Schools Superintendent Dr. Jose L. Dotres, School Board member Christi Fraga, Doral Vice Mayor Digna Cabral, Principal Dr. Tracey Crews and students from the Dr. Toni Bilbao Preparatory Academy along with representatives from the District and construction partners, gathered last week for a ribbon-cutting ceremony to unveil the school’s new three-story 38,000 square-foot addition in Doral.
Daniela Montes, a 6th grader and one of the school’s TV news anchors, and Lautaro Stamati, a 5th grader, welcomed guests to the event and were bubbling with excitement over the new facility. “I really like it. It’s a very beautiful building,” said Daniela, a self-described bookworm. Lautaro was in awe of the new art classroom, “I’m also a reading fan, but I can’t wait to see what we can do in art class. We went in and it was beautiful; there was even an oven!
Florida Lemark Corporation was contracted to deliver the $12.3 million project that now houses the sixth-to-eighth-grade expansion at the Doral campus and expanded capacity to 1,200 permanent student stations.
Named for beloved, lifelong educator Maria Antonia “Toni” Bilbao, the school was constructed in 2017.
Maru Ramos was also captivated by the school that bears her sister’s name. “This building is spectacular. Everything in the classrooms is so advanced and modern. The children are so sweet, educated and respectful,” said Ms. Ramos. “I know that Toni is smiling with delight right now about this wonderful school.”
The addition has an administrative office, a kitchen, an outside dining area and patio, as well as a science lab and language arts, computer, art and band classrooms. The school also has a new basketball court, covered drop-off area, additional parking spaces, playfield upgrades and a covered walkway connection to the existing building.
School bond projects such as this one at Dr. Toni Bilbao Preparatory Academy resulted from voter approval of the $1.2 billion General Obligation Bond. Bond revenues are being used to modernize and construct school buildings throughout the district, expand student capacity, enhance facility safety, and provide technology upgrades at all schools.
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