Wynnebrook Elementary's $21 Million Upgrade Ready for 2025 School Year
Wynnebrook Elementary in Palm Beach County is modernizing with a $21M upgrade funded by a penny sales tax, set for completion by 2026.
Wynnebrook Elementary's $21 Million Upgrade Ready for 2025 School Year
The Wynnebrook Elementary School in West Palm Beach is blossoming into a new era, thanks to a significant $21 million modernization project fueled by the county’s penny sales tax. The nearly 60-year-old school building started its transformation in March 2024 and is on track to reopen for the 2025–2026 school year. Palm Beach County School District Superintendent Michael J. Burke did not mince words about the necessity for updated facilities, emphasizing the school’s pressing need for a refreshed campus. This project is not just about new bricks and mortar; it’s about enhancing the learning environment for students.
During the renovation, Wynnebrook’s elementary students have temporarily relocated to Crestwood Middle School, ensuring that education continues uninterrupted. It’s a fine example of the community coming together, making the best out of a challenging situation. Burke remarked that on the first day of the school year—in this case, a Monday—the students will finally step into their brand-new classrooms, amid exciting improvements including a new two-story classroom building, a modern cafeteria, and campus-wide enhancements such as fresh paint, vibrant murals, and an appealing facade.
Community Investment and the Penny Sales Tax
This substantial upgrade comes as part of a larger commitment from Palm Beach County voters who approved a half-penny sales tax in November 2024. According to palmbeachschools.org, once the existing full penny sales tax expires in 2025, the new tax will kick in and will be earmarked for much-needed repairs and upgrades across the district. This will benefit not only Wynnebrook but all district-operated and charter schools in the area.
The funds will be pivotal in addressing pressing maintenance issues, including aging infrastructures like roofs and restroom facilities, enhancements for security, technology upgrades, and buying new buses. Schools will also receive School Enhancement Funds, allowing them to make decisions on how best to meet their specific needs. Keeping those aging facilities in shape is no small feat, with the district managing over 30 million square feet of school properties!
A Bright Future for Education
The improvements at Wynnebrook are just a glimpse of the potential the penny sales tax holds for educational enhancements across the county. During a recent groundbreaking ceremony, community members and educators celebrated this investment in future generations. Videos from PBCSD captured the excitement, showing how this initiative is more than just a financial commitment; it’s a shared vision for cultivating an enriching learning environment.
As the new school year approaches, the anticipation grows. The students returning to Wynnebrook will not just find a new building, but a renewed sense of community and commitment to quality education—a modern facility designed to inspire and uplift those who walk through its doors. With each coat of paint and every new classroom, there’s something to be said for investing in our children’s futures, and this project is a vivid testament to that promise.