Committee backs referral to consider $120,000 toward Miami Beach Senior High shade structure

The Finance and Economic Resiliency Committee voted 3-0 on May 7 to forward a recommendation to the City Commission to consider funding $120,000 for a shade structure at Miami Beach Senior High as part of the FY26 budget process. The recommendation follows a presentation from the school’s PTA leadership and city staff about costs, procurement and site control.

Julie Basner and Rachel Weisman, leaders of the Miami Beach Senior High PTA, told the committee that the PTA had raised $24,000 and that the school planned to purchase two sets of bleachers and storage sheds; the PTA asked the city to contribute toward a shade structure and the concrete pads needed to support up to five bleacher sets. The PTA cited student health and safety concerns, noting daytime heat exposure during practices and classes and the lack of shaded areas at the campus.

PTA leaders provided a contractor quote that listed the sunshade as approximately $93,000; concrete pads at $25,000; and contractor overhead/profit estimated around $25,000, producing a total of roughly $143,000. The PTA asked the city for $120,000 to close the gap after the PTA contribution.

Committee members asked city staff about procurement and whether the school district would manage the project. City staff said the Miami-Dade County Public Schools (MDCPS) might manage projects where the district provides funding, but if the district is not funding the work it may permit the PTA or the city to use an approved vendor; staff noted the city followed competitive procurement practices for its projects and would need to confirm whether a city-managed approach or piggybacking on state or county contracts could be used. The committee also discussed precedents such as the scoreboard installation, which followed a process that allowed a vendor suggested by a third party when the city could piggyback on an approved contract.

Commissioners also raised broader procurement questions about price disparities between private-party quotes and city procurement estimates. The PTA’s contractor said the bidder is an approved vendor for Miami-Dade County Public Schools and that prior partnerships had allowed similar work for schools.

The committee’s referral asks the City Commission to consider the $120,000 contribution request for the FY26 budget. The recommendation does not appropriate funds at committee level; staff will follow up with procurement and MDCPS to clarify who will manage the project and what procurement path would be required.