Miami Public Schools outlines $14.7 million bond plan to add classrooms, storm shelter and HVAC upgrades; vote Oct. 14

A representative of Miami Public Schools presented the district's plan for a $14.7 million bond election to the City Council on Oct. 7, saying the package focuses on safety and capacity needs and would be paid from bond proceeds if approved by voters.

"This year in our school district, we have established this theme, Together We," the school district presenter said, introducing a multi-year facilities plan that centers on growth, safety and innovation. The presenter said the bond would keep the district on a renewal cycle that can avoid a tax-rate increase when earlier bond debt is paid off.

The district outlined three immediate goals for the 2025–26 bond: safety and security, building infrastructure, and improved learning environments. Proposed work includes adding 16 classrooms at the Will Rogers campus, installing a storm shelter that would serve first through 12th grades, upgrades to HVAC units and student restrooms at Nichols Upper Elementary, roof repairs and reconfiguration of existing space to house alternative-education students temporarily while construction proceeds.

The presenter said the district would seek the first round of bond proceeds in December or January if voters approve the measure; Nichols restroom and HVAC work would begin in summer 2026, and total project completion is projected for 2027. She said the district is aiming to move toward a long-term goal of consolidating pre-K through sixth grade on a single campus.

Council members raised environmental and safety questions about the proposed Will Rogers site. The presenter said she reviewed environmental reports and that Glenda Longin provides monthly reports; "the levels of benzene that are in that area are basically at untraceable levels," she said, and that nothing in the reports appeared to prohibit building at the site.

The presenter also described operational benefits the district expects from consolidation: fewer drop-off points (a boon amid bus-driver shortages), improved staff collaboration and energy-efficiency improvements from updated HVAC systems.

No city vote was required at the meeting; the presenter reminded residents that early voting runs Oct. 9–10 and that the bond election is scheduled for Oct. 14.