Dr. Toni Bilbao Preparatory Academy students entertain guests during the ribbon-cutting
ceremony.
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.”
Pictured - center holding scissors – Toni Bilbao Preparatory
Academy Assistant Principal Gloria Vega, Principal Dr. Tracey Crews, Schools
Superintendent Dr. Jose Dotres and School Board member Christi Fraga are
surrounded by District representatives and students as they officially cut the
ribbon unveiling the new middle grade addition.
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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