School Board - Regular Meeting

Good morning and welcome to the May 13th regular school board meeting. This morning, we are joined by the CEO and Minister of Universal Truth Center for Better Living Incorporating. Mr. Charles M. Taylor Senior will be delivering our invocation this morning. Mr. Taylor, the floor is yours.

Thank you, thank you, good morning. Let us take a moment to close your eyes if you wish as we take this moment to acknowledge the presence of God. I want to invite each of us to take a breath right here together and let that breath unite us one with another because what happens in this room matters. It matters to the parents in Miami-Dade and across the state of Florida. Parents who are lying awake at night wondering if their children will be educated in the right way. It matters to the teachers still thinking about their students after the last bell.

Good morning and welcome to the May 13th, 2026 meeting of the Miami-Dade County School Board. Please stand as Vice Chair Colucci leads us in the Pledge of Allegiance.

I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the Republic for

Please pause for a moment of silent meditation. Thank you, you may be seated. Before we begin today, I'm going to ask that we all pause For a moment of silence, we have one of our very own law enforcement officers, Officer Jose Luis Perez, known as Louie to many of us, has a total of 38 years of service with our school police since 1988. and currently is assigned to Charles Wake Elementary in Miami Gardens, and he is very ill, and we are asking for prayers for a fast recovery. So if we could just take a few moments, I would appreciate that. Thank you so much. As we know, our law enforcement officers are at every one of our schools, and they are the ones that are keeping us safe and sound every day. So we hope that his family is also watching today and knows that our family, the Miami-Dade County Public School family, is praying for them all and thinking of their families. At this time, pursuant to its policies, proposed board member resolutions will be presented at 11 a.m. The board will then reconvene the regular public hearing meeting including other hearings in accordance with policies of the board at 1 p.m. or soon thereafter. If there is anyone from the audience who would like to address the resolutions but has not had an opportunity to sign up, please go to the lobby counter outside the auditorium where staff will be ready and happy to assist you. The board must approve additional speakers by a majority vote. And let's see, we don't have a quorum. All right, since we do not have a quorum present, we will be taking all of our official votes during the latter part of this meeting or at the regular school board meeting. We will now have those board member resolutions being presented pursuant to board policy 0165. Whenever practicable and as determined by the board chair, presentations that include students should always occur prior to any other presentation during this portion of today's meeting. The first item is B2, which is the request for approval of resolution number 26-027 of the School Board of Miami-Dade County, Florida, recognizing the Walk Safe program at the Kids Neuroscience Center Miami project to cure paralysis. at the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, including the 2026 Walk Safe statewide poster contest winners. We do not have anyone signed up at this time, and because it is my item, I will hand it over to Vice Chair Colucci. You have the gavel, ma'am.

Thank you, Madam Chair.

Well, good morning again, everyone. And it is an absolute honor for me to present resolution number 26-027 of the School Board of Miami-Dade County, Florida. Joining us this morning are Elizabeth Cabrera. Where is Ms. Cabrera? Where are you? Join us here, please. And she is the project manager. And Dr. Michelina, which she is known as Mickey. Mickey White, please join us. Is Mickey here? No, she did not come, okay. And Claudia Blandino, is she here? Are you the only one I have? Yes. Excellent, okay, great, all right. And so we do have the student art winners here with us today. So the contest winners that are here, I would like for them to also come up and join us. And again, this is the family of Ryder Lidd. Where are the students that we have here? Elizabeth is gonna speak about this amazing award in a little bit. But will the children that we have here come up? Are they here? Wait, we'll let you know in a second. I just wanted them to be standing, so they're not here yet? Oh, we got one here right now, okay. All of them, I want all of them, yes. It's all about the kids, right everybody? All right, and these are our special ones here, right? Okay. The WOTS-A program under the Kids Neuroscience Center at the Miami Project to Cure Paralysis, University of Miami, Miller School of Medicine, was developed to improve pedestrian safety and health for elementary school children on a statewide level. The program involves a combination of educational initiatives, community outreach, and research efforts to educate children on pedestrian safety rules, safe crossing techniques, and also the importance of being alert, being predictable, and being visible while they are walking. The program has served the Miami-Dade County community since 2001 when a task force of community educators as well as partners reviewed historical pediatric injury data which came from Jackson Memorial Medical Center and also from the Rider Trauma Center in an attempt to locate the cause of the injuries that we were facing. The majority of these incidents involved children between the ages of five through 13 years of age. This was taking place mainly in the vicinity of our elementary schools. WalkSafe incorporates interactive presentations, hands-on activities, and engaging materials to teach children about pedestrian safety in age-appropriate fashion. It is estimated that the program has reached over 73,000 Miami-Dade County public school students and over 1,200 adults. This year alone, it has reached over 42,000 MD-CPS students, over 900 adults, and an additional 3,946 children for just this year. In addition to education, WalkSafe collaborates with schools, local organizations, law enforcement agencies to improve infrastructure and implement safety measures near all of our schools. This includes initiatives such as enhanced crosswalks, traffic calming measures, and improved signage to increase pedestrian safety. Furthermore, Walk Safe conducts research to assess the effectiveness of their interventions and identify areas for improvement by collecting data and also evaluating the impact of this program. WalkSafe aims to continuously enhance pedestrian safety initiatives and promote evidence-based practices. I'm going to ask two of my colleagues to please join me if they are here because we have students that are in their districts who are winners for us this morning. So if Mr. Danny Espino and Board Member Luisa Santos could join me. If they're here, Danny Espino is here, so. you can be part of this very special moment. And while we wait for them, because we have children who are really, these students are incredibly talented. That's all I can say. And I want them to introduce themselves before I do this portion.

What is your name? Sofia Diaz. Tell them, the whole world, proudly.

There you go. What's your name? Sofia Diaz. Beautiful. I love it. That's how children are. Now we're going to what school?

Hialeah Elementary School. Do you know I was the assistant principal at Hialeah Elementary School?

Really? Many years ago. Good job. What is your name?

Hi, my name is Angelica Stainmiller, and I'm from Southside Prevatory Academy.

Awesome, all right, well congratulations. Thank you. And I have something to do with Southside for a little while also, all right. And your name? Zuri. Yes? Zuri, my name is? Your last name?

Wait.

Uh-huh, and where do you go to school? I go in the same class. OK, good. And look how beautifully she's dressed. Isn't she nice, eh? Let's give her a round of applause. She looks so beautiful.

This is her youngest.

So. Board Member Espino, happy to have you here with us, sir, to enjoy this moment. And so, I'm gonna start. For kindergarten and first grade students that participated in this contest, our winner is from Frank C. Martin K.A. Center, and that's Zuri White, first grade! Thank you for joining us. Board Member Santos, down behind here. Here we go. Put it in front of you. And isn't that amazing? I told you all. Beautiful. All right. And the proud principal is Principal Basulto. I don't know if the principal is. Where's the principal? Come up here. That's right. Come on up. You have to be part of this celebration. And where are the proud parents? Come on up, dad. Someone else can help him tape, right? So he can be in it with his beautiful daughter. Congratulations. We're so proud of you. All righty. Okay. Right there. And let's smile here for a picture. for second and third grade, and you stay here. We'll do one with everybody together at the end. We have Hialeah Elementary, Sofia Diaz, third grade, and Principal Iglesias. And Board Member Espino. Is Principal Iglesias here? No, okay. Yes, the parents, come on up. Where are the parents? Do we have the parents here? Yes, all right. Here, let's get a picture. All right. And everyone, don't you think this is absolutely spectacular? Wow. Sophia, we'll come on this side here. Wait, to your family. Thank you. Thank you. And now, for fourth and fifth grade, we have Southside Elementary, Angelica Steinmiller. Steinmiller, did I say? Steinmiller, I said it right the first time. Principality. And your parents, your family, come on up. Let's look at this. Wow. My goodness. I'm going to let you talk about that in a moment.

Congrats, Mom. Thank you so much.

Stand right back here. And congratulations to the two proud board members who represent the school and all of my colleagues on the board who are all about children. This is what makes us smile. This is the reason why we are all here. It's about the kids that we serve. And moments like this, our superstars get to shine and we get to put a smile on all of our faces. So I want to just take a moment to let you say a few words about this amazing program and about the contest that these students were engaged in. It's statewide, this was big. And the difference that this is making in order to avoid unfortunate situations for the future occurring at our schools, we're gonna prevent it much more so by implementing programs such as this one. So thank you so much to you and all of the members of the University of Miami for doing such a fine job.

Yes, you may.

All right. Good morning, everyone. Thank you so much for having me. WalkSafe has been, the Kids Neuroscience Center started back in 2001, and this past year, WalkSafe celebrated 20 years in Miami-Dade County with the Safe Routes to School program, and we have reached over hundreds of thousands of students and parents and educators, and we're just so grateful to be an active part of Miami-Dade County Public Schools. These students all did an amazing job showing what walk safety means to them. We see, sometimes it's simple, like a crossing guard and sidewalk, and then we have the full city. We've got a Publix, we've got a Target. We just have what is their city and how they feel safe. And we really push our education in both walk safety and bike safety to make sure that students are learning how to prevent injuries for themselves and for others and to advocate for their own safety. We would not be here without Chairwoman Rojas, all of our champions for walk safety. Juan Martin, he always helps us push for our safety education implementation at schools. And we're just so grateful for everything that we've gotten to do in the past 20 plus years here in Miami-Dade County Public Schools. I also would like to give an acknowledgement to the family of Ryder Leib, because he had one of our most astounding pieces we've had so far this year. And we just really want to take a moment to recognize him, his artwork, and the creative and amazing student that he was. So if the family would like to come up, and I have some gifts for them as well. So for Ryder's family, I just want to highlight, you know, we want to see this art, this amazing artwork that he did. Ryder was an active student, and he even won District 9's art competition for a drop of water. And for Walk Safe, he just, he put, he said drop electronics, and he really was just showing his amazing creativity and artwork.

Can we give them a standing ovation, please? Let's give them.

Yes.

Please join us. Absolutely. Okay, so I'm just gonna say that although, He's not here with us right now. I know he's smiling from above. And I can tell you that this poster is gonna make such a difference in the lives of so many of the students that we represent. It is so telling and it's just absolutely just beyond amazing. You have an angel from heaven watching over you and over all of the students here that we have in Miami-Dade County Public Schools. And I just wanna say thank you for coming. I know it's difficult. But again, a true trooper and made a difference in the lives of so many of our children. Thank you. Thank you. Will my colleagues get together for a picture, please?

We're gonna have a picture, sir.

And the proclamation. Okay, thank you. Here we are. Okay, yes.

Let me take the microphone.

All right.

We're facing them now, yeah.

Well, congratulations to all of these winners, and I'm so happy now because I can see these beautiful posters. I couldn't see them before. They were facing the other way. They're amazing. Good job. Well, at this time, I want to turn it over to any of my colleagues that would like to speak. Board Member Espino.

Thank you, Madam Vice Chair, Madam Chair. Thank you so much for bringing this forward as you do every single year. To the parents and the principals, thank you for fostering art and education in your students. And to the kids, I have four boys and they don't listen to me all the time. Even when I talk to them about road safety, I have older ones that don't want to wear helmets when they walk on the bike, when they use their bike. When they walk, they don't look both ways sometimes. Sometimes it's important to have their classmates and their friends give them an earful, in this case a picture full, so they get the message. So thank you guys for what you're doing for not just yourselves, but for all the kids in your school. God bless you guys.

Dr. Bendris-Mendingall. Thank you, Madam Vice Chair. Good morning, everyone. As Madam Chair said, this is the only reason I'm sitting up here. Not that I don't admire the adults, but the children make it worth every minute. As a former, well, always an educator, former principal and all of the good stuff that we get to do in our lives, just know this is the best part of our meeting. Parents, thank you. It's no doubt in my mind that they would not be where they are without you. So God bless you all, and keep up the good work, and I'll see you on the journey.

Thank you. And Madam Chair, thank you for bringing this wonderful group up before us. And I just want to tell all of those students that did this beautiful artwork. There's a saying that says a picture is worth a thousand words. Anybody know what that means? It means that that picture, that artwork that you did, means a lot more sometimes than what anybody can say or write because it's so impactful. So I think you have done such an amazing job Congratulations, and to the University of Miami, thank you for your work in always striving to keep our students safe. You know that the mission of Miami-Dade County Public Schools is always the safety and well-being of the students alongside, right alongside our academic mission. So thank you to all of you, thank you to the parents that are here today, and congratulations to our winners. Mr. Superintendent?

Thank you, Madam Vice Chair. So, you know, as a principal, we always did walk safe. And it was one particular year that we were like the banner school. Thank you, University of Miami, for doing this since 2001. It's been a consistent program of safety for our students, like our vice chair said, safety's always number one for us, and this is one of the components. I want to really recognize and congratulate these incredible students with their artwork, and also the very proud parents that we have here today. You know, this particular poster, the one that reads drop, is very significant. You see a student crossing the sidewalk, and he has headphones on his ears. That is what we have to be careful. It's almost like a new element of safety that has to be considered. So what a remarkable way of recognizing that. I feel guilty sometimes that I put my headsets on and I walk and not know. You lose sight of what's around you. So again, thank you so much for being here. Madam Chair, I must tell you, This is a really, really nice and impactful way of celebrating the University of Miami, the incredible children, and also their parents. Thank you, ma'am. Thank you.

And if I could have Board Member Santos and the chair, if you want to come up right now just for a moment so we could vote. We'll have a quorum.

I'll be right back.

Do I hear a motion for co-sponsors? Move it. Second?

Second. All in favor? Aye.

May I have a motion to move the item as amended? Move it. Second. All in favor? Aye. Motion passes. Congratulations.

I'm going to take a picture and come back. I'm going to take a picture.

And at this time, while we wait for everyone to exit, we will now get ready for item, the presentation of item B3. The request for approval of resolution number 26-025 of the School Board of Miami-Dade County, Florida, recognizing academic scholarship signing and college and career decision day. Board Member Santos, this is your item. And I do not have any public speakers at this time.

Good morning, everyone. As our students, principals, CAP advisors, parents line up, I just want to start by saying that it is such a pleasure to continue this longstanding tradition initiated by my predecessor, Dr. Larry Feldman, and which I am so excited to bring to the board for the sixth time in a row. Today, we get the honor to celebrate Academic Scholarship Signing and College and Career Signing Day. It is an awesome opportunity to get to honor the achievements of our seniors. And as many of you know, high schools throughout our county have had and will be conducting their own signing days all throughout the months of April and May. But today is our board's opportunity to highlight these remarkable young people who are embarking on a new and amazing chapter in their lives. So we have nine amazing students who stand before us representing thousands of their peers from each district across our entire county. Today, we also very importantly honor the principals and the CAP advisors who physically stand behind our students today, but who have long stood behind them throughout their academic journeys. I'd like to recognize our district team, our chief academic officer, Ms. Lourdes Diaz, Ms. Sharon Krantz, Ms. Miriam Stewart, and Ms. Vanessa Armand Jackson, who all oversee our student services and college assistance program, and who assisted in identifying the students that we are celebrating today. And I know she retired earlier in the year, so I'll give a quick thank you also to Ms. Martha Harris, who was a big part of that team for a long time. And to our family members in the audience, without your guidance, your support, your love, your sacrifice, and your service to these students, none of these accomplishments would be possible. Please, if you're a parent, a family member, please stand so we can recognize you as well. So at this time, when I call each district, I'll invite each board member to come down with the student representing your district to please stand with them for a photo. So we are going to start with District 1. From North Miami Senior High School, led by Principal Dr. Celina Volsi, with CAP advisor Carolyn Prado, is student scholar Jeffrey Gerald, accepting a scholarship from the Berklee College of Music. We have very well-rounded students here. Representing District 2 from Miami Central Senior High School, led by Principal Raymond Sands with CAP advisor Veronica Wesley, is student scholar Ibrahim Gowan, accepting a scholarship from Howard University. You must be very proud, Dr. Bendros Mitnigal. We know you've got allegiances. Congratulations. We now move on to District 3. From District 3, representing Mass.FIU Senior High School, led by Principal Roberto Sarmiento, with our CAP advisor, Gina Terry, is student scholar Vincent Ng, accepting a scholarship from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, MIT. And representing District 4 from Hialeah Senior High School, led by Principal Ignacio Rodriguez, with CAP advisor Christina Grendel, is student scholar Maggie Cardenas accepting a scholarship from Duke University. Thank you all so much. We are gonna move on to District 5. From School for Advanced Studies West, led by Principal Dr. Omar Monteagudo with CAP Advisor Monica Rodriguez, is our student scholar, Sophia Fernandez, accepting a scholarship from the University of Florida, joined by Board Member Espino. And the former intern of the board member, so we see where she got it. Next, representing District 6 from our own Board Chairs District and Miami Senior High School, led by Principal Benny Valdez, with CAP Advisor Melissa Sanchez, is our wonderful student scholar, Bridget Martinez, accepting a scholarship from Mount Holyoke College. Congratulations. Now District 7, my neighboring district, from South Dade Senior High School, led by Principal Jonathan Britton, with CAP advisor Latia Morales, is student scholar Ziani Jean, accepting a scholarship from Florida State University. Go, Norah. And next, from District 8, with Vice Chair Monica Colucci, we have from Miami Coral Park Senior High School, led by Principal Scott Wiener, with CAP Advisor Christine Medeiros, our student scholar Harmony Henderson, accepting a scholarship from Southern University and A&M College. And very proudly from District 9, my very own district, from Palmetto Senior High School, led by Principal Victoria Dobbs, CAP advisor Linda Dwyer is our wonderful student scholar, Gavin Linton, joining the U.S. Naval Academy. Each year, we have one student selected to share remarks about their journey to post-secondary success. This year, that student is Ibrahim Golan from Miami Central High School. Ibrahim is accepting a scholarship from Howard University. Please join me at the podium so I can introduce you properly. Ibrahim's journey has been defined by his capacity to turn challenges into opportunities. Immigrating from Nigeria to the United States at age 14, Ibrahim did not falter to academic challenges, but rather dedicated himself to a self-study regimen, mastering the studies of a new country. His self-discipline Commitment to his education brings him here today. Pursuing a major in mechanical engineering, he is driven to innovate the automotive sector to deliver affordable and sustainable products to under-resourced communities. He will continue his studies on a well-deserved scholarship, again, to Howard University. Congratulations, Ibrahim. Thank you for being our speaker this year.

Good morning, my name is Ibrahim Gowen, and I am honored to stand before you today representing the school board member, Dr. Dorothy Bendres-Mendigo, School Board District Two, and all Miami-Dade County Public Schools graduating seniors. When I was eight years old in Kogi State, Nigeria, I watched my father walk five miles in the extreme heat because we couldn't afford to fix our broken car. Mechanics charged three times the fair price exploiting families who had no choice. That day I made myself a promise I would use education to dismantle every system that take advantage of vulnerable people. When I returned back to Miami at 14, I came confident, but that confidence didn't last. My accent was so strong that my classmates mocked me, even teachers struggled to understand me. I stopped participating in class, my English grade dropped to a C, which was the first I've ever received. but one teacher refused to let me disappear. Ms. Alexander stayed after school every day with me for months, helping me rebuild not just my grade, but my confidence. That C didn't just become an A at the end of the nine weeks, but most importantly, I learned that asking for help isn't weakness, it's courage. Excellence requires a community. I carried that lesson with me throughout high school while earning my diploma at Miami Central Senior High School. I also pursued an associate degree in automotive engineering at Miami Dade College. Maintaining a 4.0 GPA occurs all 60 credits. Maintaining a 4.0 GPA occurs all 60 credits. As wrestling team captain, I helped lead our team to our first ever district championship and supported two teammates to the state championship while also qualifying for the nationals. As a STEM instructor, I've mentored over 30 elementary school kids in coding, showing them that they belong in spaces that they are often told that they don't. but I didn't wait until college to start giving back. Right now, I build a website completely free for local Miami businesses who can't afford developers because no one should be exploited of their basic needs. When small businesses thrives, our entire community thrives. This fall, I will be pursuing mechanical engineering to build a company that refurbish automotive parts, making vehicle repairs more affordable for undeserved communities. Beyond that, I plan to create an apprentice program to train young youths in sustainable careers because working with your hands isn't dirty, it's dignified. To educators who believe in us when we struggle to believe in ourselves, thank you. To our families who sacrificed so much to get us where we are right now, we see you. And to my fellow students, the system we're entering right now is not designed for us. This is exactly why we must not just be there to succeed, but to change them and always remember that success never ends. That eight year old boy watching his father get exploited still drives every decision I make today. Education gave me the tools to turn that moment into purpose. Now it's our responsibility to use those tools to serve others. Thank you and congratulations to the class of 2026.

Congratulations to all of you. You represent all of our Miami-Dade County Public School students. We wish you the most successful graduation and all the best in this new chapter of life. And at this point, we'd love to have a group photo. If my colleagues could rise from their seats. Our superintendent can join.

Thank you, Board Member Santos, and what an amazing group in front of us right now. At this time, I'll turn it over to my colleagues. If anybody would like to, has any comments? Yes. Board Member Espino?

Thank you, Madam Vice Chair. Board Member Santos, thank you so much for bringing this item year after year and for showcasing everybody's districts and the success stories in our districts. There's so much noise about education, and these are the stories that need to be heralded and championed and celebrated across the Miami-Dade County, but the entire state and entire country, because it really reflects the direction we're going as a country. Our future is very, very bright. To the CAPE advisors and the principals, congratulations. It's great to see the fruit of your labor. And to the students, I'm overjoyed for you guys with the path you guys have, the opportunities you have in front of you are just limitless. I have one piece of homework. I know as the year is coming to an end, I got one piece of homework. When you guys go on to college, potentially graduate school, internships in different places, remember where you came from, come back, we've seeded the soil for you, you've grown tremendously here, you have roots here, and in order for them to make sure that Miami-Dade County continues to be the place that can lift up next generation, we need you to come back and do the same thing for the next generation. All right, God bless you guys.

Dr. Bendris-Mendingall. Thank you, Madam Vice Chair. I just want to take a little bit of a conversation from DJ Khaled. All we do is, district two, I think you all watched it carefully. We pull the assistant principal of the year from Miami Jackson. We pull the principal of the year from my elementary school, Liberty City Elementary. Gotta give him a hand. Now if you sit back there and you don't give him a hand, it's okay, because again, all we do is win. To the principal, to the CAP advisor, the principal has a saying, and I don't know if he trademarked it, I trademarked mine, but I'm gonna use yours. I believe I'll get it right, Mr. Principal, more than football. That's Miami Central. That's what he says to everybody. And to the pretty lady over there, Veronica Swindell Wesley, and I'll put it out there. She didn't pay me for it, so I'll just put it. She has the most popular husband ever, Chico Swindell. The Virgo. Somebody say go ahead. Thank you, Ronnie. And to all of you, I see you. I trust you. As my colleague said, excuse me, Member Espino, you are absolutely right. We're not going to give up. We're not going to lose what we worked so hard to attain. We work hard. But not harder than you. And I know it. Because most of us, many of us up here, have been where you are. And we never stop. We never quit. Parents, those who are listening, watching, viewing, just know that your board members work 24-7. Well, I guess you could say, board member, on Sundays too, you better believe it. They do not hesitate to call the number. Our numbers are published. Now, don't go out there and start calling it every day. Let's just make sure that you let everyone know that we work for you. So much more to say, but I want, Madam Chair, to the young man who said he's from Nigeria, I want him to know we'll have some more conversations. I've been there. I've been to Ghana. I've been to South Africa. You hear me? So I'll know if you're telling me the truth, okay? To all of you, it's my joy, it's my delight to work for children. Please understand that we're coming upon graduations. And we're going to make it worth your time to come and see our children honored over and over and over again. So to my colleague, Madam Chair usually tells me this. She tells me I hit it off the park. I want you to know this is probably the best. It's a day for children. And I appreciate you for doing this over and over and over again. So don't take my verbiage and use it because most of it is trademarked. Thank you again, everyone, for loving on our children the way you do. Thank you, Madam Chair.

Madam Chair. Yes, thank you so much. And I'm so sorry I couldn't be here for the full presentation. I was out with a previous group. And so I will be going down to get a picture with my District 6 amazing representative here today. But I want to start by thanking our board member, Santos, for bringing this forth today. This is a moment that makes me so very proud as a lifelong educator. of five decades in many different positions, I can tell you that this is what brings a smile to our faces. So to our board member, Bendros Meningo, you are absolutely right. This time, they get, well, I don't know, it's so difficult because the other group was also hitting out of the ballpark, right? Lately, the kids hit it out of the ballpark every single time. But students, you all have perseverance Very important. Because I know you've all had tough journeys at some point. Life will always throw you a curve ball here and there. But you've got grit. You've got passion. Right? You do not give up under any circumstances. And life isn't always going to be everything beautiful and wonderful in the way we expect it. No. And we've learned that through many experiences. You all lived through COVID not too long ago. So you have to have that grit to be able to get through different situations. Yet no matter what challenges you've encountered in your lives, you have still decided that you are going to shine. You are going to make a difference. But you have to work hard and you have to be committed. Nothing's given to you on a silver platter. Remember that. It's up to you. Attitude will determine your altitude. Remember that your attitude with anything in life is going to determine the altitude. And each one of you has an amazing future ahead of you. We are so, so very proud to be part of that team. As I always say, teamwork makes the dream work. So let me just tell you, who are the first members of your team that make a difference in your lives from when you were born And for the rest of your lives, and those are your parents. Your parents, your first teachers, and who will be forever next to you no matter what challenges come your way, good times, bad times, it doesn't matter. They are a major part. of the success that you have reached here today. So to your parents, we thank them for everything that you do each and every day for your children. Today is a time for you to shine as well. Can we give a big round of applause to our amazing parents because they certainly deserve it. Now, To those that do God's work on earth every day, and people hear me say it over and over, but I truly believe it. Having been one myself, I know the job they do. And I know how dedicated and committed and how passionate but also compassionate they are and what a difference they make in the lives of children. And those are your teachers. Your proud teachers are like your second parents. How many teachers do we have? Raise your hand if you're a teacher and you're here today. Do we have any here with us? Raise that hand high, be proud. All right, great. Let's give them a round of applause because they're also part of that team. And then, of course, the ones that are at the helm of each and every school. Nothing happens in your schools without these highly dedicated and committed individuals who are the ones that set the tone in that entire school for everyone else to emulate. And they are the ones that inspire you as role models as well. And those are those amazing principals that are here. Raise your hands, amazing principals. I want everybody to know who you are. Benny, give that hand up, Benny. Thank you for what you all do. And your team also has everyone else who is part of the staff and the faculty at your schools. Here at the district, all of us are superintendent of schools. We're all part of one big family. And so you are an example of why MDCPS is... Oh, Miami 305, we can do better than that. Here we go again, MDCPS. There we go, we got the example right here. Let's hear it for our students. They're the reason why we are all smiling today.

