TaxWatch and Bond Oversight Committee Report SMART Bond Program has Made Significant Progress

The Bond Oversight Committee (BOC) recently held its second quarterly meeting for fiscal year 2023 to review the progress of the SMART Bond Program. The meeting brought a wave of positive feedback from both the BOC and Florida TaxWatch – an independent, nonpartisan, nonprofit taxpayer research institute – marking the first time that TaxWatch did not have any recommendations for improvement.

The SMART Bond Program has been making considerable progress in recent months, with more than 200 projects currently in construction, 69 projects nearing construction closeout, and – since the 2020 schedule reset – more than 40 projects are ahead of schedule

TaxWatch Senior Vice President of Research Bob Nave said, "The reason I did not have any recommendations in the report is that it is obvious that the District is making a lot of progress. For the first time ever, we have projects ahead of schedule, so I think on the facilities and construction side, there's a lot to feel good about."

“Getting the SMART Bond Program on track has been one of the main priorities of this District. The fact that several projects are ahead of schedule shows our commitment and determination to improving the learning environment for our students and our communities,” said Superintendent Dr. Earlean Smiley.

The Bond Oversight Committee members also shared their appreciation for the program's success and congratulated the team on their hard work. The BOC is confident that the SMART Bond Program will continue to achieve its goals and deliver high-quality educational facilities for students. The Program remains on track to reach substantial completion by October 2025, with the SMART School Choice Enhancement Program (SCEP) forecasted to reach completion by Summer 2023.

For more information about the SMART Bond Program, please visit bcpssmartfutures.com.

About the SMART Bond Program
The SMART Bond Program is an $800 million capital improvement program put in place to enhance the educational experience of Broward County Public Schools students. This is accomplished by upgrading existing school facilities and providing schools with advanced technology, athletic equipment and musical instruments. The primary focus of the SMART Bond Program includes capital improvements to school facilities such as roofing, HVAC improvements, fire alarm and fire sprinkler upgrades, electrical, ADA, and media center enhancements, STEM lab improvements, and classroom additions.               

ABOUT BROWARD COUNTY PUBLIC SCHOOLS
“Educating all students to reach their highest potential.”
Broward County Public Schools (BCPS) is the sixth largest school district in the nation and the second largest in the state of Florida. BCPS is Florida’s first fully accredited school system since 1962, serving more than 254,000 students and approximately 110,000 adult learners in 240 schools, centers and technical colleges, and 90 charter schools. BCPS supports a diverse student population representing 170 different countries and speaking 147 languages. To connect with BCPS, visit browardschools.com, follow us on Twitter @browardschools, on Facebook at facebook.com/browardschools, on Instagram @browardschoolsofficial, on YouTube at youtube.com/browardschoolsvideos and download the free BCPS mobile app at browardschools.com/MobileApp.