House Education Committee holds public hearing on Escuela Superior Dr. Pedro Albizu Campos’ demolition, reconstruction and school relocations

The Puerto Rico House Commission on Education on Aug. 12 held a public hearing under House Resolution No. 76 to examine the status of Escuela Superior Dr. Pedro Albizu Campos in Toa Baja, including recent demolition contracting, project design under the Innova program, FEMA funding status and the school community’s re‑location and readiness for the start of the 2025–26 school year.

The hearing brought representatives from the Department of Education, the Office for the Improvement of Public Schools (Oficina para el Mejoramiento de las Escuelas Públicas, OMEP), the Authority for the Financing of Infrastructure (AFI), the Authority of Public Buildings and municipal officials from Toa Baja. Committee members asked for documents and timelines; the committee required that requested documents be submitted within five business days (deadline set as Aug. 19 in the hearing).

Why it matters: Committee members, parents and teachers said the school community has faced multiple moves and communication gaps, the demolition was set to begin after an "aviso para proceder" (notice to proceed) issued to a contractor effective Aug. 11, and reconstruction scheduling depends on FEMA obligating federal funds. Department officials and project managers told the committee demolition can be carried out under the current contract but that the construction phase requires FEMA obligation — a process they said is delayed by technical and interagency steps outside the department’s sole control.

Key facts established at the hearing

- Project and contractors: Department materials…