Thank you, and after these wonderful comments, I really, I still have something to say, just kidding. I wanna say how proud I am of all of you. Not just the students, but the principals, the CAP advisors, the teachers, the parents, all of those that got you here today. Because really and truly, it's not just one single person. You've had a lot of people behind you making this a reality. And if I can give you one piece of advice before you enter into this next chapter of your life, you're going to have people sometimes tell you you can't do that or that's not possible. But don't ever let that person be you because sometimes our biggest enemy is ourselves and we set limits on ourselves. So don't ever do that. Set high limits for yourself. And the worst thing that can happen is maybe you miss the bar, but you get just below it, and that's pretty high. So go ahead and just go out there. Make the difference that you want to be the difference that you want to see in the world. That's the most important thing I can tell you. You are ready. You are going to learn so much more on the way. and you're gonna do great things, and you're gonna come back, like Board Member Espino said, and you're gonna continue making this community the best one in the United States of America. God bless you, and thank you, Board Member Santos, for continuing to do this every single year. Thank you. And now at this time, Mr. Superintendent,

Thank you, and I also have to be brief, because a lot of great things have been said, but today we celebrate the students, right? The amazing universities that you will be attending. But we cannot forget that this has not been an easy journey for you. And what you carry inside of you is a lot of dedication, and this incredible ability to really stride and work hard for what you've earned today. So congratulations on this point, but also I must recognize and thank you and recognize you for your journey of consistency, all the work that you've done for yourselves. You make many, many people proud. To the CAP advisors, your role in the schools are becoming more and more important every day. because of the importance of really preparing students for college and having these amazing, amazing accomplishments. And I want to recognize them. And also, it's been said, but the principals that are creating these school cultures where advancing and high academic performance is so important. Congratulations and thank you for the work that each of you do. And a huge congratulations to all the parents that are here on behalf of your students. And Ms. Santos. This is really important for you. Highlighting achievement across our district. Thank you for bringing this to us today. Congratulations, everyone.

Wait a minute. She needs to come back. For the vote, we need you back here.

Yes, Board Member Santos, if you could just come up here for just one moment so that we can vote. And we have a quorum present on the dais. So at this time, may I have a motion for co-sponsors? Move it. Second. Second, all in favor? Aye. May I have a motion to move the item as amended? Second. Second. All in favor? Aye. Congratulations. And before you go, Ms. Santos, one last thing. I want to go ahead and vote on the supplemental speakers list. So do I hear a motion for approval of the supplemental? Second? All in favor? Aye. Motion passes. Thank you and congratulations. And at this time, I'll turn the gavel back over to Chair Rojas.

Yes. I'll give him a minute.

I'm out of formation. Can I go get my?

or MIP.

All right, at this time, we're going to go to B4. B4. B4.

It's a request for approval of resolution number 26-028 of the School Board of Miami-Dade County, Florida, celebrating Downtown Doral Charter Upper School Champions. And at this time, I do not have any speakers that have signed up, so therefore, Board Member Espino, sir, please present your item.

Thank you, Madam Chair. And I wish Dr. Bendis-Mendigal was here because I would tell her that District 5 also is now developing a pedigree for winning as well. And with that, I'd like to ask our soccer team and our cheerleading team to come on up with me, please. Let's put the soccer team on one side, cheerleaders on the other. Don't be shy. I saw you guys jumping up and down when you won. Well, ladies and gentlemen, I'm very proud to be standing here with Downtown Doral Charter Upper School, a district-managed charter school. And DDCUS believes in competitive athletics, our integral to student development, fostering perseverance, teamwork, and self-discipline that extend far beyond the classroom. The 25-26 academic year has been marked by exceptional achievement and a strong sense of school pride, driven by the dedication, exemplary sportsmanship of our DDCUS Dolphins. The spirit of excellence was highlighted by the boys' soccer team, their historic state championship victory, a defining milestone in the school's history. The boys' team has been around for, what, five years now? Four. Four. And in four years, they've been to states twice, falling short last in 2024 and winning a team led by 13 seniors returned to capture the title in a dominant fashion with a 5-0 victory. Let's give them a round of applause right there for state champs. Their remarkable season also included winning the Champions League tournament and finishing the year ranked number three in the nation. Individual accolades further distinguish the soccer program with 10 players named to the Miami Herald All Day Team. Senior Eduardo Jerez earned Miami Dade County Player of the Year, while head coach Jonathan Rosas was recognized as Coach of the Year for Miami Dade County and State of Florida in Class 3A. Let's give it up for them. The championship roster included Captain Eduardo Jerez and players, I'm gonna do this, I'm gonna get through these names, okay? Hector Marquez, Sebastian Peraza, Samuel Santiago, Rodrigo Perez, Gianluca Tortolani, Eber Rosales, Alejandro Avila, Santiago Ramos, Jesus Escalona, Lucas Davila, Luca Cianci, Fabian Uskateski, right, did I get that one? Uskateski, I was practicing it, I really was upstairs. Aaron Gonzalez, Benjamin Silva, Edgar Mata, Antonio Marquez, Victor Villalobos, Miguel Molina, Leonardo Martucci, Juan Gonzalez, Samuel Barraza, David Jerez, Renato Ochoa, and Juan Rodriguez. The team was supported by coaches Leo Fernandez, Iñaki Barroso, and Jose Uzcategui, along with managers Fabian Gonzalez, Valeria Feijo, Victoria Feijo, and Angel Fernandez. Thank you, guys. Congratulations. And of course, the boys can't have all the fun. on the soccer team. Our dynamic cheerleading team also achieved a historic milestone by capturing the first state championship in school history, winning its title just weeks before the soccer team. After advancing to state qualifiers in previous seasons, the team delivered a near perfect routine in the state finals and secured the championship. The squad earned national recognition at the 2026 UCA National High School Cheerleading Championship, showcasing athlete athleticism, precision on a national stage. Coach Maria Franco was named Miami-Dade Coach of the Year and the program featured four team All-Dade members. Give them a round of applause. The championship squad included Camila Albarran, Isabel Alvarez, Pierangela Arrujo, Fabiola Arrevalo, Amanda Barbieri, Julia Barbosa, Brooke Coronel, Nicole Ferraz, Arturo Guevara, Emma Hernandez, Flavia Lopez, Milan Masiani, Fabricio Mastropasqua, Paulina Menon, Noah Molero, Samantha Pinilla, Ariana Rando, Alex Ray, and Zoe Tamayo, led by coaches Maria Franco, Patricia Moreno, Santiago Leon, and Christian Gill. Let's give them one more round of applause. These remarkable accomplishments embody the commitment to excellence that defines with dolphins, and serve as a beacon of inspiration for the entire community. It's about academics, but of course, a well-rounded school brings that school pride together in a wrapping of sports. It's a proud moment for DDCUS and the city of Doral. We celebrate the incredible dedication of the students, coaches, and staff as they work hard to truly distinguish themselves both in school and in the city, on the field, off the field. The School Board of Miami-Dade County celebrates this with a resolution today. So congratulations to all of you. It's a distinguishment very well earned. and Jeanette Acevedo-Eisenberg, what can I say? You're doing an amazing job with the school, the culture you're creating, the academic excellence, and now the sports excellent to match. Congratulations.

First of all, thank you to the school board. Thank you to our school board member, Danny Espino. Thank you to Madam Board Chair and all of the members of the school board today for this amazing recognition. Every school, as board member Espino stated, definitely their main and primary purpose is that of educating children. but around the education of educating children in the classroom. It's what they do in the classroom, on and off at the field. And these student athletes that we have here represented today for our soccer team and our cheer team have definitely exhibited this beautiful character, resilience, mental toughness, grit, compassion, and consistency and perseverance. to be able to make this huge accomplishment that has made our entire school community, our entire city extremely proud. That does not come without someone at the helm of a sports program. I'd like to recognize our athletic director, Javier Frigos, who has done a beautiful job and is here with us today. as well as our amazing coaches that do such a beautiful job leading, guiding, and inspiring our student athletes. And of course, being that said, the most important part of this puzzle are students, the children, which we always put first in downtown Doral. We are extremely proud of these student athletes that have done such a great job in and out of the classroom, making us extremely proud, and not only that, but creating a school culture where everyone is proud to be a Dolphin. And we all know that some of these students will be graduating soon and will be crossing that stage, and we know that they will be doing that with such pride, such excitement for the future, and then of course, we tell them, they need to come back and bring those talent, that treasure back. And as a matter of fact, one of our coaches is an actual alumni of our school, which makes us very proud because he truly, right over there, we're so proud of him, we're truly very proud of the fact that he brings his talents back as he continues to further his education. Thank you once again, Board Member Espino, for this beautiful honor. Thank you to our students, which they are the reason we exist, the reason we're here today. and thank you, all of you, for celebrating this huge accomplishment with us. Thank you, gracias, , and go Dolphins!

Thank you, wow, don't you all look fabulous? All right, I'm gonna start with my colleagues, and then I'll make my comments last. So, Vice Chair Colucci?

Thank you, Madam Chair. Thank you, Board Member Espino. And any time I see a group of athletes that have come home back to Miami-Dade with awards and recognition, it just makes me so proud. I served two years as the president of the Florida High School Athletic Association, so I know how hard you work to get to where you're at, because it's not easy. You have schoolwork, you're student athletes, you have to maintain your grades, and you have to work really hard at those practices if you want to be number one like you were. So congratulations, and like I always tell student athletes, It's about competing. It's about competing against yourself to make yourself better with each step of the way, learning from your mistakes, practicing. And practice doesn't always make perfect because if you're not practicing in the correct way, you're just going to practice. So you've got to have perfect practice makes perfect. And that's what you have your coaches for. So thank you to the coaches who point out how you can become better. And thank you to the principal for just doing such a great job. And congratulations to all of you. Much success.

Thank you very much. And Dr. Bendros-Mendigo, ma'am.

Thank you, Madam Chair. Congratulations. I was out there taking a few photos with those other children, but I had to hustle to get back in here to see you all. I don't know all that you've done, but I do know that as a former athlete, might not think so, but I am, just know it's going to serve you well forever. There will be those who say, you know, I didn't know Board Member Bendross-Mendengal has had that many birthdays. Well, I have. Still got some more to come. Please continue to look within and do everything that you can for others, but also make yourself a T-shirt that says, it's got to be about me sometimes. Continue the good work. You will do well, Mr. Colleague Espino. I guess we have to give him a knock it out the park too, Madam Chair. We'll give him a knock it out the park. So you have to clap. Thank you again. God bless you all. And I'll see you on the journey.

Thank you so much. And I will be next. So first and foremost, board member Ospino, I love it when it's about the kids. That's why we're all here, right? Yes. Thank you so very much. And I will second that. We will give him the honor of hitting it out of the ballpark as well. So with that said, first of all, congratulations to each and every one of you. I love the smiles on all of the faces. You are so proud and you need to be, right? I want to start off by congratulating not only each and every one of you here, but let's start with Jeanette Acevedo-Eisenberg. She's a perfect example of giving back. Don't forget that giving back because you're all gonna be very successful in life, but you're going to have to remember, and Board Member Espino said it, Board Member Bendels-Mendingel said it, I believe that my Vice Chair said it, we all believe in that. Get back to those that gave so much to you and got you to where you are today. So I go to Jeanette Acevedo-Eisenberg. You see your leader here? I hired your leader, and she was the youngest teacher I had at Sunset Elementary School teaching Spanish. And she has worked tirelessly, has been dedicated, committed, and has a heart in the right place. And look where she is today. Let's give her a round of applause and let's emulate her example. And of course, I'm beaming with pride too. Any success of anyone we've ever touched, we are like smiling and so happy to see it continue. I would like to say that I want to tell you the truth. This was deja vu for me. You know why? Because A, I used to be a cheerleader and I loved the fact that it was part of that amazing group of students' teamwork in your arena. and also with the players on this side. I used to be the softball pitcher and had one game where I struck out everyone. I still have the newspaper article. Bet you didn't know that about me, huh? But again, deja vu. It was up to the coaches that I had during my life to make a difference in my attitude also in many arenas because your coaches, They're teaching you teamwork, but within that teacher, they're teaching you discipline, they're teaching you sportsmanship, they're teaching you how to have that grit when you just wanna give up. They are truly making such a difference in your lives as well. So I would like the two coaches on both sides to please raise your hand so that you're on TV now so everybody can see our coaches. Raise your hands up high and let's give our coaches a round of applause because they certainly deserve it. And I will end by saying to all the teachers that are here, as I always do as well, I know they play a critical role, thank you to the parents. I'm sure there are lots of proud parents that are here. You heard me address how I feel about the parents being your first teachers and being with you every single step of the way in your lives. Let's give your parents a round of applause, because I know they've been here for a while and they're happy and proud. thank you so congratulations to each and every one of you god bless you and may you have much health much happiness and a lot of grit no matter what you do in life remember if you're passionate and compassionate and you work hard there is no limit to what you can achieve congratulations and so at this time i'm going to have our superintendent

Thank you, Madam Chair. Congratulations to our incredible athletes. And Mr. Espino, thank you for highlighting the incredible school that Doral Charter is, and also the strong academic, but also athletic programs. Let me just say this. The principal, Acevedo Eisenberg, I must say, you've put in your heart, your passion and dedication into your school. And this is another reflection of lifting the caliber of what the school represents for your community. So congratulations to you. for building that sense in the school. And to all of you students, we are very, very proud. Interesting enough, Mr. Espino, today we had artists that were recognized. We also had academically strong students that were recognized. And we finished the day with athletes that are shining. Thank you very much, congratulations. It has really been a terrific day of celebrating students. Thank you, everyone.

Absolutely, let's get close so we can all take a picture.

Now I do.

There we go. Do I hear a motion for co-sponsors to the item? Oh, I need you up here on the desk. All right, do I hear a motion for co-sponsors on the item? Second? All in favor say aye. Any opposed, nay. Motion passes. Do I hear a motion to approve the item as amended? Second, all right, all in favor, aye. Aye. Any opposed, nay. Motion passes, thank you. And now we proceed to B5. And we'll give them a moment just to leave the auditorium. B5 is a request for approval of resolution number 26-029 of the school board of Miami-Dade County, Florida, recognizing Dr. Evalina W. Bessman for her outstanding contributions and dedication to Miami-Dade County community. At this time, I do have two speakers that have signed up. Scott Hansel, Yes, sir. You are being recognized at this time.

Thank you, Madam Chair, members of the board, Superintendent Dotris. I'm Scott Hansel. I'm the CEO of Chapman Partnership right up the street that sits on school board land. 30 years ago, a gentleman named Alva Chapman, whose name is also on the street, determined that we had a homeless crisis in Miami-Dade County. We had almost 10,000 people living on the street. And to do something about that, he pulled together a group of people, some very influential community leaders by the names of Armando Cordina, Carlos Mogoya, and Evelina Bestman was in that group as well. Evelina was instrumental in bringing the community voice to the table as part of this, of representing the issues of mental health. Since that time 30 years ago, we have served 150,000 people who have come through Chapman Partnership, most of those left with jobs and housing and a path. And Dr. Bessman has been on our board since that entire time. And she has been an instrumental person in helping guide us, bringing voice to the marginalized, bringing voice to those who don't feel seen. and giving us a perspective. And we're very grateful for that. We right now have a thousand people a day that we're serving. Half of those are women and children. Many of them are getting on a school bus and going to Miami Dade Public Schools on a daily basis. There have been so many seeds planted because of what Dr. Bessman and those that decided this 30 years ago have planted and are blooming. It's not only that, but she's been deeply involved in New Horizon Community Mental Health Center. She is currently in the process of putting our own personal assets in play to build housing. She's an extraordinary treasure in this community.

Thank you, sir. Your time is up. Thank you for the time. Yes. Janet Brown. Yes, ma'am. No, it's over there on that side.

Okay.

Good morning, everyone. It is truly an honor and privilege to introduce a remarkable woman whose life has been dedicated to uplifting others, strengthening communities, and offering compassion whenever it is needed most. Today we recognize and celebrate Dr. Evelina Bessman, a respected mental health advisor, a trusted community leader, and a woman of deep faith and service. Dr. Bestman is a proud woman of Bahamian roots whose cultural heritage shines through in her warm and resilience and unwavering commitment to people. She has spent countless years serving as a guiding light to individuals and families, helping others navigate life's challenges with wisdom, patience, and understanding. In a world where many people are searching to be heard, understood, and encouraged, Dr. Bessman has consistently been that listening ear and that helping hand. She is known by so many as someone who genuinely cares, whether offering advice, support, comfort, or simply her patience, she has always made herself available to those in need. As a devoted member of St. Agnes Episcopal Church, Dr. Bestman continues to embody the values of faith, love, and service. Her ministry extends beyond walls of the church and into the hearts of the community. She has become a trusted advisor, mentor, and friend to many whose lives have been forever impacted by her kindness and guidance. What makes Dr. Bestman especially extraordinary is not only her professional knowledge and experience, in mental health, but also her ability.

Thank you, ma'am, your time is up. Thank you. And I don't have any other speakers at this time, so Dr. Bendros-Meningo. Sir, I didn't have you, but would you tell me your name, sir, and I will have a vote. Let's see.

I'm Sherrod Johnson.

All right, just a moment, please. Ms. Yopes? I have two speakers here. Did they sign up earlier or not? Because we do not have them on the list that we received.

Through the chair, the two names that I have given the board are the two names that I have, but I'll be more than happy to collect the speaker's names upon the vote of the board.

Okay, yes, these will be then, once I take the vote, two additional speakers, so I'm gonna make a motion. Do I have a second? Second. All in favor? Aye. Any opposed, nay. All right, motion passes. We will be calling you one at a time. Sir, we'll start with you. Yes, and you may sit, sir, and I will call you soon. Yes, thank you.

Good morning, everyone, and thank you. My name is Sherrod Johnson. I am the Acting Director of Outreach and Communications for NAMI Miami-Dade. And what I have to say about Dr. Evelina Bestman is she does give back. I was listening to the other speeches and I want you to know she is a product of Miami-Dade County Public Schools. She's an alumni of the great Miami Northwestern Senior High School. Dr. Bestman, I have to speak personally. She not only gives back culturally, but she also helps the students in Miami-Dade public schools. And the way that she does that, she is an investor. She invests in people and she cares. My role at NAMI is instrumental because of Dr. Bestman and the work that she does by pouring into the community, it impacts. She invests with her time, she invests by listening. Today, we will not only honor her as a dedicated leader, she's a trailblazer, she's a visionary, and again, an investor. Dr. Bessman has dedicated her life to building hope, healing, dignity, and opportunity for communities that too often are overlooked. Personally, when I think of Dr. Bessman, I think of wisdom, guidance, and investment. She is the kind of leader who does not simply give you answers. She teaches you how to think, how to grow, and how to navigate your own path while supporting and guiding you along the way. That kind of mentorship is a village that we need and that is very rare. We honor you and we thank you, Dr. Evelina Bassman.

Thank you, sir. You're recognized. You could please state your name, sir.

My name is William Bill Kelly. I am now the chairman of the board of New Horizon Community Mental Health. First of all, thank you very much. Thank you for the board. Thank you for Dr. Dorothy Benrose-Mingale asking her to come in. Personally, who is Dr. Mingale, please? Is she here? Dr. Mingale. I am, as I said, the chairman of the board of New Horizons Community Mental Health Center, soon to include physical health center included as part of the mental health center. I have served on the board for 26 years and have served on the board for 15 years as board chairman, I wanted to, for our own and special lady, say congratulations to Dr. Evelina Bessman. I grew up with her in the early years. And as you already know, Dr. Bessman and company has built New Horizons into one of the premier community health centers in Florida. While this has been a great feat, most importantly, the center has served over 275,000 patients during the period over the last 54 years and employed an average of 150 employees during that period of time. Dr. Bessman has retired twice. Her name is now on the building. and she has inspired our executive team to start the living room, which patients and other needed people can walk in, drive in, at no cost, and be cared for over 48 hours, truly an innovative concept.

Thank you very much, sir. Your time is up. Thank you.

Will all of New Horizons people please stand, please?

Sir, thank you. Your time is up. Thank you.

Thank you.

And at this time, Dr. Bendros-Meningo, I do not have any further speakers, so therefore, ma'am, please present your item.

Good afternoon, everyone. I just looked out here and saw all of these faces, most of them I recognize. But the one that I'm here to recognize, if you all didn't know, now you know. That's my classmate. Gotta clap. Probably the smartest group of children that ever graduated from Miami Northwestern. I'm serious. She was our valedictorian. Where is Dr. LaQuisha? Yes, she was. LaQuisha Williams. Evelina, I told her your story. Because her home is where, LaQuisha? Okay. Did you hear that? You've said so many wonderful things about her, all of them true. If you have a few minutes, you can go out to the west and go into what they call the college room, and you'll see our pictures on the wall. I have so much to tell you about her, but I just want you to know that somewhere down the line, your vision has played such a significant role in the lives of so many people. I just want to tell you a quick story. I suppose the student sponsor for all of the children in Miami-Dade County Public Schools who was a bull, she went to Spelman College. Spelman this year, Evelina, had seven valedictorians. Right, I never heard of it, never heard of it. But this is what we produce. Dade County Public Schools, and we will continue to do it. No matter what anyone says, I'm known to tell people, I can look at you and tell what you're thinking. I can listen to you and tell what you have not said. But that comes from our background as our ancestors taught us No one can stop you from doing what you want to do. And here you are. I am so glad that you are here because we have been trying to make sure this calendar worked. So Dr. Evelina Bessman, people have come before you, us, and told your story. I guess I would just be redundant if I told it. But in our class, We had probably over 300 people. And when we were working hard to see who would be honor students, all of us knew who the Val was gonna be. We won't tell the whole story, but we knew it was Evelina. There was no one in that school smarter. No one, not only that, I don't know if you all know this, a great dancer. Oh yes, oh yes. Oh yes, for those of you who have had probably as many birthdays as we've had, you can't out swing her. I don't know if you knew that, you can't out swing her. You can get out there and do what you think you can do. But she has a step that we've all copied. Dr. Evelina Williams-Bestman, thank you for coming. Thank you for fixing your schedule. to come and let people know that something good can come out of Liberty City. Thank you, thank you. We support you forever. And for you to be right down the street, and you're sitting in the district that I represent. I don't know if you knew that. We do not stop working, why? Because there's so much work to do. And it seems as if those of us who came through, came through, Certain errors. Someone said, well, you gotta do it again. And we will. We will. Evelina, I admire you always have. Want you to know that when my staff kept trying to get you here, I said, oh God, I don't know if we're gonna ever be able to get her here. This might be the third or fourth time we've tried. Am I right? She said, yes. but you know who she is. And for all of you who came, just came to see what we were gonna say about her, we can't say enough, but we do have the opportunity to share in your life at this stage. Almost every time I talk to one of our classmates, they're sick. We got to do what we got to do. And I'm gonna call Jackie. I talk to her almost every day, Jackie Rawls, and let her know you were here. So Dr. Evelina W. Bestman, please come up so we can honor you. And all of you who came, come up too. Come on. Come on. Don't let anyone tell you not to come. If they don't wanna come, let them sit. My classmate. going down okay here you'll take my hand oh okay if we get it i'm gonna take one then i'll go down okay it might go off

To the board chair, board members, and superintendent, I express a depth of gratitude to you for honoring me for my community and professional accomplishments. A special thanks to Dr. Dorothy Bendross-Mendingall, my classmate and friend, for recognizing my contribution to my community. We are 59 Northwestern Bulls. I don't think I know that we done well. We are proud products of the Miami-Dade public school system from elementary, junior, and senior high. In spite of the fact that we were living in a segregated community and school system, I and my classmates have achieved due in large part to the fact that our teachers in large part believed in us, our ability to learn and to achieve. Well, as you see, Dr. Mendingall is on the school board. Frederica Wilson is representing us as a congresswoman. Dr. Donald Hopkins was deputy director of the City for Disease Control and Prevention and a MacArthur Fellow. And Sylvester Murray, my deputy escort, was distinguished former city manager of Cincinnati, Ohio, San Diego, California, and one of the first black city managers in the United States. And according to the testimonial today from my community supporters, I have done something right and deserving of their support. I say thank you to our black teachers and the Miami-Dade public school system. We serve as evidence of the legacy of one of the best school systems in our country. To my family, friends, Professional colleagues, St. Agnes Church members, New Horizons, Miami Homes for All, LSN Law Firm, Chapman Partnership, the Army CRA, NAMI, and all of my community of supporters, no words can adequately express the depth of gratitude for the roles that you play in my life journey. Having been reared in a home, you know, by family, by parents who believed in Christian teachings, loved us unconditionally, and made sacrifices for the education of me and my siblings, and shared of themselves and tangible resources with others, I could not act my life of commitment, or live my life of commitment to community service any differently. I witnessed my parents being blessed and trust me, I have been tremendously blessed and rewarded for doing the right thing. Finally, my primary care physician sends a message each month called Dose of Positivity. This month it reads, one day your life will flash before you. your eyes, make sure it's worth watching. Because of you and your compelling testimony and faith in me about me today, I can say yes, my life is worth watching. Thank you.

Yes.

All right, do I hear a motion for, we don't have co-sponsors, so I'll have to do it at the meeting. Well, Dr. Bendros-Mendingal, there are no children in this one, but you still hit it out of the ballpark. So let's give them another round of applause. And I'm going to have my colleagues first, and then I'll make a statement. So, Board Member Espino, sir?

Thank you, Madam Chair. Dr. Bendros-Mendigal, it seems like every meeting you figure out a way how to just find and distill the excellence out of your district and present it to us. Dr. Bessman, I wish there were the students would have stayed because part of our job is to expose, inspire, and motivate, and I think you do all three. Talk about the work that you're doing in a space before it became fashionable to talk about mental health. So you're a trailblazer in so many ways, and the legacy that you've created for yourself and for the community is outstanding. So God bless you, and thank you for the work you've done.

