The Arthur and Polly Mays Conservatory of the Arts, a cornerstone of South Florida’s Goulds community, is finally set to receive the attention it desperately needs. Despite its reputation for educational excellence, the historic school has been facing severe deterioration, prompting concern from parents, teachers, and students. Now, after years of advocacy, the school is slated for a $30 million upgrade aimed at restoring its facilities while preserving its rich history.
A School in Decline
The condition of the Arthur and Polly Mays Conservatory of the Arts has become a pressing issue. Originally established as a safe haven for Black children during the segregation era in what was then Dade County, the school’s physical state has steadily declined, with rotting wood, mold, peeling paint, and damaged ceilings becoming all too common. The once-proud institution, which has served as a beacon of education and culture for decades, now stands in dire need of refurbishment.
Bruce Ford, a concerned parent, recounted a recent incident that underscored the urgency of the situation. “During the last concert, a heavy rainstorm caused the newly renovated auditorium to leak so badly that we had to cancel the event,” Ford said. This experience, shared by many in the community, highlights the school’s growing list of structural problems.