SMART In Action:
Creative Spaces, Inspired Students

Catch a behind-the-scenes look in our latest SMART In Action video, showing these updated classrooms and the students bringing them to life.
As the SMART Program is nearing completion, we invite our community to celebrate how far we’ve come and look ahead to what’s possible.

Art and music programs in several Broward County Public Schools are bringing creativity to life thanks to recent renovations funded by the SMART Bond Program. From fresh supplies and vibrant décor to new instruments, desks and sinks, these updates create more engaging, hands-on and meaningful opportunities for students to explore the arts.

At Park Springs Elementary School, the renovated art and music rooms are buzzing with energy and creativity. Music teacher David Levitan noted the improvements have transformed his classroom: “In addition to having this beautiful new room and our bright surroundings, we received brand-new instruments. Students are so much more excited to come in music class and experience hands on exploration with the instruments.”

The changes are also making a big impact at Lyons Creek Middle School and Miramar High School, students now have more space to collaborate, rehearse and express themselves in modern, welcoming environments designed for artistic exploration. At Lyons Creek, art teacher Keena Rodriguez shared the renovations have opened the door to more immersive learning: “We are now able to do many more hands-on projects because of the new space. Right now, we’re focused on 3D work – especially with clay. You need room to create with your hands, and that’s been really helpful.”

From chorus practice to sculpture projects, these redesigned spaces give students the chance to try something new and build confidence through creative expression. It’s not just about having better tools – it’s about creating opportunities for students to learn in ways that reflect who they are.

Through the SMART Bond Program, the District is expanding safe, well-equipped learning environments that support the whole student, including the arts. With each renovation, schools spark curiosity, nurture talent, and create meaningful experiences students will carry for years to come.

SMART In Action:
Media Centers Reimagined

Across Broward County Public Schools, media centers are getting a fresh new look and a whole new purpose. As part of the SMART Bond Program, several schools have transformed their media centers into exciting spaces where students can learn, create, and collaborate.

The newly updated media centers at schools like Piper High, Apollo Middle, Pines Lake Elementary, and Riverside Elementary are bright and full of energy. These spaces now support everything from reading and research to group projects, hands-on learning, and even friendly games of chess between classmates.

The updates include colorful designs, comfortable seating, and modern technology. It’s not just about how the spaces look – it’s about how students and teachers are using them every day. The new layouts make it easier to support different learning styles and help students feel more focused and connected to each other.

At Piper High School, Assistant Principal Patrick Kothe said the SMART Bond helped close resource and technology gaps on their campus. He emphasized how the media center has become a welcoming place for students: “We want them to feel welcome. We want them to feel this is a comfortable, safe space for them to explore their own interests and connect with other people.”

The SMART Bond Program is all about making sure every student has access to safe, modern learning environments. These media centers show what’s possible when schools have the tools they need to grow. Students are more engaged, teachers feel more supported, and the entire school community benefits.

Watch the latest SMART In Action video to see the media center upgrades in action and hear from school faculty as they share how these spaces are making an impact.

SMART In Action:
The Next Chapter in a Story of Impact

Since voters approved the SMART Bond Program in 2014, Broward County Public Schools (BCPS) has been on a mission to transform the student experience across the District. With over $1.4 billion in funding invested into safety, music & art, athletics, renovation, and technology, campuses across the District have seen significant improvements, and the people who bring our schools to life have stories worth celebrating.

Now, we’re proud to launch the next chapter – SMART In Action – a dynamic video series that brings those stories to life. This campaign highlights how SMART-funded projects are making a lasting difference. From students learning in beautifully renovated media centers to teachers using cutting-edge technology, and families appreciating safer, more modern campuses.

These aren’t just facility upgrades. They are meaningful investments in the future.

SMART In Action features testimonials from students, educators, principals, and community members who have seen the changes firsthand. Whether it’s cleaner air thanks to improved HVAC systems, hands-on learning in new STEM labs, or vibrant spaces for the arts and athletics, the results are real and lasting.

Each voice in the series offers a unique perspective on how the SMART Program has shaped their learning environment. Together, these voices create a powerful reflection of the program’s success.

As the SMART Program nears completion, we invite our community to celebrate how far we’ve come and look ahead to what’s possible. Watch the stories, share in the pride, and see the difference.

ABOUT THE SMART BOND PROGRAM

The SMART 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 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.