to offer free breakfast.