In Case You Missed It:
James S. Rickards Middle School Breaks Ground on New Campus
On November 3, 2023, Broward County Public Schools (BCPS) celebrated the start of construction on James S. Rickards Middle School’s 
new campus, marking a fresh start for the entire school community.
In 2021, the school’s main building was severely affected when part of its roof collapsed, forcing students and staff to use portable classrooms.
Despite challenges, the District and school community have remained committed to providing students with a high-quality education and developing a plan forward that best meets the needs of the school’s students and staff.
With a total budget of $82.7 million, the new campus will include a modern 113,000 square feet, three-story building with administrative offices, classrooms, music and art rooms, a media center, and science labs. An indoor gym and locker room facility covering approximately 22,000 square feet will also be built, alongside expansive ballfields and athletic courts.
The project is divided into two phases. Phase one, which is expected to be completed by the start of the 2025/26 school year, involves the construction of classrooms and the indoor gymnasium. Phase two includes the development of ballfields and athletic courts and is on track to be ready by the winter of 2025.
In addition to the school’s leadership and staff, attendees for the groundbreaking ceremony included Broward County School Board Members Sarah Leonardi and Daniel Foganholi, BCPS Superintendent Dr. Peter B. Licata, Florida State Representative Patricia Williams, as well as Oakland Park officials Mayor Aisha Gordon, Vice Mayor Mitch Rosenwald, and Commissioners Letitia Newbold, Steven Arnst and Tim Lonergan.
Notably, the contractors working on the project – CORE Builder Group, Horus Construction Services, D. Stephenson Construction, and Zyscovich Architectural Firm – were also in attendance, highlighting the collaborative effort behind this initiative.
Watch video highlights from the groundbreaking ceremony
###
ABOUT BROWARD COUNTY PUBLIC SCHOOLS
“Educating all students to reach their highest potential.”
Broward County Public Schools (BCPS) is the sixth-largest school district in the nation and the second largest in the state of Florida. BCPS is Florida’s first fully accredited school system since 1962, serving more than 251,000 students and approximately 110,000 adult learners in 239 schools, centers and technical colleges, and 87 charter schools. BCPS supports a diverse student population representing 177 different countries and speaking 153 languages. To connect with BCPS, visit browardschools.com, follow us on Twitter @browardschools, on Facebook at facebook.com/browardschools, on Instagram @browardschoolsofficial, on YouTube at youtube.com/browardschoolsvideos and download the free BCPS mobile app at browardschools.com/MobileApp.