Thank you very much. Vice Chair Gallucci. Thank you, Madam Chair. Dr. Bendris-Mendingal, thank you. What an honor it is to be before Dr. Bessman. Dr. Bessman, you said something that really resonated. Our lives will flash before our eyes in an instant. Will it be worth watching? Thank you. I hope that when that happens to me one day, I can resoundingly say like you, yes. Because what you have done is truly amazing. Like my colleague said, before it was fashionable and acceptable to speak about mental health, you are at the forefront. And I truly believe that comes from your faith. from your faith that has inspired you and has guided you throughout your life. And I really, really want to commend you because without you probably even realizing it, you have touched so many lives in so many ways and probably people that you have never even met. But I'm sure when you watch that movie at the end, they'll be there giving you a round of applause. So thank you. God bless you.

So Dr. Bestman, first of all, it's an honor and a pleasure to be able to stand together with this amazing group of friends and members of your extended family, because that's what they are, honoring you. But I have to start again with Dr. Bendros-Mendingel. Again, again, and I will repeat, it was definitely out of the ballpark. You are an extraordinary woman of tremendous faith. I heard that over by all the speakers. I read it, I heard it, and that makes all the difference in the world.

Number two,

I heard very clearly on more than one occasion the fact that you are someone who wanted to give a helping hand to anyone and everyone that needed it. And that you are a person who is dedicated and committed to an endeavor that has a stigma attached to it. And we're trying to change that. There has to be a paradigm shift. But that is a very difficult one. The mental health issue is not an easy one. to address, yet you were there front and center for so many different people, as was stated by my two colleagues, that you touched the lives of so many that you turned around that could have gone in a different direction. Yet because of someone like you, they were turned around and now, thankfully, are living very good lives. So what I want to say is that I love the fact that you are someone who doesn't talk the talk, but walks the walk. because it's a lot easier to talk the talk, right? But that requires time, which is priceless. You've devoted a lifetime of time to this endeavor, and you give back to your community each and every day, and I know that you were a bull, right? And that's the reason why Miami-Dade County Public Schools is Oh, no, no, no. Here we go again with the number one cheerleader over here, Dr. Bendros Meningo. MDCPS is? All right, we got it, and you're a perfect example coming straight out of Northwestern. This is what we all strive for. Here on the day is the superintendent, the principals at the schools, the teachers, the community, is to have individuals, students, like the ones you all witnessed. You all got to witness all of these children that are shining stars for us. going out into that community and being successful, but at the same time, always remembering to give back. And so thank you because others will emulate your example. Always keep your faith first, which I know you do. and your family and friends second and then whatever endeavor you are passionate and compassionate about and you're gonna continue to shine. So those roses are absolutely beautiful. You deserve them and so much more. Thank you and to all those members of the community that came out to speak or support her, thank you so much for taking the time out because usually we're so busy in our lives we don't have time. to say thank you and to recognize those that make a difference. So that pat on the back, I know meant a lot to you and to them. Thank you and God bless you all. Mr. Superintendent, sir?

Thank you, Madam Chair. Dr. Bendis-Wendigal, you always say Talk about the journey, right? But you always will say something really important. We have so many gems in our community. She always says this, individuals that are doing so much that we need to take time to recognize. And one of the speakers, in my opinion, said it best, and I've never heard it be expressed this way. And I think it describes you in an amazing manner. You invest in people. You've invested time, you've invested time to listen, and you've invested in advocating for them. And ultimately, like she said, you are an investor in hope and dignity. Thank you for everything that you've done and all the value that you have brought to our community. Congratulations.

Thank you very much, and so at this time, we will be departing, but we hope to see you all again soon. You can always come back and volunteer at our schools. I'm sorry. No, I'm gonna do that now. I know, we do not have enough members, but at this time, for our vote, even if she came back up, so we will do it at the other portion of the meeting. So at this time, we are concluding the board member resolution portion. May I have a motion to adjourn? Is there a second? Second. All in favor, aye. There's no real vote here, so I made that decision. We will be returning at three o'clock today. Three.

you

Good afternoon and welcome as we reconvene the May 13th, 2026 meeting of the Miami-Dade County School Board. The time is 3 p.m. and I would like to officially call this meeting to order. Please stand as Board Member Bendros-Mendingal leads us in the Pledge of Allegiance to the flag.

Thank you, Madam Chair.

I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for which it stands, one nation, under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.

Please pause for a moment of silent meditation. Thank you, you may be seated. At this time, if there is anyone from the audience who has not signed up to speak but who would like to address an agenda item or to be heard at the public hearing, please go to the lobby counter outside the auditorium where staff will be ready and happy to assist you. The board must approve additional speakers by a majority vote. But before, get ready, get ready, and get ready. We are delighted to have the Arbita Middle School, the Cats Dance Team with us today to perform their dance extravaganza, The Passage. So here we go.

I don't know.

Wow, you were amazing, fabulous, phenomenal. I love not only the dance, your costumes, but the beautiful facial expressions, the smiles. You just uplifted everybody in this room, right? Thank you, and this shows us, ladies and gentlemen, what the arts do in our schools. It's not just the academic portion, but the arts, just as important. So congratulations, and special thank you, because this couldn't happen without those amazing teachers that really spent endless number of hours getting them prepared for this performance. So thank you. To Ms. Alvarez, where are you? Where's Ms. Alvarez? Let's give her a round of applause, we cannot do it. And the principal, Ms. Hallbrook, is she here? Not, no, okay. Well let's give her a round of applause, she's probably watching. And again, ladies, thank you so much. You made us all very, very proud. Let's give them one more round of applause, I say yes. Thank you. Are there any added items, Ms. Yopis, to be considered by the board? Through the Chair, good afternoon.

Yes, Madam Chair, we have B5, G2, and G3.

Thank you. I find good cause to vary from the established agenda pursuant to reasons that are stated in the agenda items. Are there any withdrawn items, Ms. Yobis? Through the Chair. Yes, Madam Chair. E-147. Thank you very much. Before I proceed, at the 11 a.m. portion of our meeting today, we did not have a quorum for the last items, so at this time, we need to do a little bit of house cleaning, and that's why I'm going to need to approve B2, B3, B4, and B5. Will all in favor please say aye?

Aye.

Any opposed nay? Seeing none, then motion passes thank you very very much and we are now going to continue i would like any board members who need to abstain from voting due to a conflict of interest to please publicly announce the conflict and we will note your abstention for the record

Madam Chair, although there exists no conflict of interest on D65 to avoid the appearance of impropriety based on previous relationships, I will be abstaining and filing the necessary paperwork. Thank you.

D65, sir?

D65.

Oh, D65. Thank you. Sir General Counsel to the board, are all agenda items properly before this assembly and in compliance with board policy, state statutes, and all other legal requirements under which this school board operates, sir?

Yes, Madam Chair.

Thank you very much. We will now go through the consent agenda. This is a time that board members advise me of those items that they wish to address. Items for which the board has signed up to speak will not be placed on the consent agenda. All those items not reserved for separate consideration will then be approved under the consent agenda. The board members will be provided with additional speakers. Note one side up is completed. Do I hear a motion for approval of speakers to agenda items and to public hearing topics not previously signed up to speak? Move it. Second. All in favor say aye. Aye. Any opposed nay? Seeing none, motion passes. Those items receiving unanimous approval will not be discussed by the board. In light of the adoption of chapter 286.0114 of the Florida Statutes and Board Policy 0169.1, citizens who have signed up to speak to an item that is on the consent agenda, that is items not identified by board members for discussion, may either speak at this time prior to the vote on the consent agenda, or you may elect to speak after the board has voted on them during the public hearing. However, Speakers who wish to address a consent agenda item may not speak to the item both times. The public hearing will begin no later than 6.30 p.m. The chair or vice chair may begin by calling speakers for the public hearing who are present immediately following the conclusion of the regular agenda. The public hearing shall not conclude before 4.30 p.m. unless all of the speakers signed up to speak are present and have been given an opportunity to do so. Before I proceed to call board members regarding the items that they would like to discuss on today's agenda, please note the following co-sponsorship requests that have been received. Vice Chair Colucci has requested to be added as a co-sponsor to H8. Is that correct, ma'am?

Yes, Madam Chair.

Thank you very much. Board Member Bendros-Mendigo has requested to be added as a co-sponsor to items H3, H4, H5, H7, and H8. Is that correct, ma'am? Thank you. Board Member Blanco has requested to be added as a co-sponsor to items H3, H4, H5, H6, H7, and H8. Is that correct, ma'am? That is correct, Madam Chair. Thank you. Board Member Santos has requested to be added as co-sponsor to items H-4 and H-5, is that correct, ma'am?

That's correct, thank you.

Board Member Gallin, sir, you have requested to be added as a co-sponsor to items H3, H4, H5, H6, H7, and H8, sir, is that correct? Yes, ma'am. Thank you. These board members wish to officially add themselves as co-sponsors to the agenda items which have been listed. I need a motion to approve the board members that were just identified along with the items specified to be listed as co-sponsors on the items which have been announced. May I have a motion?

Madam Chair, a question? If I may ask. Since my name isn't read, I believe I signed up for those earlier.

Yes, sir. I asked and I was told you have signed up for all of them.

Thank you very much.

Thank you very much, sir.

At this time, again, may I have a motion? Do I have a second? All in favor, say aye. Any opposed, say nay. None, motion passes. Do I hear a motion to approve the items as amended? Motion? Second, all in favor, say aye. Any opposed, nay. Seeing none, motion passes. I will now go through those items that the board members wish to address. I will begin with Dr. Gallin. Sir, you're down for G3, is that correct?

Yes, ma'am.

Thank you very much, sir. Dr. Bendros-Mendingal, ma'am, you're down for A1.

Okay, great.

Board Member Geller, sir, you're down for G3. Yes, ma'am. Thank you, sir. Board Member Alonso, I have you down for E146, sir.

All right, thank you, sir.

Board Member Espino, I have you down for C2, G3, and H6. Is that correct, sir?

Madam Chair, I'd like to leave H6 on consent.

You're gonna leave it?

Leave it on consent, so just pulling C2 and G3.

So H6 is out.

Thank you, Madam Chair.

Okay, yes, sir. I am down for G1 and announcements. Board Member Blanco, you're down for G3, ma'am. Yes. And Board Member Colucci, you are down for G3.

Yes, Madam Chair.

Thank you, ma'am. Board Member Santos, I have you down for C1, C2, D68, F3, G3, H8. Is that correct?

Thank you, Madam Chair. I'm okay with C1, D68, and H8 passing on consent, so you can remove those.

Okay, hold on one second. Give me a minute for my glasses. Okay, can you repeat that, please?

I'm okay with removing myself from C1, H8, and D68. H8, D68, okay.

Thank you. And our student advisor, Ms. Sowers, we don't have you down for anything today, is that correct?

That is correct, although I do have a quick question. So this will be my last meeting as student advisor, because I'm starting summer term, so whenever it fits into the schedule, I do have some final remarks to give.

Absolutely, and I have to say publicly, you have been an exemplary student advisor. It has been an absolute joy and pleasure to be able to work with you this year, and your colleagues, your friends, truly have to be so proud of you. You have represented the over 330,000 students in Miami-Dade County Public Schools in a stellar manner. So thank you so very much for what you have done. We wish you so much success in all future endeavors and look forward to again seeing you soon after you get back from college. And let us know, where are you going to go? I will be attending Florida State University. Oh, congratulations. No, I'm sorry. Thank you so much. I'm sorry, everyone. I would love to allow you to do that, but we can't at this portion, so if you wanna do this, you can, but we cannot clap during this portion of the meeting, but we are so proud, so that everybody here is proud of you. Thank you. All right. Before the vote on consent agenda, is taken, I will call those persons who have signed up to speak to items that are part of the consent agenda to address them. So therefore, at this time, I'm gonna start calling the following individuals who are present here with us and signed up to speak. We'll start with Paula DeCarolis. And Ms. DeCarolis, is she here? Yes.

Good afternoon, ma'am. Good afternoon. I'm here to speak on C2. I want to make sure that I'm on the right item.

She's here.

You were down for C1, ma'am.

So I would like to remove myself and stay for C2. Thank you.

Okay. The next speaker is Benjamin Ury, and you're down, sir, for H6.

Thank you. Good afternoon. I'm talking about the H6 that is now in the agenda right now. But let me talk anyway. My name is Benjamin DeJure. I am the founder and president of Teaching Anti-Communism in America, a nonprofit organization who for the past many years has proposed the education about the real meaning of the communist ideology. Until now, in different cities in Miami-Dade County, we have made four anti-communist summit with very good results and proposals. In 2024, we speech at the Senate in Tallahassee, about the law to teach the history of communists when was approved at that time. In 2025 in Tallahassee, we redacted the standards to teach the history of communism alone with the Department of Social Studies in a workforce of just six people, physically present in Tallahassee. Since we actively participated in this newly adopted standards, we believe we can also help in supporting instructional materials, teacher training, community narrative, and local historic context. Please count on me to implement the teaching of history of . Thank you.

Thank you. Alicia Bolton. Alicia Bolton, you're down for G, 65, ma'am. Good afternoon.

Hi, good afternoon. Hello and good afternoon to the members of the board and those who are here today watching. My name is Alicia Bolton and I'm here regarding item D65. This item seeks to approve four new chapter schools within the Miami-Dade County at a time when Miami-Dade public schools are at a facing deficit in enrollment, budget shortfalls, and even discussions about school closures. These charters that are expanding within our system are making us lose funding for our public schools. Every new chapter school redirects public funding away from neighboring public schools. To spell it out for the uninformed, the public schools in our area regularly lose $1,300 per student to these charters. This is devastating to the district as these diverted funds further exacerbate the deficit that we have in our own system. Furthermore, it is important to note that these charters advertise that they are public when in reality they aren't. These schools are privately owned and operated, and ultimately it is the public schools that foot the bill. I want for not just the board, but the whole room to understand that public schools are mandated to educate every child who walks through their doors, including students with disabilities, English language learners, and students with significant behavioral or academic needs. Charters, on the other hand, are not held to that same standard. They do not carry the same level of responsibility leaving traditional public schools to do more with fewer resources. This imbalance undermines educational equity across Miami-Dade County. What I'm here to express to everyone in this room right now is that Miami-Dade County remains the strongest and most diverse public school system in our nation. We can do right by our students and be able to support them, which is why I urge the board here today to reject the approval.

Thank you.

Thank you.

At this time, we have Cassandra Toussaint. Is Cassandra Toussaint here? Yes. Good afternoon.

Hello members of the board, my name is Cassandra Jusson and I'm speaking on item D65. I stand here today deeply concerned and honestly alarmed by the direction this district is heading. For the last year I have attended meeting after meeting, listening to parents, students, educators, and community members raise serious concerns about the rapid expansion of vouchers and the growing charter presence in this county. People have spoken about the rise of charters and the risk they pose to our budget, which inevitably leads to impacts on education quality, school maintenance, and teacher retention. And yet, after all those concerns are laid bare, the response we continue to hear is the same phrase. Charter schools are public schools. But that statement doesn't erase the reality of what's happening. Every student diverted away from a traditional public school takes critical funds with them. Funding that could have been used to repair aging buildings, retain qualified teachers, raise wages, expand arts and academic programming, support struggling students, and strengthen the schools that serve the overwhelming majority of the children in the community. No matter what the explanation is offered, whether it's declining enrollment or fewer immigrant families moving here, there is simply no honest argument that would justify opening four new charter schools when that decision would further drain resources from our traditional public schools. Thank you.

Thank you very much. And these are the speakers that I had signed up. So at this time I'm going to take the vote on the consent agenda and it shall be bifurcated into two separate votes as follows. A vote on all items in the consent agenda excluding agenda item D65 since board member Dr. Steve Gallin III has declared a conflict of interest for the record. May I have a motion?

Move it.

Is there a second? All in favor, say aye. Aye. Any opposed, nay. Thank you, motion passes. All in favor of approving the consent agenda, let it be known by saying aye. If you're opposed, say nay. Aye. Any opposed, none? All right, we shall continue, thank you. Motion passes. A separate vote on the consent agenda, item D65, from which board member Gallin shall abstain. This bifurcation shall allow the board to address the items efficiently while maintaining compliance with any conflict of interest guidelines. The results of both votes shall be recorded separately in the official meeting minutes. Ms. Yopes, can you please read into the record and for the listening public at this time the items that were just voted on for the consent agenda. These items will not be discussed. Through the chair, yes.

C1, C3, D20, D55, D65, D68, D69, E1, E14, E15, E16, E17, E18, E19, E20, E35, E66, E67, E141, E142, E144, E148, E149, E150, E152, E201. F4, F5, F6, F26, F40, F80, G2, H3, H4, H5, H6, H7, and H8. Madam Chair, that concludes the items that were passed on today's consent agenda.

At this time, thank you. Ms. Yopes, can you read the agenda items that will be discussed in today's meeting?

Through the chair with pleasure. A1, the superintendent's informational report. C2. E146. F3. G1 and G3. Madam Chair, honorable board members, that concludes the items that will be discussed in today's board meeting. Thank you.

Thank you, and at this time, we're gonna take a separate vote on D65. Do I have a motion? Do I have a second? All in favor, say aye. Any opposed, nay. Thank you, motion passes. If your item passed under the consent agenda and you did not address it prior to the vote but you still wish to speak during the public hearing, please go to the lobby counter again outside the auditorium where staff will be available to assist you. Do I hear a motion for approval of the bid opening list for March 19th, 2026, March 31st, 2026, and April 7th, 2026? Move it. Do I have a second? Yes, all in favor, aye. Aye. Any opposed, nay. Seeing none, motion passes. Do I hear a motion for approval of the minutes for the regular school board meeting of April 22nd, 2026 and the special board meeting of April 29th, 2026.

Madam Chair? Yes. Through the chair, I have a question and or concern relative to the minutes of April 22nd, 2026. I know that meeting through the chair brought an extensive amount of discourse and discussion and debate, but relative to the language on page 21 of the minutes, that language appears to be inconsistent with what has been consistently discussed as the timeline for the naming of the superintendent. And I will be very, very specific. Through the chair board member Geller in our workshop, proffered some language that spoke to a target date of August 13th or soon thereafter. That thereafter language seems to be omitted from the minutes, and because it is omitted from the minutes, that omission will carry through to subsequent action. Either we can deliberate over this omission now, and amend the minutes, or I can address it in G3 to make sure that the language is consistent. So prior to that, I want to address that particular issue. So through the chair, Mr. Harvey, The predicate for Mr. Harvey's G3 item is the action on April 22nd. And because that language was disseminated and discussed, that one word, thereafter, is a little vexing for me, maybe innocuous to some, but it is of some significance. And that language is reflected in the body of G3. So if you go to recommend one on page 21 of the minutes of the minutes i'll just read the language uh for the implementation of the search with the target date for the naming of the next superintendent by the opening of the 2026 2027 school year by august 13 2026 or as soon as can be facilitated The language that's been consistent was as soon thereafter. So thereafter is significant because as soon as it can be facilitated, one would represent that it could be facilitated today or tomorrow. But I thought we reached consensus with the language that Board Member Geller proffered in the workshop and that language had not changed that we looked at the August 13th and soon thereafter as the framework for the timeframe. So through the chair, I could either address this in the minutes, address it in G3, or whatever the pleasure is of the board, through the chair.

Okay, thank you, sir. I'm gonna refer to our board attorney. I personally probably would prefer to wait to G3, but I would defer to you, Mr. General Counsel, sir.

Through the chair, it's up to the board in terms of how do you like to address it.

Okay, thank you. Thank you very much, sir. Board Member Blanco, did you want to say something? I saw you raising your hand.

Thank you, Madam Chair. Right now, I don't have everything in front of me to look at that, but at the special workshop, and the discussion came about August 13th, Board Member Colucci and I, if you recall, had been talking about July, I don't remember the exact date, but the July board meeting. And I've explained that was for the start of school for me was when faculty went back. And so in my recollection, but we may need to go back to everything, Madam Chair's item, which was subsequently replaced with items brought from Board Member Espino, I believe I was the one that said that in the workshop, what we had agreed upon, and I believe that Mr. Geller had mentioned it as part of his motion, was August 13th or sooner in trying to, I think in his mind, he could speak for himself, capture what Board Member Colucci and I had said. So the target was August 13th.

or sooner that's my recollection and i believe that's how it became part of the h2 item that we voted on at the special meeting on april 29th uh yes through the chair um uh board member blanco i do actually have it in front of me i know you don't have it in front of you i have both versions of it uh at no point was the language agreed to as sooner full stop. The language that was actually adopted from the workshop that we had predicated on Board Member Geller's recommendation was soon thereafter. That language was subsequently included in Madam Chair's item H2. I which was subsequently replaced. And I'll read the language that was specifically struck out in the records on the minutes online for the public and for all of our review, that soon thereafter, that language is reflected. It just appears to be that that language wasn't transitioned with the word thereafter, and at no point did we ever reach any consensus on sooner, at no point. And again, the record reflects in Chair Rojas's item, August 13th or soon thereafter. So I'm just concerned about that omission of the word thereafter. It is significant. It is material. I don't want to speak for Board Member Geller, but the record does reflect what was discussed. I actually looked at the video. That's what we reached consensus on and what's reflected in the item that was presented to the board at the meeting. CAPTURED WHAT WAS AGREED TO IN THE WORKSHOP AND THAT IS THE LANGUAGE THAT WAS STIPULATED IN MADAM CHAIR'S ITEM UNTIL THAT LANGUAGE WAS SUBSEQUENTLY STRUCK OUT. AGAIN, I'M NOT INDICTING THE PROCESS. IT WAS A VERY ENGAGING, LONG NIGHT. It was moving rather rapidly, but for me, words matter. And when the public looks at that, I want us to be consistent with what we labored for for an extended period of time. We reached consensus with the language that board member Geller proffered. That language was transitioned into the item that the chair brought forth for us as a board and the community. And again, I think in the transition of changing Her item to a new item that was presented at the time that one word was left out. So That's pretty much what it is. But at no point was it ever sooner. Thank you.

Thank you very much, sir And that is absolutely correct. That was the language soon thereafter was on my original court item, but We have a lot of people that are gonna be recognized here today and I believe it's going to be in the best interest of everyone if we take this with the item that is going to be heard today, which is the item being brought by our general counsel so that we can continue this discussion there because there are a lot of people here, principals that are being recognized and others, and I am going to move along with this portion of the meeting, and then we shall go back. I will listen to the two of you, what you'll have to say. I know Board Member Espino, and then, sir, you will also be heard, Board Member Geller. Yes.

Thank you, Madam Chair. Just a point of clarification, and we discussed this in committee. When we struck through and replaced, we struck through and replaced. And so essentially, while what was on H2 was presented by the chair may have said something, if that's not what ultimately made it, that might be different. But what I was going to say is, regardless of what it says here, we have an action item that will moot it out completely. I want to be accurate. What we can do is certainly defer the approval of the minutes and then ultimately reconcile the language with Desiree for the next meeting. Because I think at the end of the day, when we approve the framework for the contract, that'll be wrapped up there.

Through the chair, I know Board Member Geller, I was open to addressing it in the minutes or G3, but I just represented that it has to be addressed accurately through the chair. So I'm good either way. Thank you.

All right, thank you, sir. All right, Board Member Geller, sir.

Very briefly, I'm only concerned for right now with the procedural end. And I know there was a question asked to the general counsel, but just for my understanding, if we can confirm. It, regardless of what the minutes say, there seems to be a question about what the minutes say, whether we do or do not approve the minutes. My understanding of your answer was that whatever we approve as far as minutes, the board retains the right to proceed as it deems appropriate, and if that's the case, The minutes are not the issue, the issue is what we do with the board item in front of us, G3. And if that's the case, then I'm certainly prepared to just do what the chair said and let the item come up when we get to G3. And who said what is less important than what we want to do to move this forward. As long as that's correct, Mr. General Counsel, that we're not downed because of whatever the minutes do or don't say, then I think we follow the Chair's suggestion. Thank you. Is that a correct understanding, sir?

Yes, and I have Board Member Garland.

Yes, yes, through the Chair, and that was my- I'm asking the Council. Yes. Was it your question? It is.

That is absolutely the question I had asked originally, and he said yes.

My understanding of the answer was not 100% clear. That's why I'm asking if my understanding is correct.

Can you repeat that, sir, please?

Yes, correct, that's correct. Thank you.

I agree with what he says. Thank you. Thank you very much.

And through the Chair, just to close it out, I'm good either way, but I wanted to put on the record how G3 would have gotten there, and it was predicated on the action reflected in the minutes. And again, the minutes will be rendered moot. if I make that modification in G3. So when I open up with my remarks, I could either address it in the minutes, or I'll address it in G3. I think the prudent thing to do is go on and approve the minutes, but I did sign up for G3. Thank you, Madam Chair.

Thank you, and I will proceed at this time. No further discussion. We will discuss it in G3, and now I would like approval of the minutes. Do I have a motion? Do I have a second? All in favor, say aye. Any opposed, nay. Motion passes. We will now proceed with the agenda items that are reserved for board consideration by board members. A high level of citizen involvement in civic life is crucial to the well-being of any democracy, and as such, participation by the public in school board meetings is welcomed and always encouraged by all who sit on this dais. As always, this board seeks input and participation in our meetings. However, the public purpose is not served when citizens become disorderly or disrupt meetings. Accordingly and pursuant to board policy 0169.1, citizens remarks should be directed to the presiding officer on the board as a whole and not to individual board members. Speakers making comments and agenda items shall confine their comments solely to the agenda item being discussed. During this meeting, speakers must limit their remarks to matters related to the business of the district. Speakers are prohibited from discussing their own pending court cases and filed claims. Is she okay? Can you please?

Take a moment, please. Let's take a...

A call right now for recess.

Thank you.

The public school provides the accommodations your kid needs. So I can't be more grateful for being here.

At Miami-Dade County Public Schools, we are shaping a future where every student is inspired to dream boldly and access the limitless opportunities that lead to lifelong success. Through our commitment to excellence, we deliver a high quality education that inspires curiosity, fosters achievement, and prepares students to thrive in a dynamic and ever-changing world. At MDCPS, we celebrate choice, empowering families with diverse academic programs, magnet schools, and career pathways to fit every student's unique aspirations. Innovation is at the heart of our approach, empowering students through forward-thinking learning experiences that prepare them to lead, adapt, and excel in the world of tomorrow. With safety as a top priority, we provide a secure and nurturing environment where students, families, and employees feel protected, valued, and supported every day. Excellence, choice, innovation, safety. These are the anchors of MDCPS, making us your best choice for education. Join us at Miami-Dade County Public Schools, where your child's future begins today.

