Stranahan High School Opens Doors
to New Cafeteria and Service Kitchen

People surrounded by ballons standing next to two US Marines

Cheers filled the air the morning of February 13th, 2025, at Stranahan High School in Fort Lauderdale.

The ribbon-cutting ceremony that took place that day was a celebration of the progress made by the

SMART Bond Program and Broward County Public Schools.

The cost of the enhancements to the Stranahan High School campus totaled approximately $47 million, which included the addition of an 800+ seat capacity cafeteria and a new service kitchen with digital displays. The project was funded in part by the SMART Bond Program, as part of an initiative that has been transforming BCPS schools. Upgrades to the school were mainly roofing replacements, HVAC and electrical system enhancements throughout the entire campus. The fire alarm and the sprinkler systems were also replaced, in the effort to give the school’s infrastructure substantial improvements.

The enthusiasm from students, staff and administrators was palpable at the ribbon-cutting ceremony. Sarah Leonardi, Vice-Chair District 3, commented “The passion and help of our community, parents, students, teachers, and the residents of the City of Fort Lauderdale, made this new cafeteria happen.” Principal Nichola Gayle added “We are incredibly excited that is complete and that our students will have the opportunity to use the space for years to come.” One student, Nandita Arjune, also called out how this was “Not just a new cafeteria but a representation of the growth and progress made by our school and student body.”

Stranahan High School's Us Marine Corp. students

The school spirit of Stranahan High was also vibrantly on display, as the school’s mascot and cheerleaders flaunted their beautiful orange and green uniforms while they walked everyone through the campus towards the new cafeteria. The marching band also gave an impressive performance outside before the ribbon was cut.

School staff members posing in a school classroom

The SMART Program and Broward County Public Schools look forward to continuing the enhancement of educational facilities across the District. This is one of 169 projects that has already been completed, with many more projects in progress.