Broward Public Schools Superintendent Robert Runcie was the keynote speaker at the recent breakfast meeting of the Greater Hollywood Chamber of Commerce, held at the Hollywood Beach Marriott. Education, business, government and community leaders were in attendance.
Runcie complimented Hollywood leaders for supporting local public schools. He announced that more than 80,000 computers are being placed in Broward schools, and more than 30,000 new musical instruments are being purchased for students.
“Our goal is to have every student proficient in reading by the time they complete the third grade. This is important for the academic success of young people. We are placing more computers in the schools so students have more access to computers,” Runcie said.
Broward public schools have improved their letter grades based on the performance of students on academic tests, Runcie said, and more students are graduating from high school.
“We are seeing success from our schools,” Runcie said.
Runcie expressed concern about House Bill 7069, which will divert money collected from property taxes away from traditional public schools and go to charter schools. This has generated controversy over the unequal standards traditional public schools are held to than charter schools. There is great concern that money sorely needed by public schools will, instead, go to charter schools.