As Chief of the Miami Dade Schools Police Department, I want to remind everyone that safety is our top priority, and it takes all of us working together to protect our schools. When something doesn't feel right, don't stay silent, say something. Fortify Florida is an anonymous reporting tool available to all student, staff, and community members. Whether it's a threat, suspicious activity, or something that just doesn't sit right, no matter how big or small, you can report it anytime, from anywhere. Your tip could prevent harm, protect a classmate, or even save lives. This is just one more way we're using technology to enhance school safety and ensure that every member of our school community has a voice. Remember, if you see something, say something. And with Fortify Florida, you can do it instantly and anonymously. Stay safe. Stay alert. We've got your back. And we're all in this together.

It's not, okay, we're back on now. All right, thank you everybody. We apologize for the inconvenience. So I will continue here. Accordingly and pursuant to Board Policy 0169.1, Citizens' remarks should be directed to the presiding officer or the board as a whole and not to individual board members. Speakers making comments on agenda items shall confine their comments solely to the agenda item being discussed. During this meeting, speakers must limit their remarks to matters which are related to the business of the district. Speakers are prohibited from discussing their own pending court cases and file claims or complaints against the district or district personnel. Speakers may not use any form of profanity or loud abusive comments. No clapping, applauding, heckling, shouting comments from the audience or verbal outbursts in support or in opposition to a speaker or his or her remarks shall be permitted. Persons exiting the board meeting shall do so quietly. The chair may notify and warn speakers that their comments have gone beyond the subject matter for which they had signed up to address matters that are not related to the business of the school district or constitute personal attacks on individuals or otherwise violate this policy. The chair may then turn off the microphone or recess the meeting if a speaker persists addressing irrelevant topics or engaging in personal attacks. The chair has the authority, after one warning, to order the removal of the speakers from the meetings. Following a warning, Any person making impertinent or slanderous remarks or who becomes boisterous while addressing the board shall be barred from further appearance before the board for the balance of that meeting. Before we move any agenda items to the floor, I would like to remind the public speakers that pursuant to board policy 0169.1 individuals are allowed no more than two minutes to address the agenda item and no more than a total of 10 minutes during the board meeting, including speaking time during the public hearing, regardless of the number of agenda items to be addressed. The green light at the speaker's podium signals two minutes, the yellow light signals 30 seconds remaining, and the red light signals that speakers have exhausted their time. Speakers making comments on agenda items shall confine their comments solely to the agenda item which is being discussed. The board policy also states that the total time allotted for the public hearing shall not exceed 90 minutes. Please be advised that the 90 minute time limit will be observed for public hearings. I need a motion to move a one to the floor.

Move it.

A second. All in favor say aye. Any opposed nay? Motion passes. A1 is now on the floor. A1 is the superintendent's informational reports to the board on selected topics. We are highlighting innovative teachers and also highlighting zero drownings initiative and retiree recognition. So we now have several speakers that have signed up. I'll start with Mr. Antonio White. Good afternoon, sir.

Good afternoon, Madam Chair, members of the board, and our viewing and listening audience. I am Antonio White, the president of the United Teachers of Dade. Because today is about more than years of service when it comes to honoring our retirees, today is about impact. Today is about legacy. Today is about one teacher in particular, and that's Joelle Jackson. 51 years in the classroom, 51 years right here in Miami-Dade County Public Schools, shaping lives, building futures, and showing generations of students what it means to be seen, supported, and inspired. That's not just a career. That's a calling, quite frankly. And Joy answered that call each and every day. We all know educators like Joy, the ones who stay a little longer, who push just a little harder, those who refuse to give up on even one child, the one student remember years later and say she believed in me when no one else did. This is who Joy is. But she didn't stop there, because leaders like Joy never do. For more than 40 years, she has been right here in this union, 20 of those years on the Executive Board of the United Teachers of the Day, fighting for each and every one of you, fighting for our educators, fighting for the respect, the resources, and the rights our members deserve. And when decisions had to be made, Joy was there. When voices needed to be heard, Joy spoke up. When Miami Dade educators needed a champion, Joy stepped forward. That's what leadership looks like. That's what commitment looks like. That's what unity actually looks like. Joy, you have helped shape policies that didn't just change paperwork, you changed lives. You strengthened our schools, you lifted up our colleagues, and you made a lasting difference for students across this entire community. And let me say this clearly, your impact will echo far beyond today. So today we just want to thank you. We don't just want to thank you, we want to celebrate you.

Thank you very much, sir. Daniela Boye.

Good afternoon, ma'am. Good afternoon, board and superintendent. This is an amazing woman who has taught special education for over 50 years while also leading a congregation where she is the pastor. Dr. Joy Jackson shows her complete commitment to her community by the involvement she demonstrates beyond the call of duty as an expert educator. She has served as United Teachers of Dade Executive Board Vice President of Middle Schools and Designated Steward. chairperson of MDCPS slash UTD ESE Task Force Committee, Educational Excellence School Advisory Council Chairperson, and Chairperson for Positive Behavior Support, first Vice President of CBTU, Florida Education Association Governance Board Member, AFL-CIO Executive Board Member, elected delegate for AFT, NEA, FEA, AFL-CIO, and also honored as UTD's Volunteer of the Year. She is a blessing to her union brothers and sisters. Whenever called upon, she is amped, ready to go in accomplishing the mission and reaching the goal. She shows up and shows out. She is a union activist through and through. We want to congratulate all the retirees. However, we must acknowledge Dr. Joy Jackson, also educated by Miami-Dade County Public Schools as a proud Jackson General. Congratulations also to Nancy Wright, an over 50-year member of United Teachers of Dade, and to all retirees. We love our teachers, paraprofessionals, security, and all that help contribute to Miami-Dade County Public Schools being the A-rated district that it is. Thank you.

Thank you. Mindy Grimes-Festage.

Good afternoon. Good afternoon Madam Chair, board members, Mr. Superintendent, I am Mindy Grimes-Feske, UDD Secretary-Treasurer. It is an honor to stand before you today to recognize not only Dr. Joy Jackson, but all of our union members who are retiring this year. Today we celebrate a group of educators whose combined years of service represent a lifetime of dedication to students, schools, and community. These are individuals who showed up day after day, not for recognition, but because they believe in the power of public education and the potential of every child. They have shaped classrooms, strengthened our schools, and left an enduring mark on the lives of countless students and families. Their work required patience, resilience, and heart. They met challenges with determination and gave their very best, even when the work was difficult and the path was not easy. Because of them, generations of students are more confident, more capable, and more prepared to face the future. Among this remarkable group is Dr. Joy Jackson, whose work as a music educator in an alternative education program reflects the very best of this profession. She brought compassion, creativity, and wavering belief to students who needed it most, helping them find their voice and their place in this world. And in addition to her work with students, Dr. Jackson stood as a strong union advocate, reminding us all that supporting educators is essential to supporting students. To all our retirees, including my own husband, Don Feske, who we just found out today will be recognized in July with the 2026 NAF Janet Linton Leadership Award. Your legacy is not measured simply in years of service, but in lives changed, barriers broken, and futures made brighter. The impact of your work will continue to echo in our schools and our community for generations to come. Congratulations to you, Dr. Jackson, to my husband, Don Feskey, and longtime member, Nancy Wright, and to all of this year's retirees. Thank you for everything you have sacrificed and given. Your work has made a difference that will truly last.

Thank you very much. These are all of the speakers that we have. So Dr. Lewis, sir.

Thank you, Madam Chair. Through the Chair, today, May 13, 2026, is designated as Retiree Appreciation Day. Schools and work locations throughout the district are joined together to recognize their 2025-26 retirees. We are honored to recognize five employees with more than 45 years of service to the district. Ms. Lily Beluha, District Director, Office of Retirement and Leave, will now introduce and present highlights from each retiree's illustrious career. Ms. Beluha.

And thank you to the superintendent for bringing the superintendent special recognition and allowing us to honor longstanding distinguished employees of our school district. Our first honoree, Miss Nancy Wright, aka Mama Wright, as she is affectionately known, is a distinguished educator who provided an incredible 52 years of unwavering dedication to Miami-Dade County Public Schools. Her tireless commitment has shaped the lives of generations leaving an unforgettable mark on our community and a legacy of excellence that will be felt for years to come. It is rare to witness such a lifelong devotion to the growth and success of our students. And we are profoundly grateful for the passion you brought to your classroom every single day. We wish you nothing but joy and fulfillment and a well-deserved retirement, knowing that your influence lives on the countless minds you have inspired. We love you, Mama Wright. Next, we recognize Dr. Joy Jackson, a true pillar of Miami-Dade County Public Schools. who has dedicated an extraordinary 51 years of service to our students and community. Dr. Jackson began her journey in the south region at Redondo Elementary, where she spent six years building strong foundations for young learners. She continued her legacy at Sunset Middle School and Olympia Heights Elementary before finding her home at Robert Rennick Educational Center in the Great North. where she faithfully served for the past 38 years. At Robert Renick Center, a specialized center for serving students with behavioral disabilities, Dr. Jackson has truly been a transformative force for the school community. With unwavering compassion, patience, and strength, she has supported students with special needs, helped them grow, achieve, and believe in themselves. Her ability to connect, uplift, and advocate for her students has inspired not only the children she serves, but her colleagues. While we celebrate a well-earned retirement, we know this is not truly goodbye. In her own words, and with a little nod to Arnold Schwarzenegger, Dr. Jackson assures us, I'll be back. So while we certainly miss her, we will miss her, it may only be for a short while. Dr. Jackson, your legacy, excellence, love, and dedication will never fade. Our third honoree, Ms. Margarita Toussaint, recently concluded a brilliant career defined by unwavering dedication to her students. For 50 years, her classroom nurtured talent and produced award-winning students under her expert guidance. A fellow art teacher and close friend, Miss McCoy, fondly describes her as a kind, caring, and fun educator who was exceptionally loving and giving of her time. Miss Doucette possesses a logistical mastery and a command of inventory that remained elusive to others even after decades in the field. Margarita always knew exactly to order supplies and keep her cupboards perpetually full. Above all, Ms. Toussaint exemplifies an excellent work ethic, leaving behind a legacy of professionalism and passion that will truly be missed. Our fourth honoree, Ms. Karen Shiffan, has had an extraordinary 45 years of service. She's defined by her energy, mentorship, and unwavering commitment to her students. Coach Shiffy, to those who love her, wasn't just a teacher. She was a force of nature who transformed gym floors into classrooms and sports, seasons into life lessons. She taught her athletes how to win with humility, lose with grace, and a plan to improve. Hundreds of athletes found their voice and their strength under her guidance, carrying the lessons of teamwork and discipline into their adult lives. Coach Chiffy understood that her most vital work was building the foundation of a child's character, and she has proven that a great educator doesn't just teach, they shape a soul. Closing this tribute on a high note, it is my distinguished honor to recognize Mr. Ignacio Al Palacio for his remarkable 45 years of dedicated service to Miami-Dade County Public Schools. As District Director of Safety and Emergency Management, Mr. Palacio has exemplified steady, principled leadership, consistently safeguarding the well-being of students and staff across our district. A veteran of the United States Coast Guard reserves, Mr. Palacio has long embodied the guiding principle of semper paratus, always ready. This ethos has been evident throughout his distinguished career, particularly in his extensive experience supervising

emergency management.

Time and again, Mr. Palacio has provided clear guidance, reassurance, and steady leadership, serving as a calm and steady presence amid the most difficult weather-related events to impact Miami-Dade County Public Schools. Mr. Palacios' legacy and preparedness, leadership, and unwavering commitment to service will continue to resonate our schools, our community, and for generations to come. We wish him well as he embarks on this new chapter of his life in the company of his wife and children. We thank you all for your commitment and at this time, invite Dr. Doutras, board members, and our honored retirees and their supervisors to come to the center of the floor for a photo opportunity as we present you with your certificates.

Tony what's up

All right, take care. Great seeing you again. That's good.

Let me start again before I wake up.

We're going to ask that we exit through the back side, please. And we'll give it a moment as our retirees are exiting. Thank you. At this time, Dr. Lewis, sir. You have the floor.

Thank you, Madam Chair. The second A1 item has to do with Zero Drowning Miami-Dade Initiative. Miami-Dade County drowning remains the leading cause of accidental death for children ages 1 through 14. That heartbreaking reality is preventable. Research shows that children who participate in formal swimming lessons can reduce their risk of drowning as much as 88%. With that knowledge, I am proud that Miami-Dade County Public Schools stepped forward as a committed partner to addressing this urgent issue. Together with the Children's Trust, Miami-Dade County, American Red Cross, the Miami Foundation, and the United Way Miami, Miami-Dade County Public Schools helped launch Zero Drowning Miami-Dade, a countywide drowning prevention initiative focused on early prevention, education, and equity. With that being said, I would like to turn it over to Mr. Luis Diaz, Chief Operating Officer with a program history.

Prior to doing that, I do have speakers that have signed up to speak, so I will be calling them first. Mr. Antonio White, you see here, right? Osmani Gonzalez. Gayrel Osorio Godoy. Through the chair. Oh, I'm sorry, that is for C2, I apologize. That's my mistake, I just realized.

The speakers on A1 have been called dutifully and have spoken. Thank you, I just realized that, thank you.

Too much. All right, go ahead, sir.

Through the chair, thank you, Dr. Lewis. Yes, at this time, I would like to add a little bit more about the program's history. To date, over 3,000 kindergarten students have participated in this program from 79 different elementaries and K-8s across Miami-Dade County Public Schools. This program already has received national recognition as being recognized as the 2025 National Association of Counties Children and Youth Best in Category Achievement Award. This program is nationally funded by the Bloomberg Philanthropist, Griffin Catalyst, the Parks Foundation, the EDU Foundation, the Heckscher Foundation for Children, Florida Blue Foundation, the Templeton Foundation, the Peacock Foundation and Corporation, the Kirk Foundation, and the Paul Garcia Fund. At this time, I would like to play a special video highlighting the program in action.

The Zero Drownings Miami-Dade Initiative is all about helping our students learn how to swim, but more importantly, being safe and having an opportunity in this incredible community to save lives.

I think the program is effective. Not only is it a life skill that our students need to acquire, but it's also important being a resident of Miami-Dade County that we teach our schools safety measures to keep them safe.

I chose to have my son partake in the Zero Drowning Miami-Dade Initiative because I don't know how to swim as an adult. And I just wish it was something that was offered to me as a child. And I think it's important living in Florida. You have beaches, a lot of water activities.

The school district provides the students, we provide transportation, so it's a joint effort to make sure that we bring students to these parks, actual real pools, where they get to learn how to swim.

I think at first when our students started the program, they were a little nervous to take on something that they weren't quite good at. But then at the end, I could see the excitement and how thrilled they were to finally learn something new and also to see their confidence being built.

He's a little bit more confident. He's excited about swimming. A week prior to him joining this program, we went to the beach and he was just terrified of getting in water. Like we cannot get him in water. And so now he has no problem getting in the water, putting his head under the water or anything like that. So he's very like confident about being in the water.

We decided to be part of this because we live in a beautiful community that's surrounded by water. And we understand that our children across South Florida need to learn how to swim in order for them to enjoy this beautiful community.

Thank you, and through the Chair, at this time, it brings me great pleasure to recognize many of the program partners that are with us today that have actually stayed with us today. I thank them for joining us and remaining with us. So from the beginning, from the Children's Trust, we have with us Ms. Amanda Gorski, Public Policy and Community Engagement Liaison. Please stand at this time and be recognized. From United Way Miami, we have Ms. Nori Davaie, Chief Impact Officer. From the Parks, Recreation and Open Spaces Office of Drowning Prevention, a brand new office based because of this program, we have Mr. Jim O'Connor, Chief. Representative from the Office of Mayor Levine Cava, we have Mr. Patrick Morris, Equity Engagement Senior Manager, Civic and Philanthropic Partnerships. And from the Miami Foundation, we have Ms. Tiffany Wilson-Warsley, Leadership Director. And if there's any other members that happen to join us today that are part of this, because this is a broad reach organized effort countywide because of the severity and necessity of those that are here in my county. And then also we have from the American Cross, we have Ms. Krista Colleta, regional CEO. And then from Miami-Dade County Public Schools, I want to recognize Ms. Lisa Suazo, as well as Mr. Stephon Cohn. I know he's here in the back somewhere, because they have been the leads from Miami-Dade County Public Schools, making sure that this program pushes the way it needs to push. At the end of the day, obviously this is about saving lives. These are young children. We deal with the kindergarten students in Miami-Dade County Public Schools, but there's also pre-K students that come from other entities that are involved. Every year, as I referenced, there's 3,000 students already that have been involved, but each year we're pushing more and more because we're expanding as we move forward. So we just wanna thank the board, wanna thank the superintendent for allowing us to join in this partnership because this is something that's gonna change lives, and we're very happy to be there at the inception. So thank you so much for your time.

Thank you. Mr. Su, no, we can't clap. Mr. Superintendent, sir?

Yeah, thank you, Madam Chair. I just wanted to see if maybe we could take a picture of all our partners and the board. Of course. Is that possible?

Yes, we'll stand here.

Mr. Diaz, so we can have our partners. Thank you, Madam Chair. Thank you, board members.

Thank you, I have Dr. Bendros-Meningal now who would like to say a few words. You're recognized, ma'am.

Thank you, Madam Chair. Gotta get this chair up here so I can speak. You know, in this business that we're in, the one thing among others that you can do is listen for your name to be called, especially when you work as hard as we do. I know for a fact when some, there's a saying, when you speak the truth, it's not bragging. I know for a fact that we had not done as much as we should have for our children. How did I know? I got a call from a dear friend who said, Donnie, one of your children just drowned. Well, I had to hurry over there to this place. And when I got there, I was told another one drowned. They were twins. So I spoke with the powers that be at the Children's Trust. And thank you, Madam Chair, for appointing me. I serve on the board. And very, very honored to do so. because so many of our children need the Children's Trust. I'm very, very happy to see you all who are here to celebrate with us about this program. And I'll say this because the chair is familiar with me talking about the firefighters because she has a vested interest in the firefighters. I always want everyone to know that we do not have a job description. Those of us on the board, we don't have it. We serve. So when I talked with the superintendent earlier, I said, I have to speak because this thing grew, blossomed.

Here I go.

Why? Because of those drownings of those twins. They were our little Haitian American children who had little or nothing. Dr. Lewis, is he still here? He was right there with me. We found out so many things about that child and those children in their lives. They had nowhere to sleep. They had a lot of issues. And why it was so important for them to go out there and swim, I don't know, but they did. So I noticed that, oh boy, I noticed that when we speak about what happens, don't forget your board members who have no job description. Just call their names and if it's okay, which it is, Let people know that we're everywhere. We don't hesitate to serve and serve and serve. But I want you all to know, we lost the lives of two children, and that's how this blossomed. I didn't hear their names called, but we cannot, we always say in certain cultures, we'll call your name. It's important. Who's watching us? I don't know. Who's listening? I don't know. But we have to make sure that when we have a chance to have a microphone, we definitely want to let the world know that we care for all zip codes. All zip codes. Why were those children out there at that pond? Had nowhere else to go. It was a lake. It was like a rock pit. Can we do everything? No, but we can do a lot more. I want to thank you all for what you are doing and we will continue, but we have these retired firefighters who come to these pools and I go to see them and they'll say, board member, because they're crying, they want their mama, they want their mama, they don't want to get in the pool. Board member come back this afternoon and they'll be swimming like fish. We've got to save our children. And if someone wants to know more about what happened and how this happened, I'll tell them. But don't forget, we had two little ones who lost their lives because they had nothing else, no other place to go but to that place and swim. This item had to be talked about. I just had a little issue back there and superintendent said, you still wanna speak? I said, oh yeah, we have to. So please make sure that if you want any more information, I'll be in touch with you. But don't forget, board members are everywhere and never leave them out when you're talking about what we do. We do it all. Now, if there is a problem with my statements, I stand ready to respond. Thank you all for all that you do. Thank you, Madam Chair, for appointing me to this Children's Trust. And we'll do our very, very, very best to save more children. God bless you. See you on the journey.

Thank you, Board Member Bendros-Mendingola, and you represent us extremely well on the Children's Trust. Thank you for your service there, and thank you to all the members of the Children's Trust. You have helped so many students throughout the years, and it's teamwork that makes that dream work. We couldn't do it without all of you, so thank you all. and not just the Children's Trust, but from the different groups that have been identified today. Thank you very, very much. And from the mayor's office, we're always very, very grateful for working collaboratively with all of the members of your team as well. I have, Board Member Santos wanted to say something.

Thank you, Madam Chair. I just wanna add my two cents and say that yes, tragedy always is terrible and what comes out of it is most important. And to see the collective impact model that every organization that's represented here today is modeling alongside our school district, I just am deeply grateful that we are all coming together. We all care about this community deeply. And so to every organization that was named, thank you for being in partnership with Miami Dade County Public Schools. And I think there's so many more issues we can tackle in this manner together and then have that collective community improvement where we're all working and swimming in the same direction. It's beautiful to watch. It's amazing to see your work in action throughout the county and just a deep gratitude for all you're doing and can't wait to do more.

Thank you. Mr. Superintendent, we used to have the swimming classes in our cafeteria. We had that pool. I remember doing it many, many times when I was at the school sites as a teacher and as an administrator. Can you please let me know how actively are we involved in that arena now throughout our 300 plus schools?

Yes, Madam Chair, Ms. Zia will elaborate.

Thank you.

This program is much more It's much broader, and it really adds a real-life situation experience for our students. But Ms. Diaz will elaborate. Thank you, Ms. Diaz.

Thank you, sir, through the chair. So yes, we do still have the Learn to Swim program, and they go out to elementary schools on a rotating schedule, but as Dr. Dolcher said, the breadth of this program that is just really only in its true first full year the Zero Drownings Initiative, it is reaching thousands and thousands more students. So we're, again, very grateful for the partnership and for seeing continued expansion.

So thank you very much. I just like to see that the schools that are not reached by this wonderful group can also have the opportunity because the bottom line is that we're in Miami and the ocean is very popular. The pools are very popular and the summer is very hot. So as many students that don't know how to swim are given the opportunity to do so. It's truly gonna make a huge difference. So thank you for that response. Mr. Superintendent, do you have anything else, sir?

No, Madam Chair, board members, thank you very much. Today, we were able to introduce two solid A1 items. Thank you so much.

Thank you, Mr. Superintendent, and before we go on, this is, your A items are yours, and I wanted just to take this opportunity to thank you for submitting on April 28th of this year your self-assessment of performance for the 25-26 school year. And it was titled Key Achievements and Milestones for the 2025-26 year. And I just wanted to say thank you. It is truly an extremely comprehensive assessment, not only of the successes, but also of the challenges and moving forward in this continuously evolving world that we have to adjust to, what the future path looks like as well. And I was very, very happy to see that it was very aligned to the strategic plan on all of the five standards that were agreed by this board. And you also had the evaluation, the document for anyone who wanted to follow up accordingly to to visit everything that was stated and address it. So I just wanted to take this opportunity to just publicly say thank you to you because again, The document was extremely comprehensive, and I certainly appreciate the time and effort that you put into it, and I will be discussing it even more so, but I just wanted to publicly let you know I appreciated it, thank you. So with that said, we are done with the eight items, and I would like to then move forward to C2. And C2 is the adoption of the Miami-Dade County Public Schools 2026 through 2031 strategic plan. I have various speakers that are here today, so I will start calling them at this time to address C2. Antonio White, sir. Before we go on, Mr. Superintendent, sir, I did ask you if you were done, and you said yes, but apparently, we just wanna clarify, because there was one more section about teachers, so we didn't know if you wanted to or not. Oh, I'm so sorry.

I am so sorry, that right, the teacher innovator, the teacher enforcement was not able to get here, so that was my fault. That was the one missing piece, but it had to do with her attendance.

Okay, so thank you very much, sir. At this time, we'll go ahead and call Antonio White. And I see we do have a team from Miami Dade College here. If you could all just wave and thank you so much. It's wonderful to work very collaboratively with Miami Dade College. And we are very fortunate. We have also representation on the board here from one of our board members. And so thank you for being here and working collaboratively with us on a myriad of different initiatives that ultimately will be beneficial for the children, the reason why we all work together as a team. Thank you. And so we're now gonna go to C2. I'm gonna start with Mr. Antonio White.

Well, thank you, Madam Chair. Good afternoon once again, members of the board, Mr. Superintendent. I am Antonio White, president of the United Teachers of Dade. As the representative of teachers and a host of other education professionals who show up every day for Miami students, I stand in support of this item. It reflects real input from educators, families, students, and the broader community, and that truly matters to me. For the first time, this strategic plan treats teachers' well-being as a real priority, with clear targets and commitments to improve the systems teachers work in every day. That kind of accountability is important because when teachers are supported, students are stronger as well. I also want to recognize the portrait of a graduate. It reflects what great teachers have always known. We are preparing whole people, not just test takers, and that is the right vision for Miami-Dade County students. Just as importantly, this plan is focused. It makes choices, sets priorities, and grounds the district in a clear strategy instead of trying to do everything all at once. That gives us confidence that it can be implemented well. This plan was shaped by one of the most comprehensive engagement efforts in district history as far as I'm concerned, with over 192 survey responses, more than 65 focus groups in English, Spanish, and Creole. That breadth of input shows a district that listened, reflected, and responded. In closing, we support this plan because it supports the people that are actually doing the work, and we urge this board to adopt it as well. Thank you.

Thank you very much, sir. Osmani Gonzalez. J. Rel Osorio Godoy.

Thank you. Good afternoon Chair Rojas, board members, Superintendent Dutris, and community members. My name is Hergelle Osorio Godoy, senior manager at the Miami Foundation. And on behalf of the foundation, I'm here to express support of this strategic plan. The Miami Foundation exists to awaken a spirit of shared responsibility and civic health in greater Miami. When we read this plan, we saw that same spirit and values reflected throughout. What stands out is that Miami-Dade County Public Schools didn't start with assumptions or answers. It started by listening to our community. More than 190,000 voices helped shape this direction, and that is exactly the kind of trust-building and co-created leadership our community is thirsting for. We know from our own work across Miami-Dade County that the strongest solutions don't come from institutions alone. They come when we all work and build together. We are especially encouraged by the district's commitment to raising student performance and closing the achievement gap. These aren't just school metrics. They are the building blocks of a thriving community. And we know that when families feel heard and well-served, that's the kind of experience that strengthens civic belonging for all of us. The Miami Foundation is here to be a partner in what comes next, helping connect the civic energy, the relationships, and the resources that we will need to bring this vision to life. Thank you. Thank you.

