After more than a decade of ups and downs, the Broward School District’s “SMART Bond” program is officially winding down — though the construction it funded will continue.
The initiative, launched with an $800 million bond approved by voters in 2014, was intended to improve Safety, Music/Arts, Athletics, Renovations, and Technology in district schools. Originally set to conclude in 2021, the program was extended, with a firm end date of October 31, 2025, aimed at keeping construction on track.
Despite those efforts, more than 100 projects — about a third of all work — remain unfinished. Most are under construction, but the SMART name will no longer be used, and the Bond Oversight Committee, which monitored the program since 2015, is being retired. The total cost of projects has risen to roughly $1.6 billion, and district officials note that bond funds have not been used on these projects for several years.
“This doesn’t mean the projects are over,” said School Board Chair Debbi Hixon. “We’re just retiring the SMART label because the funding tied to that name is gone.”
The program faced multiple challenges, including underestimated costs, management turnover, and delays from conflicts with contractors. Still, the current administration says it is committed to finishing the remaining work. “Projects are being completed at a faster pace now, reflecting our dedication to high-quality learning environments,” said a district spokesperson.
Some board members, while critical of the program, are already considering a new bond, potentially as soon as 2028. Board member Allen Zeman emphasized the importance of public confidence: “If we can present clear plans and a list of schools that need work, I believe voters would support another bond.” District officials estimate total capital improvement needs at $10 billion, far above the original 2014 bond amount.
Others, however, caution against overly ambitious plans. Board member Adam Cervera noted that while students shouldn’t attend substandard schools, $10 billion in bond funding is unrealistic, calling for more practical solutions to meet the district’s needs.
Lori Alhadeff, who supported setting the program’s end date, admitted frustration with unfinished projects. “We can’t claim the work is done when it isn’t,” she said at the October 21 meeting.
Broward Superintendent Howard Hepburn reinforced that the end of the SMART program does not signal the end of construction: “The resolution simply moves these projects from being called SMART bond projects to capital projects — what they’ve always been.”
As the program closes its chapter, the district hopes lessons learned will guide future efforts and help rebuild trust with the community.
