M-DCPS Breaks Ground on First Net-Zero Energy School at Dr. Frederica S. Wilson/Skyway Elementary

M-DCPS Breaks Ground on First Net-Zero Energy School at Dr. Frederica S. Wilson/Skyway Elementary

Miami-Dade County Public Schools (M-DCPS) hosted a groundbreaking ceremony at Dr. Frederica S. Wilson/Skyway Elementary School to celebrate the start of a $34.1 million project that will replace the current school and become the District's first Net-Zero Energy School.

"This school will have solar panels, tennis courts, and putting greens for the students," said Superintendent of Schools Dr. Jose L. Dotres. "We are all very excited that we are opening a new school in this amazing community that will have a state-of-the-art facility for our students".

Joining Dr. Dotres for the event were Congresswoman Dr. Frederica S. Wilson, Principal Tiffany C. James, School Board member Steve Gallon, III, Chief Facilities Design and Construction Officer Raul Perez, District administrators, staff, and students.

H.A. Contracting Corp was awarded $34.1 million for the comprehensive upgrade and renovation. The main building will be demolished and replaced with a new 36,000 square
foot, Net-Zero building that will have 21 classrooms, 402 student stations, and will feature modern art and music labs, administrative offices, and a media center.

The cafeteria building will undergo extensive renovations, including high-performance HVAC systems, new LED lighting, electric cooking equipment, as well as new exterior paint. Further improvements include two new tennis courts, two new putting greens, and a new parking lot.

The school's nearly 300 students have been relocated to Brentwood Elementary while their school is being constructed. The project's expected completion date is March 2027.

Many sustainable design strategies were incorporated to achieve a Net-Zero Energy and Green/Sustainable facility, including new solar panels, optimal building orientation, high-performance building envelope and HVAC systems, Low-E insulated glazing, water-conserving fixtures, and other energy-efficient features.

"We're utilizing the power, the resources, the solar panels that we're going to have at our school so that students can learn different things in science at our science center," said Principal James. "It's going to be the first school like this at Miami-Dade County Public Schools."

A Net-Zero building is a structure that produces as much energy as it consumes annually by combining energy-efficient design, renewable energy sources, and smart energy management.
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.

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