John Ortega.

Thank you.

Good afternoon.

Good afternoon, Madam Chair, board members, and Superintendent Dutris. My name is John Ortega and I serve as the Vice President of Youth Development for the YMCA of South Florida. The YMCA is proud to support the outreach and feedback efforts connected to the Portrait of a Graduate initiative because we deeply care about the future of the students and families that we serve. One thing that especially stood out about the development of this process was Superintendent Dutra's personally sitting with community-based organizations and listening to our perspectives. That level of accessibility made us feel valued, heard, and genuinely included in shaping the future of this district. We are also grateful for the Office of Community Partnerships Education and Business Access for coordinating such a collaborative process. Every day, before school, after school, and throughout the summer, the YMCA serves many of the students and families, the same students and families as this district. Because of that shared responsibility, we deeply value a plan that prioritizes resilience, character, adaptability, and real-world readiness alongside academic success. We strongly support this plan and respectfully urge the board to adopt it. The YMCA looks forward to continuing to partner with the district to help and support develop the next generation of Miami Dade students. Thank you.

Thank you. Mr. Philip Lloyd Hamilton. Good afternoon.

Good afternoon Board and Mr. Superintendent. I am Philip Lloyd Hamilton, Assistant Vice President for Student Belonging and Support at FIU. I too am here to speak in support of the strategic plan. Knowing that more of FIU's 56,000 students and 340,000 alumni are graduates of this school district than any other, We were honored to help promote the portrait of an MD-CPS graduate surveys that ensured that community voices were represented in the fashioning of this plan. I can confidently say that FIU stands ready to support all four objectives outlined in the plan. First of all, on the topic of student success, FIU remains committed to strengthening the before, during, and after school programs we currently manage in more than 65 MDCPS sites. Our dual enrollment courses also touch nearly 4,800 high school students across the district. Second, related to elevating the family and community experiences, we are proud that the education effect will grow by next year to include 19 university-assisted community schools in the past 16 years since the collaboration was established. Thirdly, in support of strengthening workforce culture, FIU remains committed to deploying university resources like that of our School of Education and Human Development Summer Institute for MDCPS Teachers and Principals, as well as the launch of the new MDCPS exclusive educational leadership cohort through which select district leaders will earn their doctoral degrees while completing collaborative dissertation that addresses key policy and practice issues throughout the district. Lastly, we remain committed to investing in the district and our recent $7.3 million sub award from our federal full service community school grant is an example of one of those latest investments. We encourage you to approve this plan. Thank you. Thank you.

Brittany Lambert.

Good afternoon, Madam Chair, board members, superintendent and district leadership. My name is Brittany Lambert Brown and I'm here speaking on behalf of the Overtown Youth Center, OIC Miami. For more than 20 years, OIC has partnered with Miami-Dade County Public Schools to support students academically as well as socially, emotionally and as they prepare for life after high school. Every day we work with students as they navigate their educational journeys, build confidence in their abilities, and begin to envision meaningful post-secondary pathways for themselves and their futures. When the district invited community partners into the Portrait of a Graduate strategic planning process, OIC was proud to participate because it created an opportunity to truly elevate student voices and community perspective in shaping the future of education. What stood out most was the district's intentional effort to meet students where they are. District staff visited our summer programs last summer, engaged directly with young people, and created space for honest conversations about what students need to succeed. The feedback students shared reflects what we see every day at OYC. Young people need more than academics alone. They need opportunity to build resilience, communication skills, leadership, adaptability, and confidence as they navigate college, careers, and life. They need support systems that help them not only pursue post-secondary opportunity, but persist as they pursue those opportunities. The portrait of a graduate reflects this broader vision of student success. and we appreciate that community organizations were included as true partners throughout the process. Strong student outcomes require strong partnerships between schools, families, and community organizations. OIC proudly supports the portrait of a graduate vision presented by the district and encourages the board to continue investing in the systems and partnerships that help all students and families thrive. Thank you for your time and commitment to the young people of Miami-Dade County.

Tina Brown.

Good afternoon.

Good afternoon.

Madam Chair, Superintendent Dutris, and this esteemed board. My name is Tina Brown, I'm the CEO of OIC Miami. And as Brittany just shared, for more than two decades, we have stood beside students before school, after school, during school, and during those critical hours of the day. We know that many of our young people and their families need additional support. We also know that our educators need to be laser focused on educating. At OIC, we have stood and will continue to stand with the district to support the whole child, to help students realize their dreams, navigate challenges, and see what's possible for their lives. OIC's work has always been complimentary to the work of Miami-Dade County Public Schools. We do not replace teachers or administrators. We are an extension of your team. We help create the conditions that allow students to show up prepared, ready to learn, ready to lead, and ready to thrive. Our organization, along with so many organizations, was not brought in at the end of this plan. We are simply here to endorse a plan that has already been written. We were invited to the process early. Our students were heard, their experiences were valued, their voices were shaped. Now, their voices help shape what is now before you. OIC strongly supports the portrait of a graduate because it reflects what our community has long asked for, a broader, deeper, and more holistic definition of student success. We urge this board to adopt the plan.

Thank you very much, thank you. Paola De Carolis.

Hello, good afternoon.

Good afternoon.

I would like to recognize MDCPS for conducting the largest public engagement effort in district history. As a parent, I'm especially encouraged to see priorities centered on experiences of students and families. That level of outreach demonstrates an understanding that successful educational systems are shaped not only by academics, but by interactions with the district and the region. It is encouraging to see those challenges addressed directly. I also support the renewed focus on foundational skills, reading and math. These are building blocks for long-term success. When students fall behind early, the impacts follow them also into career opportunities. I appreciate the transparency surrounding school closures and repurposing discussions. These decisions deeply affect communities and the inclusion of public reports and guardrails is an important step toward maintaining trust. I would encourage the district to go one step further by publicly reporting what percentage of savings from closures or repurposing is reinvested directly back into schools and students. I also support the utilization goal. The greatest challenge may not be the vision itself, but the execution. Longstanding operational inefficiencies, inconsistent communication, and lack of timely follow through can undermine even the strongest strategic plan. Overall, the strategic plan contains many positive forward-thinking elements. Its success will ultimately depend on disciplined execution and operational accountability. Thank you.

Thank you. Malu Harrison.

Good afternoon, Madam Chair, esteemed board members and colleagues from the Miami-Dade County Public School System. In full support of this item, I want to reiterate that the Miami-Dade College, Miami-Dade County Public Schools ecosystem is stronger than ever. And I'm joined today by Dr. Jaime Anzalota, as well from Miami-Dade College, our Vice Provost for Student Affairs. Leadership starts at the very top with appreciation to this school board, Madam Chair, and in particular to Miami Dade College's board vice chair and school board member, Roberto Alonso, President Madeline Pumariega and Dr. Jose Dautres, and so many others of our both institutions who are engaged members of this labor of love that places students first. We are fully in support of the portrait of a Miami-Dade County public school graduate and the vision you bring to this work. 60% of all college-going Miami-Dade County public school graduates matriculate at Miami-Dade College, and we're very proud of that. This past academic year, we welcomed more than 10,000 high school graduates from MDCPS, and we look forward to welcoming that same number or more this coming fall. This past year, through scholarship programs such as our Rising Scholars, Presidential Scholars, American Dream, and Honors College, the MDCPS class of 2025 received almost $8 million in direct Miami Dade College scholarship funds to support their education. That will continue as well. During that year, we also enrolled 22,400 plus dual enrollees. And we're very proud of that.

Thank you so much. Miles Davis.

Good afternoon, Chair, members of the board, Mr. Superintendent, my name's Miles Davis. I'm here on behalf of PRISM, a youth-led nonprofit serving Miami-Dade students. First, I want to recognize the scale of engagement that went into this plan. The district reports more than 192,000 survey responses, more than 65 focus groups across all nine voting districts, and participation in English, Spanish, and Haitian Creole. That level of outreach matters and should not go unnoticed or celebrated. We also appreciate that the plan speaks to student family and community experience, public reporting and accountability, among other things. Those are important commitments and they are part of why PRISM supports this item. However, at the same time, support must come with clear expectations around implementation, measurement, because over the next five years, this plan will guide major decisions affecting students, schools, staffs, and families. The question cannot only be whether the plan uses the right language, the question has to be what will be measured, what will be made public, and how will the board know whether students are safer, more supported, and more connected to their schools. For many students, school climate is not abstract. As we know, bullying prevention, mental health, belonging, harassment protections, and student voice, along with access and support of adults, all shape whether a student can learn and thrive. As this plan moves forward, we urge the board and district to ensure annual mid-year updates include clear public indicators on student well-being, bullying, mental health, school climate, and meaningful student engagement. We support this item and we look forward to seeing this plan implemented in a way that is measurable, transparent, and responsive to all students. Thank you.

Thank you. And with that, I have exhausted Most of the speakers, we have two more to go. We have Maria Victoria Chacon Briseño. And after that, we'll have Tyler O'Donnell.

Hello, Board. My name is Maria Victoria, and I am a proud product of Miami-Dade County Public Schools. Something that I learned throughout my education was ensuring that my goals were not just a vague direction I'd like to move in, but rather smart goals, or specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound, so I can keep track of my progress and clearly know when my goals were achieved. There is a lot to appreciate in this five-year strategic plan, such as the input of over 190,000 residents and values such as creating a supportive work environment, protecting anti-harassment policies, and prioritizing school investments. Thank you. My concern is that despite this specific positive language, there is little mention of how some of these goals will be measured. As someone who grew up queer and low income in Miami-Dade County public schools, I'm especially interested in how the mental health, safety, and bullying prevention of students of marginalized identities will be measured, made public, and addressed as part of the strategic plan. I appreciate the mention, but that alone is not enough. In order for the public to hold the board accountable, I ask that we have more specific progress metrics. Thank you.

Thank you very much. And I have Tyler Odsell.

It's okay. I'm used to it. Good afternoon and thank you for allowing me to speak. My name is Tyler O'Neill and I'm the Director of Community Impact at the United Way Miami. I'm here in support to an adoption of the 2026-2031 strategic plan. So I'm here today to briefly speak to the importance of MDCPS's partnership with nonprofit and community-based organizations and how that partnership is reflected in the strategic planning process. From our perspective, MDCPS has been very intentional about engaging community partners and elevating community voice in shaping this plan. That intentionality matters. Strong affiliating agreements and collaboration with CBOs allow organizations like the United Way and our partners to support students beyond the classroom, ensuring continuity from K-12 into post-secondary and adulthood. United Way has been instrumental in making a deliberate shared decision-making process for MDCPS, and we see this not as parallel work, but as shared responsibility, building on one another's strengths to support students and families across Miami Dade. Ultimately, when we think about a portrait of a Miami graduate, it reflects exactly this kind of collaboration, schools and communities working together to prepare young people not just to graduate, but to thrive. Thank you.

Thank you very much. Isadora Bastos. Is Isadora here? For public hearing, so Madam Secretary, this one is for public hearing, not for this section, thank you. And now I have Holly Swirling, she's not on the list, but I'm gonna have a motion for Ms. Swirling to be heard. Do I have a second? All in favor say aye. Any opposed nay, thank you. Thank you, I am on the list. Ms. Swirling.

Okay, first of all, good afternoon. Good afternoon. Board and Dr. Dutris. I'm in support of C2. However, I have some questions and concerns about the wording of the strategic plan in a nutshell. It says the mission of the strategic plan is continuous improvement. However, whose principle of education will be followed? Politics should remain free of Miami-Dade County public school education, which it has not been over the last years. Education's prime goal is to be open to learning, to embrace new learning, and to question issues like in debate. Banning books, shortchanging the truth of history, and awareness and celebration of different lifestyles is anti-education. Some of the greatest authors and speakers have broken barriers to achieve more understanding of the past. In a small way, I had to work tirelessly to break the barriers of fathers' involvement in every aspect of children's lives with the Fatherhood Task Force. The strategic plan says support professional growth of our staff. Are staff's questions and the need to know welcomed? How is that fostered if Big Brother is watching for political correctness? During a meeting with an official at Miami-Dade County Public School, when I questioned how come the full story of slavery wasn't being told, that person terminated the meeting. A reporter recently questioned the expense of a new ballroom in our government, and she and her question were called, quote unquote, stupid. This frightens me because no person's ideas should dictate conversation, particularly when they are based on only seeing issues through their eyes and not the truth. Again, that is anti-education, anti-democratic. These issues are the framework for successful, interactive, and respectful education. We must admire the truth and discount lies, misinformation, and disrespect. Truth is the framework that should guide the strategic plan. What looks good on paper can be used in ways not consistent with the true meaning of education. Thank you, and thank you for everyone who worked on the strategic plan.

Thank you. And now that does exhaust the list of speakers that have been given to me. So I do have two board members that have signed up to speak. Board member Espino.

Thank you, Madam Chair. First and foremost, I'd like to echo the sentiments of all the speakers that spoke. We said it during committee. This is an amazing process for me personally, having been the first one that I do here with Miami-Dade County Public Schools and really our ability to put our fingerprints all over it. I think it does set us up as the plan provides to be a better, more responsive active market participant in education, one that has a smarter footprint leading to better investment in our schools that lets us compete more adequately with the newer charter schools and potentially the development of new private schools and really puts the child and family experience as our customers at the center of the plan. I mean, certainly academic excellence is critical as well as security, but their overall experience is what we are losing market share in the same way I said during committee meetings that HMOs and medical clinics compete every single year during open enrollment. We have to compete for every life that comes in through our door. One of the speakers echoed one of the comments that I made during committee, which is about the transparency with which we reinvest in our schools. And colleagues, I had promised from committee a proposed additional objective. I'm going to pass this this way. Colleagues, if you can take one and pass it down. This is with regards to objective four on page 17. Yes, objective four on page 17. I say objective four, I actually mean to propose this as a new objective three, pushing objective three, or sorry, key result three down to key result four. But it reads, establish and implement a transparent facilities reinvestment framework to guide how resources generated through school re-envisioning, consolidation, co-location, repurposing, boundary adjustments and other facility optimization efforts are communicated, prioritized and reinvested across the district. This is in line with the conversation that we had in committee, but I know that Board Member Alonso, you've had conversations with Board Member Gallin in the past about how to capture your community's deserved portion of revenue generated from your communities. And I had expressed concern in committee about how if our communities, you know, our select communities undergo right-sizing consolidations, mergers, for example, like the one I'm doing in my district, that we simply come up with a way how to make sure that that goes to reinvest, not necessarily in a district, go to a feeder pattern, go to a district, but what I wanted to avoid is number one, this being done without transparency, and number two, that it all going straight to what I called in and committee to the mothership, because ultimately it is the communities that are undergoing the consolidation that are experiencing the growth pains, the challenges that come with that. So colleagues, I would humbly request your consideration to add this to objective four as a new key result three, Pushing Key Result 3 to Number 4. Happy to open it up for discussion in terms of there's no pride of authorship. My team and I just put something that I thought would create an opportunity for us to guide this conversation later. And then as a second point, as I mentioned, it's not in the item, but I think there was consensus to say within 60 to 90 days after the selection of the new superintendent that it come back to us almost like a re-opener so we can identify, hear the feedback of the new superintendent, whatever his or her comments might be. Thank you, Madam Chair.

So I have another board member who did sign up. That's Board Member Santos. I want to hear from her and then we'll come back after we've heard from several other members that want to speak. Board Member Santos, please.

Thank you, Madam Chair. And I really want to thank all of the community who stayed so late and made sure to give us their input. I think I echo the sentiment and really seeing so many partners that we've had the pleasure of working with throughout the years being here and really feeling so intentionally, strategically included from the beginning so that they, as I said earlier, we can continue to have our collective impact model work as a whole county. I also did receive letters from the PTA, PTSA leadership, and the Beacon Council, I think we all did, and so I want to also put on the record to thank them for sending their comments as well. As I reflected on item C1, which I chose not to speak on, but that was our second to last chance to discuss our current strategic plan, And it lined up pretty well with my service on the board. I really, as I mentioned in committee, reflected deeply on what went really well with that plan, what could have been done differently, and some of the changes that were necessary. I want to deeply thank the strategic planning team because there are many things that are reflected in this new strategic plan that I believe take us leaps and bounds growing from what we learned in the last few years. Specifically, I really appreciate and I'm so glad to see in this plan that we are moving from measuring our actions and our inputs and the day-to-day work that we do into really measuring the outcome of those actions and ensuring that we have enough flexibility to change the inputs, the actions we take, but to ensure that we're consistently measuring and delivering and holding ourselves accountable to the outcomes, what our families feel, what our students see, and that's a really important change in this plan. So thank you to everyone who was involved with that. I will begin to address some of the comments. And thanks to this board's leadership, we have our strategic plan mid-year report and annual report. So this plan, as you all know, comes to us in June and December. I know at some point I tried to get quarterly updates and the board chose to stay at two a year, which is fine. But to board member Espino's point, we do have a set touchpoint after this adoption six months from from the time we adopt to like it's in our policy it's not an optional and so having that update come to us in december will be i think the appropriate moment in conversation uh to ensure that that we can as you said reflect on some initial months of service of a new uh superintendent and be able to get full buy-in which i think is really important So that's built into our policy. I wanted to make sure we looked at that as a potential, you know, already built-in step that we can take to ensure that buy-in and have that conversation. And then secondly, on the actual objectives, I think it's important for the listening public to understand that one of the things that became evident was we had over 60 objectives at one point, and those are really the business as usual measures. And so this plan moves those off of our strategic initiatives. and allows us to have a decision-making matrix that is really important. I know I was recently in a meeting with some cabinet members and I said, I want to have our discussion based on this matrix. The importance of every single member of this leadership team internalizing that matrix as a real decision-making tool is going to determine how successful we are at actually ensuring we're only putting resources, time, and effort into the things that are going to drive us closer to what we have stated in this plan. And for the general listening public, I do think it's important to note that that matrix has two axes. One is does this initiative or program, again, new initiative or program, Reduce surplus seat capacity so we can address not being drained by overwhelming fixed cost. And the second side of that matrix is does it increase school quality outcomes and or systems and processes optimization, which is that delivery of the experience for our teachers, students, parents, et cetera. And so, as I said in committee, we'll hold myself accountable and everyone in the administration accountable to that decision-making matrix, because I think it'll be a very helpful tool for all of us. And thank you to the team for including methodology and baseline. Those were important for me, and I see them in this revised version, so thank you for that. Lastly, Board Member Espino to kick off the conversation to your proposed KR4. I know currently the plan on page 31 reads that key result three would be publishing an annual re-envisioning impact report documenting how school re-envisioning efforts optimize resources to better support students and schools. Can you maybe just reflect on how that matches or doesn't or if we should merge or remove with what you're proposing in this new KR4?

Yes, go ahead.

Thank you, Madam Chair. So essentially, and I should have, forgive me, this should have said KR3. I just don't want to confuse it because it would be a new KR. Imagine slotting, pushing KR3 down and making a new number four and slotting KR, this new one I'm presenting, as a new KR3. So the idea is that we establish a framework to figure out how all these co-locations, mergers, consolidations, et cetera, results in revenue generation and how it gets redistributed within our districts, within our communities, and how any portions that go back to the district across the county and then number three is simply the the publication component of it the transparency with regards to this is all gonna be done transparently the the framework is basically an agreement amongst ourselves as a policy and The administration as how that will occur of course not trying to do anything in any of our districts without our involvement but simply saying that we're gonna create a framework that says monies that come in are gonna be Looked at from a purpose of reinvestment within the communities that are generating them And that framework doesn't need to be decided now because this is essentially saying we will develop that in the future. And then that slots in between with the idea that then the administration on an annual basis reports to the public after action items have occurred. This is the compendium of all the work that we've done. So I feel like it works. Here are the goals. Here's a mechanism. Here's the reporting. All like in a flow.

Thank you. And through the chair. the framework, because we are adopting a decision matrix in this plan for any new initiative, new investment, new action item. Can you highlight how this differentiates from that decision-making matrix? I understand the current one is just reporting, but this one is actually saying, almost like an algorithm, let's say.

framework a decision-making agreed we agree to certain ways that we're gonna prioritize what gets done can you clarify how that differs from the matrix through the chair my intention for this item is essentially for us to decide in the future a policy that looks at reinvestment what my concern is and by the way that reinvestment is driven by each board member with his or her district in mind it's but you know these consolidations are done with with us at the heart of them using our assets in a particular way as an enterprise are used with a school member in mind. What my concern is is that sometimes these things can happen in a vacuum as we saw in a recent meeting and then that the revenue gets allocated in advance so it's basically We're trying to play second fiddle to the reinvestments in our community. My idea is that, for example, in Miami Springs, as we're consolidating a middle school and a high school, that will generate revenue with potentially leasing those facilities to, for example, Miami Springs Police Department, which may end up housed in the middle school. THAT THOSE REVENUES GO INTO PARTLY TO DISTRICT FIVE. I THINK ONE OF THE CHALLENGES YOU WOULD EXPERIENCE, FOR EXAMPLE, REMEMBER ALONZO AND EVEN REMEMBER DOROTHY, IF NOT ENOUGH MONIES ARE RETAINED FROM THAT, THEN YOUR CAPITAL INVESTMENT OBJECTIVES ARE HARDER TO MEET JUST WITH CAPITAL INVESTMENT DOLLARS. I'M LOOKING AT THIS FROM A DEVELOPMENT PERSPECTIVE, IF I HAVE ENOUGH OF THESE IN MY DISTRICT, I COULD bond those proceeds, lease them out, and use that to make significant investment in the new Miami Springs Preparatory Academy that's a 612. But if too much of that money goes to the mothership with our deferred maintenance, then it might simply result in us taking a longer time to right-size because we're essentially keeping it afloat artificially by the decisions that we're making. So the idea is that if we're going to reinvest, let's reinvest strategically. But I don't want to say that I'm going to dictate to you or any board member what's going to happen. Essentially, it's an agreement that we will take a look at that policy holistically and then break it down as it applies on a per project basis.

Thank you. So through the chair to kind of bring this in for landing, I appreciate you sharing the intent, which I think I'm in full agreeance with, ensuring that any savings we are going to have clear, transparent, public, objective sort of decision-making up front so that it's not just done on an ad hoc basis. My only challenge with that, which I've seen with our impact fee and benefit districts, which are meant to be a sort of framework for reinvestment of new dollars available, the challenge has been that sometimes those districts have become so limited, limiting and allowing the... the investments to go where they have to go because they become so granular that they prevent the flexibility needed to actually go get creative and as a whole address the issue. I do believe that that probably will be hashed out in the framework that's actually adopted to ensure it doesn't lead us in that direction. And so certainly would be happy to have that. I just caution us against something that's so prescriptive we lose the ability, literally exactly the projects you mentioned, to address growth in my district because there aren't as many, well, in this case, there are consolidations in my district, but maybe hypothetically there aren't, and therefore, where are you grabbing that investment from to address a need that if we think of ourselves as a whole district, we would actually have the flexibility to be able to address. But I think that can be hashed out in the framework specifics. Thank you.

Thank you, I have two, three, three more on this side and probably two more on this one. So Dr. Steve Gallon III and then Board Member Geller, sir, you had your hand up.

Yes, thank you. Thank you madam chair through the chair. I want to first commend the superintendent his staff Miss Pauline and the entire team for the work that they have done over the course of the past year If we could clap this would be a great opportunity to clap and I have an opportunity to not only appreciate the work of at this level, but having a macro view on how this work is developed and implemented across the country, we are superior, Mr. Superintendent, I can tell you that right now. Through the chair, I take some personal homage in this work because in 2021, I gave birth to a policy position that has brought us to this particular point. So every now and then you have to celebrate the legacy work that you brought forth with the unanimous support of our board. And through the chair, to Board Member Santos' point, this level of engagement is unprecedented, full stop. When you're talking about the people who came out to speak from UTD, from our community stakeholders, I received a letter from the PTSA, Drew Bruno, the Beacon Council, members of the Achievement Gap Committee Advisory Task Force, just so many stakeholders, Miami-Dade, FIU, Just so many stakeholders have been a part of this particular process. Again, that's kudos to the leadership of the superintendent and his staff to be inclusive. Through the chair, when you look at where we were in 2021, the catalyst, the predicate for the policy position that I had taken at the time and brought it to the board was that our strategic plan in the nation's third largest school district, it was the fourth at the time, had expired. our strategic plan had expired. And we took a policy position to make sure that not only that does not ever happen again, but that there are policy-driven increments, timelines, and processes that will ensure that number one, the board rightfully so leads this process, but also that we have an opportunity and a window of time for the community to be involved in this process. That's why if you look at the policy specifically, in the language that I put in the item, which is now in policy, it talks about six months prior to the expiration. So our team has done a phenomenal job in not only meeting that deadline, but exceeding that deadline with fidelity and professionalism, and again, a superior body of work. This item includes a process. It reflects our partners. It reflects parent voice. It reflects the voice of pupils. It definitely involves the public. And most importantly, it reflects a policy position of which we are going to act on today. Through the chair, the language and the notion that Board Member Espino proffered, he left me out when he mentioned Board Member Santos, he mentioned Board Member Alonzo, he mentioned Board Member Dr. Bendros-Mendingall, but I'm also impacted by some of the repurposing, if you will. So it really got my attention as it relates to how do we develop a framework to reinvest in a very targeted way. Through the chair, I know Raul Perez will say that he's been very engaging as it relates to when we start to look at our capital outlay for certain schools and our bond allocation for certain schools. We have a very novel project at Biscayne Gardens, Thomas Jefferson, where we merged the resources and really created a state of the art. But very often, It does go to the mothership or the fathership, okay? Let's be fair here. But it does go to the district and we do need to be able to advocate for those resources being reinvested in a very intentional way back into the districts, the voting districts that have been impacted. I have a great degree of respect and love and admiration for my colleagues, but if District 1 yields a savings or an ROI of a million dollars, as much as I love and respect my colleagues, I would be loathed if that million dollars goes to another voting district rather than coming back to reinvest into my district. And I think we do have the mechanism to contemplate that. But through the chair, the way you framed it here, I just want to kind of give you some language to contemplate. I agree with the concept, but I think at this stage of the game where we are, I would not be very comfortable with establishing and implementing, because I would want to know what that framework is. Okay? So I would proffer some language, for example, develop a transparent facilities reinvestment framework to be presented and adopted by the board, which guides how resources generated through school re-envisioning, consolidation, co-location, repurposing, boundary adjustments, and other facility optimization efforts are communicated, prioritized, and reinvested directly back into the impacting voting district. So that's what I would be interested in. How do we measure whether it's year one, year two, year three, any additional revenue that comes from the impact? I don't wanna call the hit, but it is a hit in certain communities that it's contemplated to go back into the district who took that hit, who was impacted, who ultimately made that sacrifice to have an opportunity to develop a framework that reinvests back into that particular district. So the concept I'm comfortable with, but I'm not really fully supportive in establishing and implementing something I haven't seen. So if it's brought back to the board for review, presentation, contemplation, and we can adopt it at some point in time, and that it's explicitly targeted back into the district that was impacted rather than across the district, I think that is something we could deal with. Through the chair, the second issue that you raised I'm very supportive this concept but I'm not not not a proponent of of codifying contemplation relative to the next superintendent because as board member Santos mentioned there is a cadence for that particular process and I don't want to conflate that to the extent that we will want to codify it in this particular item Our superintendent, this strategic plan was born, was developed, was led, was facilitated under him. If you look at the timeline, February 14th, March, that's, you know, we would be well beyond that cadence for this to be implemented, evaluated, and adjusted. And in the event that a superintendent, normally a superintendent goes into a district, and I can tell you what we're charged with doing is developing a 100-day plan. And one of the predicates of that 100-day plan is to assess and evaluate. And part of that assessment and evaluation will deal with looking at the strategic plan, what's in place, And at some point, you're talking February, March, April, come back with some ideas as it relates to how the board can address that. But in the event that there is something that does come up, just like we have the legislative platform, there can always be an amendment to the current strategic plan, some kind of a modification. But I am reluctant to conflate an incoming superintendent to this particular issue, because as we heard from the public, this belongs to the board at the end of the day, no matter who's in the seat, because we crafted this in 2021 as a policy position and not a practice position. not contingent upon the person in the seat, but the board as leaders, we will continue to drive that particular process. So I just don't wanna tag it to a person, but keep it in the framework of a policy of which we do have control over. But outside of that, I support this particular concept, but I don't want to conflate amending the item or codifying any language to tie it to a subsequent action. When implicit in the policy, we have that opportunity already. Thank you, Mr. Chair, and thank you, Board Member Spino.

