Families of the Parkland school victims will receive money from the local school district for their loss, but they agree the cash will never replace their loved ones.
The Broward school district has agreed to pay more than $26 million to the families of the dead and injured in the 2018 Valentine’s Day mass shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland.

Board members approved the legal settlements on Tuesday.

$25 million will be shared by 51 plaintiffs which include families of the 17 dead as well as students and staff who were injured in the gunfire.

Another $1.25 million will be paid in one lump sum to Anthony Borges, whose lawyer filed separately from the larger case because he suffered the most severe, debilitating injuries. According to his attorney, Borges faces a lifetime of expensive medical needs.

The estates of the dead will get about $1 million each, and 16 people who were injured will receive from $345,000 to about $777,000. Nineteen others who suffered trauma will receive $22,800. Payouts will be made in three installments.

Nikolas Cruz, 23, pleaded guilty in October to 17 counts of first degree murder, and will be sentenced early next year. The state is asking for the death penalty.

“While we recognize no amount of money can make these families whole, it is the school board’s hope that this settlement will show our heartfelt commitment to the MSD families, students, staff, faculty and to the entire Broward County community,” said Marylin Batista, the board’s interim general counsel.