The Class of 2026 won. The Broward School District ditched plans to save $500,000 by canceling graduation at high-priced venues like Hard Rock Live and the Broward Performing Arts Center. Students and parents were outraged that most graduates would receive diplomas at a rival school’s gymnasium.

In a Friday evening memo, Superintendent Howard Hepburn stated the cost cutting maneuvering was dead.

“Funding has been secured to ensure that each school will host its commencement ceremony in the same venue, or a comparable venue, as used in 2025.

Each graduate will be guaranteed a minimum of four guest tickets, regardless of venue. To ensure reliable, high-quality livestreaming for all families, the final graduation schedule will be limited to five locations.”

According to the memo, staff will submit a revised graduation schedule next week.