Thank you very much, sir, and I'm gonna call Board Member Geller, but I would like to, just for the record, state yes, it is in policy, but additionally, this is a living document, which at any point in time, it can be amended if needed, It actually has been. The one we currently had, the current superintendent did amend it and make other changes. And this is something that, honestly, the entire community has been involved in the process. All of the stakeholders, it belongs to everyone, not just us. Their input is what triggered a lot of the outcomes that you're reading about here today. So the concern, That was raised regarding the superintendent, you know having the opportunity Absolutely a living document can be you know amended at any point in time so board member Geller sir, I'd like to recognize you Thank You madam chair and Obviously the last point you made is well taken.

I just want to express my support for this Generally, we did talk about it recently at a meeting. I think this is the right approach I noted when board member Alonso made some comments about it to the extent that we were talking about having some go back to the area, to the community, and then Dr. Gowen just was echoing those comments. Now, I wanna agree, at least in part. I think that if you're taking something that's been in a community and you're taking something away from the community, you have to take that community into account. You just have to do that. But on the other hand, we are a district. Now, my dear sister, Dr. Bendros-Mendingal, will tell you that when we served in Tallahassee, There were many times when we both would stand up and try to remind our colleagues that we did not represent 120 different entities. We are one state and that we all had to stand with each other. That is more true when looking at this district that we each represent a district and a community We are also responsible for the education of every child in this county who chooses to participate in our fantastic institution, the public schools, the traditional public schools or any other version of that. And that is our primary obligation. I don't see any reason why those two responsibilities to the communities that represent us and to the district as a whole are inconsistent. I think they are consistent with each other. And something that says that we don't just consider the community, but that the community that is losing something has to get something back. But I would certainly stop short of saying that, you know, it can only be all or nothing. I mean, there are district responsibilities and we're in a new and uncertain environment. I support this. We did talk a little bit about when we were going to have a new superintendent. We'll see how we get with that process, not just what we end up with today, but we can project all we want, but until something happens, it hasn't happened. I would say again, I think that we should ask that whenever we get a new superintendent, whenever that is, not getting into that this second, but when we do, that we ask that we get a report 90 days in from that new superintendent taking office, whenever that is. And that will give them a sufficient opportunity. I'd heard 60. I think that's not enough. But 90 days for them to come in and give us a preliminary report. The thing I most wanna emphasize about this though is that I think we need to look at this in a very broad sense and I take it that that's, in my mind, that's what Board Member Espino was urging onto us. This is not just we're closing something down and where's that money we're saving gonna go. i know we had some discussion on this last time and we said well we don't dispose of assets well okay i mean again i like i said then yes we don't want to you know eat our seed corn and we certainly don't want to trade it away for magic beans we cannot take assets that are capital assets and take whatever we get from them lease or other disposition and use it for operations because if we do we will end up as an asset poor district and right now we have assets and we should not ever do that but if we take a little broader view that we can exchange assets for other assets that may be of a different kind it may be money But if it was, it would have to go in a trust fund and not, again, dear sister, like they had that housing trust fund named after our former colleague at the state and they just used it as a grab bag. We'd have to be strict, we'd have to enlist not only the superintendent but our general counsel to say this is not something ever to be used for operating expenditures for regular maintenance for regular salaries but if we were able to strategically leverage some assets even if it's for money if we are certain that the money is used for new and different assets, maybe for more vertical buildings, maybe for buildings that had affordable housing for the teachers, and they're right in the same building as where they're, and I wanna, listen, I love our teachers, but we have other staff members too. and it would be right where they're working, and we could help with the affordable housing problem and still take care of our staff better. If it was something like that, we need to be a little bit more open to out-of-the-box, innovative thinking that recognizes exchange of assets of one type for another may be a good thing for us to look at. Thank you, Madam Chair.

Thank you very much. All right, who hasn't spoken yet? All right, Board Member Alonso.

Thank you so much, Madam Chair, and I appreciate Board Member Espino bringing this up. I mean, it was a topic that he started in committee, and then I followed up on with relation to one of the schools that we actually have as an example right now, which is Country Club Middle School, where we did do some consolidation, and the question was, where are the revenues from that consolidation going? And look, I have no problem with investing across the entire district, because these schools belong to the entire district. but it's important that a percentage of those dollars stay locally to those schools in the area and that others go to improving schools in the other area. But what I do want to be clear about and make sure that staff and this board at least, if you're in agreement with it as well, states is that these funds should not be used to fill gaps in our current concerns and issues around funding for our overall operations. Those cuts need to come in different ways. And these dollars need to be invested into those areas. And I just want to make sure that I'm clear on at least any consolidation that I do in my districts and in my schools within my area, because I only speak for myself as a board member and I don't want to put words in anybody else's mouth, but those dollars should be invested in those facilities, improving those schools. And that's why we have been talking so much about the need to improve and the lack of funding to Mr. Raul Perez and his team on a facility standpoint and the programming in the schools. So it should not be going to fill any financial gaps that we have as a district because then we're pretty much taking from one to get to the other and not solving the bigger issue that we have. So I just wanted to put that on the record and I am waiting for staff to get back to me on where the current proceeds from Country Club are being spent and how that money is being invested in our students, thank you.

Vice Chair Calucci.

Thank you, Madam Chair, and I do wanna thank Board Member Espino for bringing this forward. I think it's critical. I think we're facing a very, very challenging time in our district where we're gonna have to have very difficult conversations, and we have to answer to the communities that we represent, and rightfully so. They are gonna wanna know, I'm giving up this school, we're closing it. I understand we're gonna make better schools that are consolidated. We wanna know how you're going to do that and how are we gonna do that by the dollars that are reinvested into that district. Now I'm not saying we have to decide right now what that framework is, but right now all that's on the table is develop a transparent facility reinvestment framework. We can develop that at a later time, but I'm in full support of that because we need to see and we need to be very clear and transparent with our communities that yes, we're asking you to make a big sacrifice, but there will be reinvestment into this community to make sure that your child is getting the best public school education possible. So that's where I stand on this, and I agree with Board Member Espino and Dr. Gallin with what they said about making sure that a portion of that money, however we decide as a board, goes back to those communities that are making those difficult decisions. So thank you, thank you, Madam Chair. Thank you very much, all right.

Madam Chair? Yes, I have Board Member Blanco and then I'll call you because she had her hand up. Board Member Blanco?

thank you madam chair and just quickly um a big thank you to to miss tiffany pauline and her group because this was an amazing task and we were all so happy with the outcome that has come what i wanted to add with respect to what board member espino brought up i think we absolutely need to develop a framework the conversation this is generated obviously shows the need for it um My only question is I'm not sure that it needs to be part of the strategic plan, and if it's, I do think we need to develop it, but is it something that we can, that can come up as either a G item, an H item, an F item, you know, where we develop a framework, if we want to make it part of the plan, I'm not opposed to it, I'm just wondering if it needs to be part of a strategic plan, or if it's just an agreement that this needs to be discussed. And then just to kind of put this out there, while I do think if we're asking a certain community to make a sacrifice, and it's for the purpose of improving that district, right, that we allocate some funds, I would just caution, if we are going to make it part of the plan, that we make it as specific as was mentioned, I think Dr. Gallin, in your comment, because what we set as policy is going to guide the board. And so while I absolutely would think that the majority or all of it should always go back to the district, I can't help but wonder, could there be an exception that comes up where it should be read? If we're going to put it as part of the plan, I would just want to hear that language again to say that that will be the goal. However, everything has to go through the board or if there's a distinct need somewhere else in the district at that moment in time that it could be discussed. Just leaving it open, leaving some leeway for decision making and not something that blocks us in and doesn't allow us to deviate if there was a necessity district-wide, thank you.

Thank you, Mr. Superintendent, you wanna speak, but I have Dr. Bendrosman go first, all right?

No, go, go.

You let him go. I let him go. All right, so then go ahead, sir.

Thank you, Madam Chair. I've heard the conversation and the input. The framework for the investment is a solid concept. We could do it as a strategy or initiative under the K-3. That would be an expectation, kind of like following what Board Member Blanco was saying. So it can be a specific development of a framework of investing, how we're investing, and then make that part of an initiative tied to the KR.

Okay, thank you, sir. Dr. Bendros-Meningo. Yes, Madam Chair, thank you.

I would want to just go back a little to my dear brother and state representative talked about the Sadowski Fund. And when we got to Tallahassee, we were told it was like hands off. But the hands were not off. want to make sure that whatever we do in terms of districts and what is available to provide for additional funding, that we really follow, as someone said earlier, policy. I asked a while back about savings. I don't know. You do know that I get phone calls every day. Especially about District 2. So I've been talking with our people and facilities and all. I want to make sure that we're going down the right track. And we've got work to do, but we cannot sit back and act. We don't own this property. We just don't. But there are people who will want you to think that they think we own it. So I don't know what we'll call ours, but Sadowski went away. It was just very, very sad because it was designed to help the least, the lonely and the left out. I wanna know about the savings when we do this. And before I move on, it's gonna be short, Madam Chair. I wanna compliment Tiffany and her team. She would talk to me as we were riding in a car to make sure that I had all of the information that I needed. And I want to thank her for doing that. Tiffany Pauline, please understand that there are people that might not have gone to school to be engineers and architects. They watch what we're doing. So we need to make sure that we're able to give them the proper information as we move property around, especially those who have little. They just have little. They can't afford to even stay in Miami. They can't rent. They can't do anything. But we're sitting here, as someone said, looking at property that does, it belongs to the people. And we need to make sure that we understand that and follow accordingly. Thank you, Madam Chair.

Thank you very much. Dr. Gallin?

Yes, thank you, Madam Chair. I want to again thank Tiffany and the staff and Board Member Ospino. I was in that committee first time in my... 10 years missing the committee, but I had a good reason. My daughter graduated from college, so I was very, very proud to be there. What I'm sensing is that there's general consensus around this notion, so I think it's there, but the language, just to clarify that I proffered, and I think a friendly consideration from Board Member Espino was relatively accepted, is to, at some point, have it brought back and presented and adopted by the Board. And I think that's consistent with our obligation to continue the transparency. And there may be an opportunity to include it as an initiative strategy, but come back to the Board and not wed us to it. So I think... Striking the language out, I think you agreed, establish and implement. We agree that we don't want to do that now because we don't know what we're establishing and we don't know what we're implementing. So when we have that dialogue relative to how certain resources are distributed, we not only have to have that dialogue and discourse in the context of a particular voting district, there are certain restrictions relative to how that revenue is acquired. So for example, and I may be wrong, which I'm not, if revenue is gleaned, Board Member Geller, from a facility transaction, TO BOARD MEMBER ALONZO'S POINT, THAT REVENUE CAN'T BE UTILIZED TO PLUG A HOLE OUTSIDE OF A FACILITY OBLIGATION. SO YOU CAN'T SELL PROPERTY TO PAY A SALARY PER SE FOR OPERATIONAL COSTS. SO THERE ARE SOME specific provisions outlined in policy and statute and in law that we have to, I know Board Member Blanco has been rough with the lights, right? That we have to contemplate, but I think since we have, Madam Chair, general consensus on the concept, if we put it as an initiative strategy for a subsequent conversation, the staff, develops a framework, presents it to the board, we workshop it or we bring our recommendations, the community knows that this is something that's gonna be incorporated, they can weigh in, we reconcile the legal implications for how we even contemplate those transactions. I may say a voting district, the law may say no, we don't know that. But I think the framework coming back to the board, those contemplations have to be considered. I think we have consensus on it. And at some point, since you brought out the recommendation, maybe we can bring this in for a landing with the consensus we have. Thank you, Madam Chair. Thank you. Board Member Espinoza.

Thank you, Madam Chair. Thank you, Board Member Gallant. Thank you, everyone, for the comments. I mean, again, this is our roadmap. This is our heading. And telling the public that we're putting transparency in how we plan on using these funds in the strat plan is a guiding principle. So here's what I've got based on everyone's comments. Develop a transparent facilities reinvestment framework to be presented and adopted by the board that guides how resources generated through school re-envisioning, consolidation, co-location, repurposing, boundary adjustments, and other facility optimization efforts are communicated, prioritized, and reinvested that appropriately weighs voting district needs as well as district-wide needs.

Okay. All right, you wanna make a motion?

Motion to approve with amending.

Through the Chair, friendly, can we make that under KR3 as an initiative strategy?

I'd rather have it as just a new KR3 pushing KR3 as KR4. So sort of slotting it in between two and three, making a new three, and then the framework comes back as a separate policy that we bring forward. So my amendment would be Adopt the strategic plan. Right here. Approve the strategic plan with a new KR3, pushing KR3 to 4, based on the language I presented, which we can recirculate before the evening's over just so that everyone has it. That's a motion to approve.

That's a motion. Do I have a second?

Discussion?

Yes, discussion will come now.

You had me on the support of the concept. Through the chair, what are the considerations for the public who has exhausted some of this Relative to it being part of a kr3 versus its standalone Considering that we've kind of run it through the public review. I'm trying to go to that slide. I Well, through the chair, can we ask some, I wanna be respectful to the people labored over this work. Through the chair, maybe Ms. Pauline can, through the superintendent, give us some thoughts as it relates to how you view this. Through the chair.

Yes, Ms. Pauline.

If that's okay. Through the chair.

Thank you for the opportunity to provide some feedback or a response. I think I'm in support of the initiative concept. For me, it is a step below that KR3. It's kind of a deliverable, but it is an initiative that directly aligns with that KR. and it can be workshopped or brought back to the board once it's developed. I think we kinda got an understanding of what you're looking for. I think some of the work is partially done. So that's kinda would be my advice to the board.

Thank you, all right. Dr. Gallenser, follow up?

Yes, through the chair. Yeah, so if it's coming back, then it's not going to actually be a final deliverable because the board at some point is gonna have it presented and adopted. So it's not binding until the board actually takes action on it, through the chair.

Through the chair, that is correct.

Okay, as long as that's clear and the community stakeholders who have been a part of this process have an opportunity to weigh in on it because those people have spent time on it and they looked at this document, they came and spoke in support of this document and if something has changed that they perceive perception as reality as being significant, then I don't want to ever be accused of doing a bait and switch. relative to transparency, so I just want to be clear about that.

Thank you, Dr. Gallin, and that's why I alluded to that, that the stakeholders have had input. This is not just us. This is not just the board, the superintendent. We have the members of our community, our stakeholders, and yes, absolutely, they were here today, many of them, in support of the item. So I just wanna be crystal clear as well that that is something that is a priority, massive priority for me to make sure that their voices are also.

And through the chair if I can also add just to bring back to your recollection that we do have an enterprise development asset development framework that we presented to the board. To me, that's a continuation of that work, which we've been providing updates periodically, so we've demonstrated that we're keeping you in the loop as we continue to develop, so if that helps in any way.

Thank you, and I have the Superintendent and Board Member Espino, and I do wanna thank Board Member Espino for addressing the issue, because we are in a paradigm shift, you have to say. Education is no longer what we did when I started as a teacher. many, many moons ago. Everything has evolved, it continues to change, and we have to keep up with all of that and look towards the future. But we have to make sure that there's full transparency and accountability and participation of all those that are part of this team. So, Mr. Superintendent, sir, you are recognized.

No, thank you, Madam Chair. I think this is really good. I mean, I think at the end, this strengthens number three. And every one of these key results need actionable steps. You can call them strategies, you can call them initiatives, but this will be a required step and we can take it word by word and deliver it as part of key result number three. I think it strengthens it. It really clarifies it and it puts into a deliverable a framework of the investments.

Yes. Thank you very much, sir. And I have to give special kudos to my colleague, Dr. Gowan, because I sat right next to him when he brought that item forth. And if you hadn't said it, I had it here on my notes, because I did want to make absolutely sure that everyone knew that at that time, it expired. We didn't have one. We didn't have a strategic plan within the timeline that it should. And this happened January 13th, 2020, item H13. So thank you for your foresight at that time and the comments that all of my colleagues have made because again, everyone has brought up very, very significant points. So I'm gonna try to bring the, playing now to the landing portion, and that will be with you, Board Member Espino. Is there something that you would like to address at this time, or the motion?

I think the motion stands, motion and a second.

Can you just please, for the record, repeat the motion? And then I'm gonna request that after we have concluded this portion that we have our secretary to please make us a copy so that we can all keep it. And that way there will be no questions and no misunderstandings and full clarity and transparency. So go ahead, sir, please go ahead and make your motion.

And again, I appreciate everyone's input. Key result, develop a transparent facilities reinvestment framework to be presented and adopted by the board that guides how resources generated through school re-envisioning, consolidation, co-location, repurposing, boundary adjustments, and other facility optimization efforts are communicated, prioritized, and reinvested that appropriately weighs voting district needs as well as district-wide needs.

Thank you, so I already had a second. You made the motion. We had discussion, so let's vote it up or down.

Madam Chair, I haven't had a chance to weigh in on discussion.

Oh, okay, I didn't know you wanted to. Thank you, go ahead.

Thank you so much, Madam Chair. I think what we're now discussing is whether this gets adopted through this motion as a key result four in the plan or a key result in the plan, maybe three or four. versus whether we give guidance to the team to go develop this. So a clarifying question, one, to the staff, because we do reference and we have adopted as a school board an enterprise development asset management framework. Maybe Board Member Spino, again, clarifying where you see this fitting in with that. Can you provide some clarity through the chair?

sure manager if I may thank you so much I certainly understand the district's position that this could fall within one of the other ones the way I see it is for if we are making a commitment to the community in the strategic plan to increase enrollment and reduce deferred maintenance by essentially right sizing there needs to be a companion item that commits us to developing a policy that stands on its own and that is so this item is it will be a new key result that is aspirational and Remember gallon with the idea that it comes back that then results in a further key result Which is the publication of that information as we use it going forward I I don't I don't want to bury the transparent component of it in the publication of it and it's always gonna come back to us and it's gonna be part of a part of our policy framework and maybe it is an expansion of the current framework, but based on the conversation we've had It's an issue we're already seeing. It's an issue we see on the board. And it'll come up unless we nip it in the bud and say, this is what's going to guide us. They're like the bumpers on a bowling alley, right? It's not intended to direct the ball, but just to keep us away from the gutters, so to speak. So whether you guys want to see it as a key result three, a new key result four, I would say in the flowchart that is my mind, these are the two goals we have, one and two. We're going to do it by a future policy framework three, and then we'll publish it as a new key result four. That's the way I see it.

Thank you.

Through the chair. I appreciate that it is flexible enough. It says that it will be developed, it will come back to the board. As you just mentioned and put on the record, it could be an iteration of that already existing framework that just clarifies further what you're outlining here. I'll save the rest of my comments for when it comes to us and as we develop it. But I will put one more thing on the record that's really important. that we think, although we're elected by districts, I take very seriously that I represent every child in Miami-Dade County, and you put it here, appropriately weighs voting district and district-wide needs. So that will be an important thing of this component. To be clear, your motion would add it as a key result. I think whether it's there or it's separate is almost irrelevant since we're voting on it. So I could go either way on it, and I know we have to take the vote now, so I'll support.

Thank you very much, and yes, at this time, we're gonna go ahead and take the vote. So we have the motion, we have the second. All in favor, say aye. Aye. Any opposed, say nay. Seeing none, motion passes now. May I have a vote on the motion as amended? All in favor, aye. Any opposed, nay. Motion passes. We are now going to proceed to 147. E146 is the award request for proposal number RFP25-036-CM, External Independent Auditing Services. I do not have any speakers that have signed up for this item. I do have Board Member Alonso, who did sign up. So sir, you are recognized at this time.

Thank you so much, Madam Chair. And first of all, I want to start off by thanking the committee, our auditor, our CFO, and the entire team that's been working on this. These audits are very important, and having an independent audit is critically important, not just for this board, but for the community to see that full transparency. The reason why I pulled this item and I wanted to be on the record was during committee, I discussed this and made it clear in our current times when we're experiencing some serious financial constraints, it had caught my attention that the committee had selected a company that was almost $200,000 more than another bidder. So I know that during committee, staff did say that they were gonna go back and negotiate, because that was part of what the next step was. So I just wanted to put in the record that that was a reasoning behind why this was pulled and that we wanted staff to understand that this board had that full expectation and if we could not reach an agreement that we would be going to the second bidder that was at a lower rate because it's important that at these times and at all times we're protecting taxpayer dollars and if the companies are at the same level and can provide the same level of service we should be able to get them to kind of agree as well on the pricing being that these are standard accounting practices the amount of hours and labor it's gonna take is gonna be at the same level. So just wanted to put that in the record. I know staff's gonna work diligently on that, but as I voted yes on this, I wanted to make sure that with my vote of yes, that this was on the record so that it was clear that I was not voting for a contract that was above another bidder, but that staff was gonna go back and work on this and rectify it. So thank you so much, Madam Chair, and thank you to staff once again.

Thank you so much, sir, and I believe that staff has heard you loud and clear. Mr. Superintendent, is there any follow-up from staff, or you're all good? All right, thank you. So I need a motion to approve E146. Do I have a second? Thank you. All in favor, say aye. Aye. Any opposed, nay. Seeing none, motion passes.

We are now going to proceed to F3.

F3 is to authorize the superintendent to execute a public school concurrency proportionate share mitigation development agreement by and among San Sebastian Luxury Homes, LLC, the school board, and the Miami-Dade County in connection with a new residential unit of development. I do not have any public speakers that have signed up for this at this time. I do have Board Member Santos, so you are recognized at this time.

Thank you so much, Madam Chair. For the listening public, this is yet another month. I know we're getting used to hearing this month over month. but it's yet another month where in my district, we have the generation of some high school seats. They trickle in a couple at a time, but for staff, it's really important that we understand what steps we're taking to develop that new innovative option for all these seats that are being generated. And so if staff could please give us an update on the plans for opening our high school seats, new high school option in South Dade related to these generated seats, I would really appreciate it, thank you.

Thank you very much, Mr. Super, well, let's see, acting superintendent right now.

Through the chair, I'm gonna have Mr. Raul Perez.

Thank you. Mr. Perez.

Through the chair, good afternoon board members. Ms. Santos, so yes, the Office of Facilities, my office is working with the Office of Academics and the Office of School Leadership and Performance to kind of finalize the scope of the facilities list for that particular site. Once that is finalized, we will then proceed with the solicitation for the architect and get them on board. At the same time, we also have one of our architects from our continuing contracts looking at the existing facility right now and seeing how certain modifications can be made, certain modernizations and how it would look. spatial wise, what changes could be made. It is being moved from, that was an old middle school. This is gonna be converted to a high school. So there are some high school spaces that need to be included within that. So all of that is being looked at and that all needs to be finalized before we really put out that solicitation for the architect.

Thank you so much for that update and for constantly working on this. And through the chair, when do you more or less expect that we will go to that next step of solicitation?

So if we can pull together the actual facilities list on what spaces are going to be included within that high school, solicitation for an architect normally runs anywhere between six to eight months before that item is presented to the board for commissioning. And then the design of a facility such as that will probably take around a year in design before the plans are ready to be put out to bid. So if we can finalize, let's say within the next couple of months, let's say the summer of this year, we should have an architect by the beginning of 2027 and design throughout 2027 with construction awards sometime in the spring of around 2028.

Thank you so much for that update. Certainly appreciate all the work and thoughtfulness that has to go into this and finding the right resources. Even though some of these seats are generated, there's restrictions on this funding. So I'll keep following closely. I know all of my colleagues care that we keep up and that we are having that sense of urgency to develop, because certainly, even in what you just shared, that's a year and a half away from actually awarding a construction contract, which then takes a long time after that to build. And so I'm really curious and excited to work with you to find more ways to keep shortening that timeline so that when we do have the opportunity and the resources to build something new, we can do it in a really agile way. Thank you so much.

Thank you.

Thank you very much. I don't have anyone else sign up to speak on this item, so I need a motion to approve F3. Do I have a second? All in favor say aye. Any opposed nay. Seeing none, motion passes.

We will now then proceed to G1.

