Broward County Public Schools (BCPS) is making significant progress on the SMART initiative, and continues to move forward with critical work on numerous projects.  Below is an overview of some of the recent accomplishments:

Facility Improvements

On November 3, 2015, The School Board of Broward County, Florida, approved the advertisements for design and build services for major SMART projects at Blanche Ely, Stranahan and Northeast high schools, with a preliminary budget of approximately $45 million. More Year-1 projects at numerous schools are being scheduled for School Board approval. The progress of these items demonstrates that the SMART program is advancing as promised, and signifies the District’s commitment to completing more than 1,000 bond projects within five to seven years.    

Technology

The District is also proud of the progress of the technology components of the SMART program. Ten percent of the $800 million General Obligation Bond is allocated for the purchase of new computers to improve the student-to-device ratio and support personalized 21st century learning in BCPS classrooms.  The District is working diligently to accelerate the distribution and is currently ahead of schedule. More than 26,000 computer devices have been ordered for more than 60 schools, with more than 14,000 already deployed to our students and teachers.  Additionally, nearly 4,000 wireless access points are being installed throughout these schools.

Bond Oversight Committee

Meetings of the independent Bond Oversight Committee (BOC) are on track. The second meeting of the BOC took place on October 5, 2015, where, through a quorum, the members named a chair and vice-chair. Florida TaxWatch, which is providing support to the BOC, attended the meeting and presented highlights on its Recommended Best Practices. The next BOC is set for November 30, 2015, during which the first quarterly report will be provided.

“It’s been one year since voters overwhelmingly approved the $800 million bond, and during this time we have taken tremendous steps to ensure the infrastructure is in place to successfully implement the SMART program,” said BCPS Superintendent Robert W. Runcie.  “We remain focused and relentless in our commitment to deliver on the promises made to the community, and to execute the SMART program with the highest level of integrity.  Our children deserve nothing less!”

To learn more about the SMART program’s progress, visit browardschools.com/smartfutures.