Miami-Dade County Public Schools Holds Groundbreaking Ceremony at James H. Bright/J.W. Johnson Elementary in Hialeah

Miami-Dade County Public Schools (M-DCPS) hosted a groundbreaking ceremony last Wednesday at James H. Bright/J.W. Johnson Elementary to celebrate the start of a $15.2 million project that will include the renovation of several buildings as well as other upgrades.

“James H. Bright was built in the 1950s so this is a great enhancement to modernize the classrooms, to keep up with the times,” said Principal Claudine Winsor. “Our students deserve a

wonderful, updated school and this will be great for the community. This is a dream come true.”

M-DCPS North Region Superintendent Yesenia Aponte, School Board member Roberto Alonso, District administrators, staff and students gathered at the Hialeah school for the event.

Veitia Padron, Inc. was awarded the project, which includes classroom renovations in three buildings and restrooms, as well as replacing selective windows and doors and campus-wide exterior painting.

Winsor welcomes the renovation of the main office, the main part of the school parents see when they visit. In addition to updating the ceiling, lights and the central air, the office will get a supply room where textbooks can be stored.

There will also be new covered walkways, a bus drop-off, and a new playground, P.E. shelter and fire alarm system. Other enhancements include upgrading the track and field area and

resurfacing the basketball courts. The project is estimated to be completed by August 2026.

"This will be a good transformation,” said fourth grader Jeronimo Bohorquez.  “If they improve the classrooms, all the kids will have a better learning experience."

These school bond projects resulted from voter approval of the $1.2 billion General Obligation Bond in 2012. Funds from the bond 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.

TOP CAPTION: Pictured left to right: James H. Bright/J.W. Johnson Elementary Principal Claudine Winsor, M-DCPS North Region Superintendent Yesenia Aponte, M-DCPS Chief Facilities Design and Construction Officer Raul F. Perez, School Board member Roberto Alonso, Region and District representatives gather at the groundbreaking event.