And G1 is the annual report. the board from our general counsel's office I don't have anyone who signed up to speak on this particular item except myself so I'm going to take this opportunity to once again thank our general counsel for an absolutely phenomenal job representing us in in my opinion, not just this year but all the years that you have sat here right along with us protecting the entire school district and the school board. I wanna thank you and your team because you have many attorneys that are absolutely spectacular who deal with different arenas that we as a board are confronted with on a regular and ongoing basis. So I want to thank them as well for the job that they have done. I also want to state for the record that you address so many different areas that people probably are not cognizant of. So I would like for you to just very briefly say some of the areas that you have had to address from your department and if you could share with us the dollars that this district has saved based on your initiatives in, again, with you and with the attorneys in our legal department.

Yes, thank you, Madam Chair, and thank you for your remarks, as well as the support that the entire board has given me. I'd also like to recognize obviously staff that we have at the general counsel's office as well as district staff and the superintendent and their support for the legal work that we do. We certainly couldn't do it without them. So generally, we represent the district in a number of areas, just about every area that affects school operations from real estate, construction, tort work, workers' comp. general liability matters all sorts of litigation that the district is involved in we handle that the claims that come in from the district with regard to potential lawsuits we handle those as well we work closely with our out insurance outside insurance entity that that sort of the third party administrator oversees the claims we also try to support everything that the district is doing we try to organize our staff around the priorities of the district the strategic plan of the district and make sure that we have the resources there to support what the district is doing I know there was a big discussion about the enterprise framework. We've adjusted to support that through a mix of our in-house council as well as our outside council to sort of support the projects as they come in. We, of course, have been dedicated to saving the district money. That's been something we've been focused on, and that's something that the board has supported us in. And we've implemented a number of procedures in order to continue to save the district money. So that's at least, you could quantify it in a number of ways, but we could easily show at least $2 million a year or more that's been saved by the district through various efforts that we've undertaken. And we're always, I think what's important is that we understand the legal work, we have a full understanding of it and how it affects our staff, how it affects our parents, our students. Even when calls come in from the schools, we try to be present, we try to answer those calls immediately, make sure that the schools have the support they need. I see our deputy superintendent sitting there, so I think he knows. We get lots of calls. And again, the contracts we have over about 2,700 contracts a year plus, and that doesn't count for the real estate agreements, et cetera, that we also handle as well. So we handle quite a bit. We review board items, we try to be responsive. And then of course, when board members call, we try to be there to answer all their calls immediately. So I hope that answers your question. I didn't expect this question, but if there's any other comments or questions, I'd be happy to answer them. Thank you, Madam Chair.

Thank you very much, sir. And again, thank you for your hard work and your dedication to you and the team and for the savings that you've made for us, especially during very challenging times with the budget. It's absolutely imperative that we continue to see the good work that you have done thus far. And as we move forward next year, even more savings And more kudos to you and those that you represent. So with that said, I need a motion to approve G1. Do I have a second? All in favor, say aye. Any opposed, nay. Seeing none, motion passes. And so at this time, we are going to go into G1. G3 is the authorization to negotiate and execute agreement with an independent superintendent.

I do have speakers that have signed up for G3.

We have Miles Davis. Is Davis here? No. All right, I have Maria Victoria Chacón-Guizén.

Hello, board. My name is Marina Victoria, and I am a proud product of Miami-Dade County Public Schools. Through my work with PRISM Florida, I have stayed more up to date with the county superintendent search than I ever have in the past. And I would like to start my comment by thanking the board on their commitment to considering public input by identifying an experienced third party superintendent search facilitator. This decision exemplifies the timely consideration, transparency, and neutrality that the public asked for during the April meetings. Specific thank you to Board Member Santos for their need to know document, making it easier for the public to stay in the know of the process. We know teachers, parents, and students all live busy lives, and the accessibility of this form shows a dedication to inviting the public into the process. My primary concern with the timeline set by this item is the unspecified community participation. The initial interview and selection process mentions public input, and I would like to ask the board how they plan to invite stakeholders, especially those from historically underserved communities, to have a meaningful input on their priorities on our next superintendent. Especially as a concerned community organizer, I need all the clarity from the board in order to inform and prepare the community we serve to make their voices heard. Thank you.

I don't have any other speakers at this time, so I'm going to go through the chair.

There's one more speaker that signed up, Miles Davis.

He is not here. I did call his name.

Through the chair, my apologies.

No problem.

Thank you.

Mr. Harvey, sir, just for general clarity, prior to us beginning the discussion, in the first recommended action of G3, the amount not to exceed $30,000 is based on the narrative in the item. for the services of the independent facilitator for four travel expenses as authorized by Florida statute and school board policy. Is that correct, sir?

Yes, Madam Chair.

Thank you. The second recommended action is for the board to adopt the superintendent search plan delineated at the personnel student school and community support committee. That was a meeting that was held May 6th of 2026 and associated agreement with the HYA with the board having full authority and discretion to modify the superintendent search process as it deems appropriate. These, again, are four phases, the remaining four phases of the plan, and the MDCPS agreement form for contracted services, form number FM-2453, revised on 6-24, is that correct, sir?

Yes.

Thank you. So lastly, the board received last night correspondence from the Miami Foundation offering additional resources to support the search for the superintendent. I believe all of the board members received it yesterday. We will maintain order on the days to ensure, again, that each board member has an opportunity to speak on the item before any discussion takes place with any motions. And so at this time, this is your item. Sir, I will have you, Mr. General Counsel, as you're going to be presenting the item, just reminding everyone that, again, it is of utmost importance that we adhere to the established school board protocols that we have in place as we provide each board member the opportunity to be able to speak and to be able to express his or her views regarding agenda item G3. And once we have the general counsel completing his presentation, then I am first gonna recognize those board members who have signed up to speak on the item. And I respectfully also am gonna ask that please let us allow every single board member to be able to make their comments before anyone else proceeds to address any issues, any additional issues. And again, I will always ensure that every colleague has the opportunity to speak and always I am so proud to say that everyone here is so respectful of each other, regardless of whether we may have different opinions on certain subject matter, everyone is respectful and that is something that is truly an asset, especially when we are here representing our students who emulate what they see. on this board, so I thank you all for that. So, sir, at this time, with respect to agenda item G3, if you could go ahead and present your item.

Yes, Madam Chair. This item is being brought as a result of action that was taken by the board at the April 22nd of 2026 school board meeting where there was a direction to bring back to the board a certain set of actions which are set forth in the item. Of course, this is for the board's review. There was discussion with regards to some of these points at committee. This item is being put before the board for the board for its consideration and for the board to take appropriate action as it deems necessary. If there are any questions, I'd be happy to answer them. Thank you.

All right, thank you very much, sir. We'll start with Dr. Gallin. Sir?

Yes, thank you, Madam Chair. Through the Chair, first I want to commend Mr. Harvey for the tremendous work that he has done in this regards and that he continues to do. I don't want, through the chair of the public, to assume that the board members' lack of engagement and discussion around, was it G1, does not reflect our commitment, support, and appreciation for the work that Mr. Harvey and his team does. For me, it was a consent item, let's go, unanimous support. Very, very proud of the work that you do, but equally, if not more importantly, the manner in which you do it. You're the quintessential professional, highly skilled, highly competent, highly committed, usually the first to get in and the last to leave, and want to thank and commend you for your willingness to assume some portions of this particular work, knowing that this does require some level of expertise. Through the chair, I also want to commend my colleagues on the board, and as we take board action, we take board action as a board, no matter how it comes out, it reflects the majority of the board, that's board action. for us committing to engage a facilitator. I think we had an uphill battle relative to this particular process, but I do believe and I pray that we are starting to turn the corner and to assuage some of the trepidation, the doubt, the consternation, the anxiety, and the skepticism regarding how this initial conversation came to be. So I want to commend my colleagues for their resilience, their professionalism, and prayerfully that we're about to turn the corner. Through the chair, I was adamant at the onset that an independent facilitator was critical to this particular process. in our efforts to a sewage and to address some of the issues. And quite frankly, outside of the public skepticism to some extent, there is something to be said about the level of expertise. We can be a jack of all trades and a master of none. And although I have been blessed over 36 plus years to be able to, in many cases, opine on everything education, I try not to because I try to defer to my colleagues who bring to bear some level of expertise. I share that sentiment with respect to Mr. Harvey. He's an attorney, a Harvard-trained attorney, an outstanding professional attorney, but to shoulder the process of a superintendent facilitation may not be in his bandwidth, and I think it's wise, my late father would say, to surround yourself with people who do bring to bear some level of insight, expertise, and having an opportunity to meet with the consultant personally, I'm very, very impressed. I did not have an opportunity to attend the committee meeting, as I indicated, but I was tuning in as much as I can in between the euphoria for Costivia's graduation and just with the family and on my way back. And again, I want to commend you colleagues for the meeting and also applaud the professionalism brought forth by the facilitator. Through the Chair, I just want to start out by addressing the issue that I raised in the minutes. In the first paragraph, I know that the action reflected as soon as can be facilitated. We know that could be on either side. That could be sooner or later, but I think we all have reached some level of understanding that we know that it's north of August 13th or thereafter. So I just would like that language to be reflected as a friendly amendment at the appropriate time. It's not in the recommend, but to address some of these issues that we face, I think it needs to be consistent with the initial language that was proffered by Board Member Geller in the workshop that was reflected in the initial item, the H2 by Chair Rojas, but obviously it escaped entry into the final action that we approved. That's on the item. On the table, the superintendent search framework, I think that language should also be amended as well in the August 13th column, or as soon thereafter as can be facilitated. I would just like that to be also reflected as we move throughout the process. My last comment at this particular point, Madam Chair, not to be extensive in my discourse, I do think we're light through the chair on public engagement, full stop. My experience, best practices, and quite frankly, research does reflect that there's a dearth of public input in this particular process. We can have a conversation about it. Obviously, we're past May 13th, which is today. It doesn't really reflect the level of public input opportunities and yes we have an opportunity in our respective places to solicit that but I think when we have different approaches and I kind of was listening at the committee meeting Through the chair, some of my colleagues, some of you did say you would like to know what's going on. I don't want to pick on Board Member Alonzo, but I think I heard him. I did tune in to that part. He said he would like a synthesis of what the people in Homestead think. So that distillation of information that may come forward If colleagues have that information, I do think it's important for us to embrace that from Florida City to County Line Road. So that distillation is important despite the fact that some of us may have an opportunity. I did my own social media assessment, and right now you can look at it. It's been fully concluded that we needed an educator that's been a teacher, that's been a principal, and I'm thankful that the majority of the board agreed with that. position, but I have an opportunity and a means by which I get input, and I'll continue to do that. Through the chair, the dog days of summer are very difficult when you start to talk about serious community engagement. Full stop. It just really is. When you look at the timeframe of July 8th through the 21st, That's where you have stipulated public interviews of semifinalists, shortlist of final candidates, et cetera. Although the public can observe The interviews taking place can provide an opportunity maybe to convey their sentiments. I just believe we're very thin on our public engagement. Maybe it's because of timing, but again, the dog days of summer are real. I'm sorry, they are real as it relates to what happens in our personal lives, what happens in the district, but that is something that would be a concern for me. I know there was some discourse regarding public interviews. The public interviews is a starter for me. Not to have public interviews is a non-starter, and I can just walk you through it. I was just joking with my colleague to the right of me, Board Member Espino. I pulled up on YouTube, and the keywords were Madison, Wisconsin, Steve Gallen, YouTube, community meeting, superintendent search. In 2007, you can watch the video, it's 28 minutes and 16 seconds, where prior to the board making the decision, they have the candidates to go out to the community and engage, whether it's the media, whether it's the parent groups, whether it's the union. You do have an opportunity for you to go through that particular process, and most processes call for that. If you look at some of the practices, for example, in the state of Georgia, And I'm not making this up our very own, Dr. John Pace. There was a big discussion around when do we actually acknowledge him for being elevated to superintendency. Although he was named, we didn't do the acknowledgement because in the state of Georgia, they actually have a law that stipulates that the final decision can't be made for 30 days because there's a cooling off period for the community to vet and to look at certain things that may come up. Last but not least, and I'm going to try to bring this in for a landing because I'll come back around, but I'm going to be respectful of everybody's need to weigh in. I don't see any information relative to background check. The background check, in my estimation, before someone is named, when I became a superintendent, they ran credit check. They wanted my bank account. We didn't even have the level of social media right now. You have to do social media scrubs. You have to do all of those things that go with that. And it's not as simple as a person accepting the position, then being vetted after they accept the position. respectfully, that would be an embarrassment. And many districts around the country have experienced that, naming somebody and then obviously not having that to go through. I mentioned an example of one person who was named a superintendent, had served as a superintendent, was serving as a superintendent, got pulled over for some issue, and they found out he was not in compliance with his immigration status. You can look it up. And obviously, I think he was faced with some level of deportation. So where you look at the background vetting, I went through that. I mean, we're talking credit checks. We're talking bank account. We're talking real estate, assets, all of the things that we would have to go through for financial disclosure and more. Those things have to be contemplated, reviewed, and vetted as a part of that particular process. So through the chair, I just want to add that as an enhancement to some of the things we have to consider. Two critical things as I bring it to a close, Madam Chair. The dearth of public discourse and input and to the extent that we have a timeline for serious background checks that will go with the level of responsibility and access to a multi-billion dollar entity. Because the last thing we want to do is have something to come up after we've named someone and things of that nature. And it happens all the time. Sadly, it does, but due diligence and thorough vetting and vetting that really is comprehensive is important. And my last point, and Don Baglos can speak to this, you have different levels of background screening. You have some that is a level here. Then you have the level that's federal. You have a lot of different levels, and for this particular position, we have to contemplate that. So those are my three points. The thereafter and the respective places, a discussion from July 8th through the 21st regarding public input, background screening, and then I'll have some additional comments as it relates to some other issues. Thank you, Madam Chair. Thank you, colleagues.

Thank you very much, sir. And on that note, kudos to our HR department because they are the ones that do that, not just for superintendency, but for every single solitary person that comes into this district. The background checks have to be done. and they have to work very collaboratively with the Office of Professional Standards as well. I know that program all too well and I know how extensive and how comprehensive the reports have to be and the initial steps that have to be taken by that department to avoid allowing someone to come into our school district that hasn't been fully vetted. So I see you sitting there and I had to say thank you to you and to OPS because this is something that you all do on all of our employees, our potential employees. AT THIS TIME, I HAD SOME BOARD MEMBERS THAT WERE NOT PRESENT, AND SO DR. BENJAMIN, NO? OKAY. THEN BOARD MEMBER BLANCO, I KNOW YOU COULD NOT ATTEND. WE HAD A VERY EXTENSIVE DISCUSSION AT COMMITTEE, AND SO I'M STARTING WITH THOSE THAT WERE NOT ABLE TO ATTEND TO GIVE YOU THE OPPORTUNITIES. that we all had because we addressed this at committee very extensively. So go ahead, ma'am.

Thank you, Madam Chair. And you're right, I was not able to attend. I was able to listen to almost a very good portion. Let me just say that. I do have two things that I wanted to bring up, and they go with each of the recommends. But before I do that, I do want to just comment, Dr. Gavin, I know you mentioned that August 13th, or soon thereafter, or before, and I pulled up, I did have, I just, I hadn't found it in my binder when we spoke up, but the H2 that we adopted on the April 29th, item one, does say as soon as can be facilitated, and I do recall at the workshop, Board Member Colucci used the word a target date, and that's where Board Member Geller said, you know, I like that, the target date, but if it's sooner, it's sooner. And I think that's where those words of beforehand may have come up. But that's what I just wanted to say, it is in what we adopted in the H2, that's how it reads. Now, going to the recommend on G3. I was the one who, it was a typo, I believe, Board Member Espino on the items that you brought up, where we brought the 50,000 down to the 30, and I said I was excited, you mentioned it was a typo, and I said, well, I would love to keep it at the 30, because I have been a big proponent of trying to keep the cost as minimal as possible. Now, my concern when I look at the proposed agreement, I see a $25,000, I see up to $4,000 in travel. That's dangerously close to that 30,000. But what's not being accounted here is that when we asked what the cost was for the last superintendent search, and it was south of $2,000 for operational things of the search, but it was about 7,000 or a little bit more than that for the travel of the candidates or the finalists to be interviewed. And so, That's not taken into account here. So I'm already seeing that we're going to go over 30,000. I'm not comfortable with that. Obviously it's gonna go to a vote, but I wanna put that on the record that that 30,000, If that's what we spend on the facilitator, knowing we're later gonna have to spend more money on the travel for the final candidates, we're already going to go over, okay? So I would have liked to have seen a proposal that came in lower than that. And as a general comment, but it applies to Recommend 1, I just want to express that I've been somewhat confused as items have been coming in because it's been a revision after a revision after a revision. And I actually have three different Denny's placemats where I'm trying to figure out which was the first iteration, which was the second, and which is the third. And I have notes on all three of them, and I'm even having a tough time putting it together because changes have been made, and I think one of them was sent an hour and a half or two and a half hours before this meeting. So I think we need to spend some time talking on that, which is what leads me to recommend two. A general comment that I have, and thank you board members, we know I wasn't there to receive, I've been using, I love the Denny's placemat term, I've been using that all week long. And I was sad I wasn't there to get the original. But I do have three copies now. One of the things that I would like to say, because in the H2, what we were supposed to receive today was information on the facilitator and a calendar, The calendar seems to be to adopt what you presented. However, what you presented has been altered in the last iteration that we got. And so when the recommend says to adopt what was presented at the Personnel Student School Community Support Committee meeting, and then what I got at 12.48, I think it was, or 49 p.m., is different. There have been some changes made to it. So I think we need to go through it and make sure that we're all looking at the same, and that we all agree to the same version. I love the work that you put into it. However, when I look at some of the ranges, I'd like to have some concrete dates of when will something be presented at a committee meeting, and more importantly, when will something be presented at a board meeting where we take action? Okay, so that's something that I'd like to be able to discuss, obviously, as a group, right, and to come up with this calendar. I did notice you do have from June 17th to June 30th conducting the initial eligibility review. You do have the reference checks and vetting there that Dr. Gallin was saying is very important. However, I notice there's a week gap from the May 15th to June 10th where we accept and log applications, but you have us waiting a week before we start conducting the initial eligibility review. So I don't know if that range should start at June 11th. Like why wait a week from when we close the window to start? I just think it gives a facilitator more time to look over everything. That was one comment. And then one of the things that I noticed that was, When we talk about the August 13th, that's the second to last column, right? I think column seven. Our board meeting is the 12th, and I think that's part of where the honor before came about, too, because August 13th is the start of the school day for, the start of school for children, although teachers start before. I'll keep reiterating that, but we have a board meeting on the 12th, and so if the idea was to announce or select or name the new superintendent by the time the children reported to school, then that's why we need that honor before because August 12th is the board meeting, but on the last iteration, the honor before was removed and it now says August 13th, but our board meeting is the 12th. So I just wanna kind of clean up these dates and make sure that, again, we're all looking at the same one because I have three different Denny's placemats, and the one that is referenced in G3, in item two, should be the first one that was received. So whatever changes we're gonna make, I think we need to discuss it as a board and be clear. And those are my comments for now. Thank you, Madam Chair.

Thank you. It is time for the public hearing portion. So Mr. General Counsel, sir, I'm gonna have to stop discussion at this point, go to the public hearing, and then come back over to H3. Mr. General Counsel, sir? Are you good with that, sir?

Yes, thank you, Madam Chair. This begins the public hearing. In order to maintain order and decorum during the public hearing, the board has established decorum policies. The intent of these policies is not to regulate speech or the content thereof, but to provide for the efficient and orderly functioning of the business of the board, to protect the rights of each individual, to protect the right of the majority to decide, to protect the... right of the minority to be heard and to preserve the spirit and harmony within the board and those appearing before the board. The policy and procedures governing today's public hearing are as follows. Pursuant to school board policy 0169.1, the purpose of the public hearing portion of the board meeting is to allow the public to address matters directly related to the school board business in a manner appropriate for a K-12 audience. Although the purpose of the public hearing is solely to receive public comment and participation concerning this purpose, the purpose is not served when citizens become disorderly or disruptive. Accordingly, a speaker's remarks should be directed to the chair or the board as a whole. The time allotted for the public hearing under the school board policy is 90 minutes. The board will not take any official action on any public hearing presentation, but staff may be requested, if appropriate, to take a speaker aside and respond to his or her concerns. As such, speakers are prohibited from discussing their own pending court cases, legal claims, complaints filed against the district or district personnel, or disciplinary matters involving any individual school board employee Is there other more appropriate forms established for those purposes? In accordance with school board policy, substitutions for scheduled speakers will not be allowed except in exceptional circumstances. Campaigning and electioneering on public radio and television are strictly prohibited. While clapping and applauding is typically allowed and expected for resolutions, honors, and awards, it is prohibited at the public hearing since it disrupts and delays the orderly presentation and efficiency of the public hearing. Speakers may not use any form of profanity, loud or abusive comments, intentionally disruptive noises, heckling, or verbal outbursts in support or opposition of a speaker's remarks. Speakers whose comments are not related to the business of the school district or who make personal attacks or impertinent or slanders remarks or otherwise engages in boisterous behavior which creates a disturbance or disruption may be ruled out of order and be warned that they must confine their comments to matters related to the school district or be prohibited from speaking further. Any speaker who persists in violating the board's decorum policies may be asked to yield a podium, will have the microphone turned off, and will not be permitted to continue to address the board. Finally, I would like to remind public speakers that pursuant to school board policy 0169.1, each speaker will be limited to three minutes to address the board during the public hearing, and no more than a total of 10 minutes during the entire school board meeting. The green light at the speaker's podium signals three minutes, the yellow light signals 30 seconds remaining, and the red light signals that the speaker has exhausted their time. Speakers may not refuse to yield a podium when the chair has advised that their time has expired. Any speaker who desires to provide additional comments beyond the time allotted may provide written comments to the board clerk for inclusion of the record of this meeting. Madam Chair, this summarizes procedures for the conduct of the public hearing.

Thank you, Mr. Harvey. At this time, I'll begin calling speakers. The first one is Lauren Meter. Lauren Meter, no. Theophilus Williams.

Good evening, board members.

Good evening.

As I stand in the front of y'all today, I advocated for my community, for young people, but often the time I keep coming here to say every time I go and get something from Darcy to let these kids know about the programs, I got to be meet and greet in the front of the door. Did you talk to the principal? Did you have a meeting? Do that apply to everybody else, friends and buddies? I know the rules. I know the policy. We the people who trying to help these young kids, but all for the time we be locked out. We met with former superintendent, Dr. Pace, and his Regent Superintendent. When he told us that he was going to build that basketball court, but it seemed like every time I go to him, I'm being punished. But let me say this to all y'all. When I opened up the paper, looking at the news, rather than shit me out, What about our young kids being abused by the system that nobody talking about? I got nieces and nephews sitting in there too. We ain't talking about that. But when I go to Darcy, they want to lock me out because of an auditorium. But we'll talk about $100,000 who don't spent and we upset a taxpayer. Let's talk about 8 million. And I sit here today and listen to this board that everybody getting what they want in their district. For 14 years, this place been on a burner. 14 years. Taxpayer money being abused. And y'all think we ain't upset? Yes, we are. Superintendent, I wanna know who's starting this. I got the right to go to a school, into a office to help a young kid get a career. All y'all running around here with your lobbies and getting things did, but our schools are falling apart. Don't matter what district you're in. Enough is enough. Everybody make a decision for theirself and what they gonna do in their district, but ours look like a hog pen. We target as our school going down the drain. We ain't talking about that. We don't come to vote to this community and have means like you want a 222 or 111 for bond. Rudy Cruz was here to put it in order, but you ran him away.

Enough is enough. Thank you, sir. Your time is up. Thank you. Isadora Riaz Bastos.

Good evening, members of the school board. My name is Isadora Bastos, and I'm a current freshman at Don Silver Aventura High School. I'm here today to speak on a topic of possibly implementing a structured study hall that can be used as an academic period in schools throughout Miami-Dade County Public Schools. As the school year comes to an end, I have noticed that a vast majority of students have been stressed and overwhelmed by the current workload. Whether that's from required classes or even electives, it has harmed students' mental health, as many struggle to keep up due to pressure and lack of time. I understand that schools must meet state instructional requirements and scheduling guidelines. However, some schools within Miami-Dade already offer study halls or flex periods to certain students. Given that programs like these already exist in parts of the district, I believe academic support opportunities should be explored more broadly and made more accessible to students district-wide. In addition, I created and distributed a Google Form survey to students across multiple Miami-Dade high schools, and many students expressed support for having a structured study hall during the school day. Students constantly shared that having a dedicated academic time would help them complete assignments, prepare for assignments, and manage stress. A structured study hall would not simply be a free period. It could serve as a productive environment for academic support, organization, intervention, and student success. As Franklin D. Roosevelt once said, we cannot always build the future for our youth, but we can build our youth for the future. I believe a structured study hall would do exactly that by helping students build future time management, organization, and academic skills that would prepare them for success beyond high school. I respectfully encourage the district to explore possible pilot programs that could provide students with additional academic support time while still meeting state requirements. Thank you for your time and consideration.

Thank you very much. Next speaker, Mr. Elias Seyfi.

SCHOOL BOARD MEMBERS, AS PART OF THE ESC ADVISORY PANEL, WE RECEIVE AN ANNUAL BUDGET PRESENTATION THAT IS PUBLICLY AVAILABLE. I SHARE THAT I WAS ALARMED BY THE SIZABLE INCREASES IN FULL-TIME SALARY POSITIONS THAT ARE FUNDED THROUGH THE FEDERAL IDEA PART B GRANT. GIVEN FULL-TIME POSITIONS ALSO INCUR FRINGE AND MEDICAL INSURANCE BENEFITS, I ALSO SAW THAT THOSE ALSO INCREASED DRAMATICALLY, AND IT'S NOT CLEAR THAT THOSE INCREASES HAVE BEEN PROPORTIONAL TO THE NUMBER OF FAILED POSITIONS. IN OTHER WORDS, BEYOND THE ENORMOUS INCREASES, The figures do not correlate well. Given the reports and presentations provided by the ESE department, we can ascertain that first, the average base salaries for full-time paras and bus aides increased from 21,000 in 21-22 to 28,000 in year 24-25. That's an increase of 35% in three years. Further, a $28,000 salary average contradicts this year's para-based salaries that range from about $20,000 to $24,000. I add that I do not believe that any other position in Miami-Dade schools has made anywhere close to a 35% increase in base salary over three years. Second, average field full-time para positions amounted to 406 in 21-22, while 24-25, they were 550. That's an increase of 35.5% additional paras employed in three years' time. At a minimum, I contend that we should know to which schools were these paras deployed and how their skills are being used. THIRD, GIVEN THAT THE SIX-YEAR CONSOLIDATED YEARLY AMOUNTS THAT I PREPARED, THE ACCELERATING EXPENDITURES ARE CLEAR, COVID NOTWITHSTANDING. IN 21-22, TOTAL SALARIES WERE 63 MILLION, WHILE IN 24-25, THEY WERE 92 MILLION. THAT WAS A 44.7 INCREASE FROM 21-22 TO 24-25. LAST YEAR ALONE, THE SPED DEPARTMENT SPENT A TOTAL OF 101 MILLION WHERE THE ORIGINAL GRANT AMOUNT WAS 86 MILLION. Fourth, there are really only four possibilities. Either some folks decided that we needed to systematically deplete our $28 million in grant rollover funds as quickly as possible on a great many additional full-time salary positions, or those expenditures were used to cover other products and services unrelated to what has been reported. Or it's a combination of the first two. Or, unlikely but possible, the numbers we've been presented are all wrong. Lastly, one thing is for sure, this spending spree was not accidental and most likely IDEA expenses will exceed all revenue and reserves this year. Given the details I've described, I contend that we should conduct an independent audit of the IDEA Part Fund B with emphasis on full-time paras and special expenditures at the earliest possible time. Thank you. Thank you.

