Broward County school leaders have unveiled a $900 million list of projects they want to complete over the next five years.
That includes turning portable rooms housed in mobile trailers into permanent classrooms, replacing aging air-conditioning systems and upgrading art, music and athletics facilities.
Broward County schools superintendent Robert Runcie said the district scrutinized every project on its wish list and chose those that were most important.
“It is not based on east versus west, rich versus poor, winners versus losers," Runcie said. "It is based on facts from a very detailed assessment.”
Some board members are questioning why the plan spends more on newer schools than on older schools.
Broward school leaders say they have $3 billion in maintenance and construction needs. The district is trying to renovate older schools while also relieving overcrowded schools in the western past of the county.
Lauderdale Lakes resident Beatrice Esdelle and others said the district has broken promises to renovate the media center at Boyd Anderson High School.
“If you do not fix this, you’re not going to get that $800 million," Esdelle told board members at a work session Tuesday. "I’m telling you that right now.”
On Nov. 4, Broward County voters will approve or deny an $800 million bond that would fund most of the plan.
