M-DCPS Hosts Groundbreaking at Norwood Elementary School

Miami-Dade County Public Schools (M-DCPS) hosted a groundbreaking ceremony at Norwood Elementary School, the beginning of a $2.8 million project that will

revamp the school’s parent pick-up and drop-off areas, in addition to other improvements.

“It’s incredible when the community can give us feedback because, at the end of the day, we want to make sure that our students are safe, our staff is safe, and education is taking place,” said Facilities Design and Construction Officer Raul Perez, referencing the outdated parent pick-up and bus drop-off that is now being improved.

Perez, District representatives, School Board Member Steve Gallon, III, Principal Dr. Kevin Williams, staff, teachers, and students all celebrated the groundbreaking event.

D2 Construction was awarded the job for the upgrades to Norwood Elementary School, and architectural company LIVS Associates, LLC., was commissioned to work on the project as well. The renovations will be completed in August 2026.

“Norwood Elementary’s groundbreaking is more than the start of construction,” said Principal Williams. “It marks the beginning of a new chapter filled with promise, progress, and an unwavering belief that our students deserve an environment as exceptional as they are.”

The renovation will transform the campus by improving traffic flow, safety, functionality, and aesthetics. Upgrades include a new staff parking area with 72 spaces to reduce congestion, and renovated student and bus drop-off areas for safer traffic movement. There will also be a new aluminum-covered walkway leading from the main entrance to those drop-off areas.

                                         Norwood Elementary orchestra students performing at the groundbreaking event.

“This brings us a lot of joy and happiness,” said Karen Hunter-Jackon, whose three children attended Norwood Elementary School and have a grandson who is a student at the school. She has advocated for the new, safer drop-off areas. “We are demonstrating to younger generations that if you continue to work at something, it may not be easy, but if you stay with it, you can make a difference in your own community.”

Other improvements include new landscaping, lighting, and a new chain link fence for the perimeter of the school.

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 M-DCPS, expand student capacity, enhance facility safety, and provide technology upgrades at all schools.

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