Coconut Creek commissioner Jeffrey Wasserman, Principal Dr. Nicole Nearor,
Superintendent Dr. Howard Hepburn, Mayor Jackie Railey, Regional schools
director Todd LaPace, School Board chair Debra Hixon, School Board vice
chair Sarah Leonardi, Coconut Creek commissioner John Brodie. {David Volz}
Broward County Public Schools students and teachers returned to their classrooms on Monday morning.
Superintendent Dr. Howard Hepburn, school board members, and city officials celebrated the first day of school with an early morning visit to Coconut Creek High School.
“I am excited about the first day of school,” he said.
During the past year, Broward Public Schools earned an “A,” and Hepburn is proud of this accomplishment. He acknowledged that the district is facing challenges such as a loss of about 8,800 students to charter and private schools.
“We have tons of magnet programs where students can choose a program that interests them. High school students can earn college credits, and we also have vocational training opportunities. We have introduced K-8 schools, and we are working to educate families about the benefits of public schools,” said Hepburn.
This year, all students can receive free breakfast, but families must complete a form to determine if their student is eligible for free or reduced-cost lunches. All Broward schools’ staff members have been issued a crisis alert badge, allowing them to summon first responders if they notice a problem developing. Security and student safety remain a priority, according to Hepburn.
Dr. Nicole Nearor, the principal of Coconut Creek High, was excited about the first day of school and wants families to know about the opportunities at her school. She is proud of the partnership between her school and Atlantic Technical College, where students attend high school during part of the day and then go to Atlantic to pursue training in fields such as healthcare and information technology.
Last year, the school earned a B grade, but Nearor believes Coconut Creek High will earn an A this year.
“We are Cougar Nation, and for us, earning an A grade is mission possible,” said Nearor.
School Board Chair Debra Hixon and Vice Chair Sarah Leonardi, who taught English at the school for two years, also attended. “The first day of school is exciting, and I enjoyed teaching here,” said Leonardi.
Coconut Creek Mayor Jackie Railey, Vice Mayor Jeffrey Wasserman, and Commissioner John Brodie also participated. Also in attendance was State Rep. Christine Hunschofsky.
Brodie said he was pleased that another school year had started and hopes that more students pursue vocational opportunities. “There are trades that pay very well and don’t require years of college that students should consider,” he said.
Railey said, “The first day of school is very exciting, and we have a great school here.”
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