KB K-8 Elementary Buildings

Significant issues identified at the KB K-8 elementary buildings - reconstruction recommended

Update October 6, 2009:
A June 2008 structural study (Castaldi study *) of our Key Biscayne K-8 Center elementary buildings identifies significant issues at the three oldest buildings and recommends their demolition and reconstruction. Among others, the study identifies deficiencies with bathrooms, electrical wiring, air conditioning, lighting, fire safety devices and asbestos. These issues, if not addressed, will continue to expose our youngest children and their teachers to potentially daily health and safety hazards.

The study estimates at $2,618,083 the minimum amount needed to remedy pending deficiencies and bring these buildings closer to code. The majority of this amount would address safety and health issues. As per Florida Department of Education guidelines, the cost of fixing deficiencies justifies demolishing the buildings and raising new structures as, according to the study, these 55+ years old buildings have reached their life expectancy.

A list of the “minimum improvements” needed in each building can be seen here and complete study can be seen here (over 8MB file).

The study, commissioned by the Miami-Dade school district at the request of a group of Key Biscayne parents to Mr. Barrera, former M-DCPS Board Chair, was conducted by Brown + Brown Architects and delivered to the Office of Advanced Planning at the Miami-Dade School District in June of 2008.

See here the follow up letter with issues discussed with Mr. Barrera in the spring of 2008..

Some of the pictures included in the report:

* The Castaldi analysis is the method used by the Florida Department of Education as a mathematical computation to determine if it is more cost effective to build a new educational facility or remodel, add to, or upgrade the existing facility. The analysis takes into consideration the age of the facility and the replacement value of that facility. Back to top.