Since voters approved the bond referendum in 2014, their tax dollars have been improving the infrastructure of schools and changing the educational landscape across Broward County through investments in Safety, Music & Art, Athletics, Renovation and Technology – known as the SMART Bond Program. The SMART Bond Program is making a difference not just in school buildings and in the lives of students but throughout Broward County and beyond. The program has infused the South Florida economy, as local businesses are helping Broward County Public Schools deliver on its promise of renovating and elevating the educational experience at schools across the district.
From new roofing and HVAC systems, and fire sprinkler upgrades to electrical enhancements, building renovations and classroom additions, the SMART Bond Program has put local businesses – including small and minority-owned – to work.
One of the most critical renovations for many schools that are part of the program is enhancing the fire sprinkler system. Fire sprinklers play a crucial role in the safety improvements that are part of the bond. Experts like Francis Engineering, a local Fort Lauderdale-based minority-owned business, are contracted to help get the work of the SMART Bond Program completed. Francis Engineering focused on designing and installing fire protection systems for five schools, including North Lauderdale Elementary and Lauderhill 6-12. What’s truly remarkable is that, as the SMART Bond Program provides local businesses with contracting opportunities, they, in turn, contribute to the safety of students.
“We get satisfaction because we’re providing life safety features and fire sprinklers to protect lives and we feel comfortable at night going to bed knowing that we provided sprinklers to the school and knowing the students will be safe,” said Orrett Francis, founder of Francis Engineering.
Like Francis Engineering, other businesses throughout Broward County and South Florida – such as D. Stephenson Construction, Grace & Naeem, LEGO Construction and Tropic Fencing – help make the SMART Bond Program’s goal of renovating and improving educational spaces possible.
“We won our first project with the SMART Program in 2018. This gave us control of our destiny. We were able to explore a new avenue of work within the education system and empower us to go after large project opportunities,” Francis said.
The SMART Bond Program continues to create jobs for small businesses in the areas of construction, engineering, design and architecture. You can learn more about working with the SMART Bond Program by visiting this link: https://tinyurl.com/SMARTbusinesses
