Broward Schools Superintendent Declares Emergency Amid Construction Program Crisis
Facing potential school closures and safety risks, the Broward County school district is navigating a critical situation with its construction program. Superintendent Howard Hepburn has declared an emergency, highlighting management deficiencies that could lead to severe consequences.
On Thursday, Hepburn cited “exigent emergency circumstances” after an audit revealed failures in the district’s bidding process for construction oversight services. The emergency status permits the district to temporarily retain its current construction manager, AECOM, beyond the contract’s expiration on January 17, as per district legal advisors.
According to Hepburn’s memo to the School Board, the absence of an oversight entity for critical installations and safety systems could increase hazards. “Every day without oversight increases danger. Time lost equals heightened risk,” Hepburn warned.
While there are plans to reinitiate the bidding process, which could take up to eight months, the district deems a short-term agreement with AECOM vital. AECOM is currently managing 166 active projects worth approximately $1.27 billion, including essential life-safety systems.
Hepburn expressed urgency in his memo, detailing severe potential outcomes:
- Life-safety systems could stall or fail, posing risks of injury or death.
- Building permits might be suspended, leading to school closures and disruptions in instruction.
- Uncontrolled construction sites could increase accident risks and district liability.
- Regulatory noncompliance could result in sanctions.
“These are not hypothetical risks. They are imminent,” Hepburn emphasized.
The emergency declaration follows the district’s unsuccessful procurement attempt. District lawyers previously informed the board that the current contract with AECOM, lasting 5½ years, could not be renewed conventionally, necessitating a competitive bidding process.
An audit found issues in the August solicitation, potentially violating policies and laws, which led Hepburn to advise the School Board to reject all bids on Tuesday. The district intends to use an emergency procurement option.
The construction program’s challenges are not new, having been criticized in four grand jury reports since the 1990s. A 2021 report scrutinized the management of an $800 million bond referendum approved in 2014, citing delays, cost overruns, and lawsuits. Mismanagement led to the removal of four School Board members by Gov. Ron DeSantis in 2022.
Several board members voiced frustration over the self-inflicted nature of the emergency. “This was a self-inflicted wound, and it’s a very, very serious one, and it is time for people to be held accountable,” said Board member Allen Zeman.
Superintendent Hepburn assured the board that he is looking into the audit report and planning accountability measures for the responsible staff.
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