Broward County (Fla.) board votes to lay off 300, eliminate 700 unfilled positions

The Broward County (Florida) School Board has voted to adopt a new organizational chart that would lay off about 300 staff members and eliminate 700 vacant positions.

WPLG-TV reports that the moves would save the district more than $50 million.

Some of the positions eliminated include social workers, student support instruction specialists and mental health professionals.

Superintendent Howard Hepburn said the approved plan also makes substantial cuts to higher level positions.

Hepburn says those in eliminated positions could still fill other vacancies within the district, such as classroom teachers and other positions with high turnover.