We have Mike Arias. Antonio White.

Good afternoon, once again, Madam Chair, Vice Chair, members of the board, Mr. Superintendent. We're still waiting the state budget for the 2026-27 school year. And while the legislature continues its special session, we already know that the outcome will be insufficient. The House and the Senate proposals currently on the table do not provide per-student funding increases that keep pace with inflation. much less to repair years of underinvestment in public schools. That said, inadequate state funding does not relieve this board of its responsibility to provide meaningful pay increases for our employees. Our members work every day to deliver for students of Miami-Dade County, and the success of this district rests on their labor and their commitment. This district has earned an A rating multiple times and that achievement reflects the work of our bargaining unit. In return, we ask the board and administration to work just as hard to secure fair compensation, affordable high quality healthcare, and strong working conditions, which are also our learning conditions for our students, by the way. UTD is ready to begin bargaining for the upcoming school year. We understand that Senate Bill 1296 places new time constraints on the bargaining process, and we are prepared to meet those timelines. We also want to be clear that the salary increases funded through TSIA are only part of what our members deserve, and those funds alone are not enough to settle a full contract. As the district plans for bargaining for the next year, we urge the administration to sharpen its pencils as well and reduce costs wherever possible. This means reducing district and school administration costs so more scarce dollars can go directly into our classrooms. We also ask that the district to reconsider costs that have too often been treated as fixed by location. More positions should be itinerant when student populations do not justify a full-time position at every site. We cannot meet today's challenges with yesterday's habits. If the district asking employees to do more with less, then administration must also be willing to do more with less. That starts with putting the resources where they belong, in our classrooms, into compensation, and into the people who make this district successful. Thank you.

Thank you very much. Next speaker, Daniel Boye.

Good afternoon, superintendent and board members. I'm Danielle Boye, first vice president of United Teachers of Dade. President White spoke about collective bargaining for this year. I concur that we are seeking pay raises, high quality health care at affordable rates and quality working conditions for all employees. Each year we come to the table to build on a contractual foundation that has been in place for over 50 years. United Teachers of Dade is PERC certification number one because we fought to establish collective bargaining in this state. Florida has always been a right to work state, but Florida is also a state where we have a state constitutional right to collective bargaining. This combination is unique as we are the only state in the country with both embedded in our constitution. At United Teachers of Dade, we take PERC certification seriously. We established the right for public employees to bargain in this state. We fought for our first contract and to improve that contract every year since. It is never easy, but it's worth the effort. Every employee in the UTD bargaining unit is protected by that contract. and wants and deserves a raise, even the ones that do not pay dues. We stand before you regularly as UTD's democratically elected officers. We speak on behalf of over 23,000 employees. In addition to the upcoming collective bargaining to improve our contract for the 2026-27 school year, we also have a perk election to maintain our contract. The state of Florida continues to add hurdles for us to exercise our right to collectively bargain, but we will continue to overcome them. In the next few weeks, every bargaining unit member will receive a ballot from PERC. which is the state agency that oversees public employee unions. We simply ask that every employee participate in this vote and return their ballots as soon as possible. We are confident that the bargaining unit will once again speak clearly with their votes that they want to maintain their contract. The timing of this election is not optimal as most of our unit are 10 month employees and they will be on summer break for most of the election period. However, we are confident that we will once again receive overwhelming support in the election. We are here to do the work and for the duration. Participation matters. Together we all achieve more. Thank you so much and happy Haitian Heritage Month. Thank you.

Mindy Grimes, first stage.

Good afternoon, or evening, I should say, Madam Chair, Vice Chair, board members, and Mr. Superintendent. I am Mindy Grimes-Feske, UTD Secretary-Treasurer. In addition to negotiating raises for next school year, we are also working on the upcoming PERC vote to maintain our contract, which includes more than 50 years of gains, and our renewal of the referendum. We appreciate that this board passed the item last month to ask voters to renew our local funding referendum. UTD has been and will continue to be the financial and manpower force behind the referendum campaign. We have said many times that state funding is inadequate, and we are not alone. About 30 counties now have local funding referendums, and those counties educate about 75% of the students in Florida. We could wait and hope the legislature increases funding to adequate levels, but that is not productive, nor is it a plan. Instead, we have worked with the district to provide a local solution to the state funding shortfall. Recruiting and retaining high quality teachers and instructional personnel, while also enhancing safety in all of our schools, is supported by our community. In 2018, we earned over 70% support, and in 2022, we received over 65% support. We will work to secure similar support from voters this November. The local referendum has helped teachers remain in South Florida and continue serving Miami-Dade County public schools. State funding and base pay have not kept pace with the cost of living. We would prefer not to have to ask voters for funding, but until the legislature provides adequate increases, this remains the only available option. Collective bargaining this summer will again include distribution of referendum funds, or RAS. These funds and the contractual agreement governing their distribution have put significant dollars into the pockets of instructional personnel. We will push for strong base pay increases, and we will also fight for RAS increases. Together, these increases are what will help wages keep up with inflation. UTD has launched a bargaining survey. Actually, today it was sent out. And we look forward to reviewing the responses. We've already received over 425. We will do our best to secure the best possible pay increases and improve benefits and working conditions. Ultimately, the bargaining unit will vote on any agreement we reach with MDCPS. All bargaining unit employees have the opportunity to provide input into bargaining, to vote on the tentative agreement, and to benefit from any approved agreement. I ask that all employees take advantage of these opportunities to help shape the future of our contract, while also returning their PERC ballot as soon as possible to preserve the rights we have already secured. Come November, we ask that you vote in the general election, and if nothing else, please make sure to vote on the referendum. Participation matters, because together we achieve more. Thank you. Thank you.

Carol Mullinex.

Good morning, or good afternoon. I believe you all also have a copy of documents that were submitted. So I want to start by saying I want to thank and recognize retired school board member Dr. Feldman, Dr. Dotris, first strong supporters of the deaf education, and retired educational interpreter Ms. Annika Dittau, who also shared the vision of truly accessible education in accordance with faith. Without her research skills, immense knowledge of deaf culture, unwavering desire to see deaf students succeed, and longstanding passion for improving the quality of services, I would not be able to stand here before you today and present the small but mighty steps that we have taken in the right direction in the past year. Realizing this fight started 20 years ago. Also would like to recognize School Board Alonzo for recognizing the two deaf students, Maria and Brianna, for their outstanding performance during the college football playoffs. These students were able to succeed because they were provided access to highly qualified ASL interpreters, such as staff interpreters Jessica Fernandez, Alex Tuye, and Crystal Valdez. access to highly qualified language professionals creates opportunities for deaf students to thrive fully participating in the school and community activities i want to thank the school board chair rojas board members santos skellers others who have reached out and continued this conversation while some challenges have been addressed we still have issues that we are still working on Now, to one of the sticking points, one important issue involves language accessibility during school board meetings. School board states the public may view or read the closed captioning at regular school board meetings during the public platform. The board awarded two agencies to provide accessibility. It also states that the two qualified interpreters would be provided during these meetings. Now you also have stated in the case of the National Association of the Deaf against Donald Trump by District Judge Alley emphasized that ASL and written English are distinct languages. Captioning alone does not provide the meaningful access to deaf and hard of hearing individuals. I respectfully ask the board to implement interpreters. Also, I will jump down to say it was great to recognize National Interpreter Appreciation Week. It would also be nice to recognize April as National Deaf Awareness Month. We also have skilled professionals that provide and continue to provide examples. You have Marlene Yiannis, Vivian Diaz, other paras that provide this.

Thank you so much. Thank you. Holly Zwirling.

Hi, Holly Zwirling, Fatherhood Task Force. I work every day to save democracy, and I was very concerned that the field of communism was on the agenda, although I think it's been deferred. What about democracy? What What are we teaching in the schools about democracy, about checks and balances, due process, First Amendment rights, no kings, authoritarianism? That's what we should be focusing on. I was called a communist because I was supporting a democratic platform And I want to go back to what Dr. Gowen was talking about, what you're going to be looking for for the new superintendent. What about political affiliation? You can go look up someone's name and you find out whether they're a Democrat or a Republican. Is that going to be an issue? That concerns me a lot. It should not be an issue. What they think and feel about education is the important piece here. Also, I want to say that in the Florida public colleges, they've just done away with the study of sociology. I'm a clinical social worker, and I've done my work with fatherhood task force because of my social work. I'm very concerned about sociology that's being thrown out of public education colleges. I don't know whether or not it's being taught here at the schools, whether it's an elective for the AP classes, but I would like to understand what your feelings are about sociology being eliminated. Also, the attorney did not mention conflict of interest, and I was curious about whether or not that's something, sir, that you deal with, since I know Dr. Gallin had said something about conflict of interest. Also, I sent emails out to everyone over and over again, ALL I WANT IS AN ACKNOWLEDGMENT THAT I'VE SENT YOU AN E-MAIL. THANK YOU, MS. ROJAS. THANK YOU, SUPERINTENDENT. THANK YOU, SCHOOL BOARD DEALER. AND THANK YOU, LOUIS SANTOS. BUT I DON'T HEAR FROM OTHERS. AND IT REALLY BOTHERS ME BECAUSE I GIVE MY HEART AND SOUL TO THIS COMMUNITY OF SCHOOLS.

And lastly, I want to see empathy as a core value.

One of the women who said that her son was learning how to swim and she never learned to swim. Let's try to help parents learn how to swim, too, because they're the role models for children. And lastly, I just want to say that I really appreciate the public opportunity to speak. And I want to... I look forward to hearing back from you about some of these issues that I put forth. Lastly, I want to just understand whether or not part of the strategic plan is going to be no political interference, and I have yet to hear that. Thank you.

Thank you. This now is the last speaker, so we have exhausted all of the speakers that signed up. And therefore, the time right now is 6.56 p.m. And this portion of our meeting is now concluded. I do wanna thank all of the speakers that have taken the time to come and share their thoughts with us. And I know that everybody's busy, but this is important enough for you to come out and spend time sharing your opinions with us. So thank you very much. for that we certainly appreciate it and at this time mr. general counsel sir I am going to revert back to where we are simply now having a discussion everybody is being given the opportunity to give their comments we are not making any motions of any type at this at this point or or item yet. So I do have several people that have signed up to speak. I know that I have, Board Member Espino, I know you wanna speak, but I had Dr. Bendros-Meningo who had asked to speak, so go ahead, and I have several, I have you all down. Just about everybody is down on this one. Yes, I've got you all down. Everybody's gonna have the opportunity to speak. You want them to go first? Okay, so Board Member Espino, sir.

Thank you, Madam Chair. That's a little loud. First of all, let me start off by thanking our esteemed board attorney for turning around this item quickly, bringing us professional facilitator. I will admit that I got confused. Guys, can we lower this a little bit, please? During committee, it was clarified to me that in terms of what the facility was gonna do.

Can you speak a little louder? Sorry, now they lowered it too much. Now it's too low.

Now it's too low, all right. So I will reiterate the fact that I was confused at first with the heft of the facilitator, given the fact that it was a firm. But those concerns were calmed during that committee meeting. I want to thank Mr. Lickner for coming to our committee meeting, willing to see the family discussion we were having before we took action on this contract, or proposed action on this contract. And of course, the board discussion we had during committee was another step in doing this as transparently as possible. One of the things that we said at committee, which I hope continues to be the case, is that however we decide, we're not retreading. That is, we're going forward. Some of us get our way. Some of us don't on a given particular day. And we move together as a board. And that's within the case. And what I think we tried to do was sort of bring it all to a head. And the Denny's placemat that was circulated represents a collective body of work, not me just finger painting at home. So with regards to the framework, what was circulated at committee was a draft that had feedback then from everybody that I incorporated. There was another version that was done, and then the third version, which is something that was circulated afterwards. So I'm just going to very quickly address some of the comments that were incorporated from the committee meeting, and then things that I could say that were added after the fact, but I'm still okay with. Board member Alonzo had said that under the May 13th date, after we approved the facilitator on the schedule, that item that says board to receive final package, that was included. Board member Alonzo had wanted that. And then essentially also launch the recruitment campaigns. Those two items were in there. With regards to, let me see what I have here. There was an addition of two to three semifinalists, although let's see if we hit that point. and then the interview semi-finalists as optional because there was a Difference of opinion whether we should interview semi-finalists or not interview semi-finalists Obviously if we end up with ten semi-finalists that might be palatable if we end up with 27 semi-finalists that makes it for a much longer day so we'll see what that is like with regards to additional things that were added here which again I agree with open and manage on number four publication and recruitment at the bottom you have to sort of at least in my copy it's a little lighter color open and manage application window accept and log applications and I think it was there was consensus that we would want to receive and this is what Adam Lickner said that we would receive potentially up to weekly reports of who was who has submitted Board Member Gallin, reference checks and vetting was intended to include background, so we can certainly specify that as an item there.

If I just may, through the Chair, I'm clarifying that. I know Board Member Blanco referenced that, but I need to be very, very clear there's a major distinction between reference checks and vetting, because principals make offers to teachers based on reference checks, but very often staff is not hired after a background check. So I wanted to be very, very clear when that was referenced. Thank you.

Thank you. Thank you for that. But absolutely, we'll add that in there. Additionally, another part that was added was August 13th date says, or as soon as can be facilitated. And as I mentioned in the top of the conversation during minutes, there was a strike all and a replacement and the language that we ended up agreeing on as a board is August 13th or as soon as can be facilitated. I think this is, I think Board Member Geller had said that this is an aspirational date, a target date. We don't, as we move on into the screening slash vetting slash interviews process and selection, we can alternate. But I think this is sort of the pace that we had set for ourselves. With regards to... The date, I just want to be clear about a couple of things. Number one, these were all proposed dates with opportunities to input on screening. I think Board Member Blanco had said June 11th, so there's no lull of information. It gets right back to us and it starts right away. I have no problem with that. With the initial interviews, July 8th to July 21, that's a range, but obviously we have to be cognizant of one of our colleagues. who will be indisposed at the beginning of July, so probably at the end of July, as a window. And I just want to address public participation real quick. Actually, before I do that, let me just say that, as was discussed in committee, and we took things out of order because I think it was important for Mr. Lickner to see the board-created process that we created. He and I had a great conversation afterwards with our board attorney, and as quickly as he came up to speed, he created a sample roadmap that after our conversation, he realized, oh, these guys are much further ahead. And so ultimately, what at least revealed in our conversation and what was presented to us as a board is that he's essentially assimilating that process into his scope of work, and that's what... will be the marching orders for the entire team, which I said, absolutely. I mean, I think this has been some of the most transparent processes we've had on the selection of, frankly, any professional at the level that we're selecting. And it's been lengthy, it's been wonky sometimes, but sometimes that's how you make the sausage. So with regards to public participation, you'll see that there has been public participation throughout all our steps up to step three, because that's where we are, and that there are specific calls for two more special meetings with public participation. Board Member Gallin, I agree with you that the summer is tough. I'll let you know what I'm doing. So number one is, as of, I believe, I don't know if it was last week or this week, we did the QR codes on social media, right? That's gone live, and we've been getting hits on that. We've done two work town halls. What I am intending to do is, continue that outreach to the families as they're away and then at back to school we will be doing a flyer we will have it displayed on our back to school is what we do last year we did five back to school backpack drives and getting that feedback which will be at a critical time when parents are starting to re-engage on the school and then also before any time that we might make an actual selection so I guess the long and short of it is colleagues that The two additions that I have on the Denny's menu is June 11th through the 30th on the screening and the inclusion of background checks on it. This is a working document. I don't know that we wanna pick a date for the first special meeting or the second special meeting. We can do that today. I think that might be challenging, but the idea was just simply finalize this framework today and then get them authorized to begin. Those are my comments so far right now, and I'm happy to discuss anything further.

Thank you very much, sir. And at this time, I have board member Alonso, board member Santos, board member Geller. All right. And Dr. Bendelsman.

Thank you so much, Madam Chair. And thank you, Mr. Harvey, for all the work that you've been putting in outside of your day-to-day work that you already have. And I really appreciate the board's vision on a united front on this. I think as Dr. Gallin has said earlier, I think at the beginning, we kind of all had our own thoughts and maybe the waters were a little rougher, but they still were calm. And I think they're in a much better place now. And part of that I think was also acknowledging that we needed a process, right? And how that process was gonna work and how we were gonna have a facilitator. So I, first of all, I wanted to start off by thanking everybody, because I know that that was a big thing for me on having the facilitator, that we do have that in place. That being said, I did expect a little bit more from the facilitator for today's meeting after last committee's meeting. And I appreciate the work that you've done, Board Member Espino, on preparing the Denny's placemap. But to Board Member Blanco's point, I kind of wanted to see a full calendar breakdown, right? shift it down, coming through, the placemat is beautiful, I love the color scheme, but it doesn't have it like broken down by like dates and a schedule that the facilitator will be following. So I really think that that's something we need and it can be built off the placemat. So it's not saying that the placemat is wrong and I think we can all come to a consensus, but at some point we need to get that back and I thought that it would be something there and a complete package, right, that would also show that finalized, you know, attributes, the job description, the thoughts, like kind of having it all bundled together rather than a bunch of different emails coming at us with different documents to support. So I just wanted to put that there and hopefully Mr. Harvey you can work with our facilitator to kind of bring that together after today's meeting maybe as well where we will make some changes to this. The second thing I wanted to discuss was the community input. I think we need to continue receiving the community input. As I stated during the committee meeting, I wanna know what people are saying across our entire county. I have yet to receive any feedback on that, and I'd like to see that at some point, and it's gonna be fluent, right? It's gonna keep on coming, and I hope it does keep on coming and that we all continue to have meetings, we all go to the grocery stores in our community, we go to church, and people are talking to us, How we bring that all together and how we have it in one centralized place that we can all be able to review it and understand where our community's pulse is at, I think it's extremely important. So in the plan that our facilitator puts together, Mr. Harvey, it'd be great to have a almost like central repository of where all this sits so that we can view it. Thirdly, timeline. Timeline's important. Timeline is expected from our community, from our teachers, from the families that we serve, and it's something that people wanna know. What does the future of our district look like, specifically as we look towards the referendum? So I stand with the majority of this board on that August timeline, and making sure that we continue to move towards that, It could shift a week or two, but we need to continue working towards that because I think it's important, and as we all know, funding for our teachers and our police officers is critical to this district, and being able to speak to that and the future of our district and how it's gonna be led and who's gonna be at the helm of it, I think it's gonna be a big question that our voters are gonna have before they vote in a referendum. Next on there, an item that I had was I agree with Dr. Gallin on the background. We cannot afford to have somebody come over here, spend money and invest on the interview process and our energy without knowing what their background is and making sure they've gone through a proper background in vetting and that they are a viable candidate to even be considered by this board. So I think that needs to be earlier in the process as we receive these applications. and that our facilitator through our HR department provide that to us with that resume, right? Like this is this person's background and this is where they come from. And it doesn't have to, maybe it's a preliminary background at first, like a phase one, and then it goes into a deeper one once we've made them real candidates. Last but not least, on the open interviews. I have some concerns about that because we're talking as a board here that we wanna do some recruitment possibly, right? And going out there and looking for some of the best and most qualified individuals that might currently be superintendents out of the districts, that might fill pretty important roles at other institutions. And we're gonna now bring them up in the middle of the public and start asking all these questions that could then lead on to, well, that wasn't the right fit for Miami-Dade, but when they go back home to their job, people are going to be questioning them, well, what were you doing? Are you not happy here at XYZ School District? Or, you know, you said you would do all these things different. Why aren't you doing them here? And either way, at the end of the day, this is all public records, so it is going to be disclosed. Universities work a little differently, but here at the school district, everything is a public record, and it will be out there, but I think there's a different level of exposure there. Not that we wanna not provide an opportunity for the public to learn about the finalist, but I think it's right when we get to that real, true finalist that this board is there that we really do that. And then finally, I was one that spoke very loudly today and during committee on expenses, right? We were about to approve a contract that was gonna spend $200,000 more than the lowest bidder, and I wanted to make sure that we're looking at all those things. So that's why I support in having a very tight budget in the process that we're running here, but it's important that we spend some dollars. This is a $7 billion district where we're selecting the leader for the next hopefully 10 years to be running this district that'll be overseeing the finances, that'll be overseeing the facilities, that'll be overseeing the educational plan, and that honestly is gonna be taking on a role that is so unique in the resizing of our district. That is something that we really need to invest in and make sure that we go through a process. So I agree with Board Member Blanco and the fact that we need to be cautious. I think we all received the letter. The Miami Foundation, which has no relation and has been very silent on everything, pledged to do a grant to this school district to offer us an additional $50,000 with no strings attached to it that this district, this board can consider if we wanted to. And I know Mr. Harvey had brought it up to me and I think it's something we should discuss. because it's an option that we have available to us through the Miami Foundation that funds so many of the educational programs here to help us through this process so that that way this district is not feeling that entire financial burden after the $30,000 that we've already pledged. So those were a couple of my key points that I wanted to bring up and I know that at some point we will move forward with actionable discussions but I wanted to put that out so that my fellow board members can see kind of where I stand right now, thank you.

Thank you, Board Member Alonso. And I alluded to the Miami Foundation at the beginning because the letter is right here. And they are offering to give us $50,000 additional aside from the 30 or up. Well, actually, let me retract. Up to $50,000 is what it said. That would be in addition to the $30,000. voted on originally, and to your point, Board Member Alonso, they're just trying to say we support you all, we understand that you are in a fiscal, you know, scenario right now that is pretty tough and therefore we're ready to be able to jump in as part of a team and give you this this additional funding if you so need it without you know any strings attached in any way shape or form so later on after everyone's had the opportunity that's why I addressed it at the beginning then we'll you know we'll make a determination as far as that's concerned but thank you so now I have board member Santos

Thank you so much, Madam Chair. And a lot of what I was gonna say has been said, so I'll try to be as brief as possible. I also will continue the expectation of that shared community input so that what we're getting from our respective districts is shared out and certainly have my own ways of doing that in my district. I think the background checks are incredibly important and I was happy to see in the placemat having the reference checks and vetting specifically included in the timeline speaking of timeline I do when we originally discussed this we agreed on a target date and I think that was the compromise language to ensure that we were landing in that area, but that we weren't holding ourselves to a specific hard date. That continues to be very important to me, and so that will be a needed amendment, of course, if the majority supports. I think one thing that we haven't maybe had enough discussion on, it is included in the placemat. It does say under the May 15th to June 10th timeline to launch recruitment. I think that's a very important, unique ad and it addresses some of the concerns that were addressed around how do you talk to people who may not be looking for a job or even internal candidates who frankly have dynamics to navigate related to their current position. I do believe that that recruitment stage is very important. it's probably shorter than i think most things i've seen other places do but but we can't skip it and it's where it allows for that conversation before someone officially applies we all know once they apply it's public record and and the whole public will see it but we need to have the opportunity we each as board members have the opportunity let's be clear to do any calls, reach out to people. We can each do that. But having, again, I agree that I think we're very fortunate to have landed in a place where we have an independent facilitator. They also happen to do this all the time. and certainly I'm sure have a repository of resumes and might know of people. I certainly would like to have them be able to put people on my radar that I may not already know of. I think the stronger your pool, the stronger your outcome. that's important i understand in reviewing the contract that that is a separate service which does bring up the uh financial constraints that we have um and so i did and i want to put on the record i really do appreciate i think there are a few um organizations that that can uh solidly say they are as neutral and just invested in our community, you know, from a very neutral standpoint, but ensuring our community success as the foundation. And I appreciate them seeing the constraints that we have and making the offer to supplement, if needed, up to $50,000 for this search without any kind of... which is very important to all of us, that this is only a board's decision. These nine people here representing our communities make that decision. So when appropriate, I'll pass down some proposed, a very short proposed amendment. on G3 to have a third bullet that authorizes the general counsel, if needed, to accept the Miami Foundation's offer of a grant of up to $50,000 to supplement search-related cost, including recruitment and vetting services, as needed. I'm happy to answer any questions my colleagues may have.

Well, you and I must have been thinking exactly the same, because that's exactly what I was going to say at the proper time, but I mean, we have a group, as I just alluded to, that is willing to give us $50,000 additional for travel, for whatever it is that is necessary so that we can recruit the very best to lead the third largest school district in the country. So that's one that at the proper time I would definitely . I am going to call now Dr. Bendros-Meningo.

Thank you, Madam Chair. And to my colleagues who have made such salient points, I'm going to make just a few. The thoughtful work that has gone into establishing a deliberate and integrity-based process for the selection of the next superintendent of Miami-Dade County Public Schools. This decision cannot be overstated. I appreciate that the board has prioritized a process that is collaborative, transparent, community informed, and structured with clear timelines and expectations. I want us to just take a second to digest the spot that we all know is important because I'm getting calls. about what is the role of the community. So that's important. I've also reached out to our radio stations because many people still listen to the radio, especially in some of the communities that I serve. That's it. The radio stays on one station. So we are going to have to make sure that they know what we're doing And one of our greatest advocates is in the hospital now and she's still calling wanting to, it's not funny, but you know, she cannot be left out. My dear board member, what are we doing? So we're gonna have to find a way to have her take care of herself, but to know what we're doing. The engagement of Hazard, Young, and Associates appears to reflect the board's intention to secure experienced facilitation support from a nationally respected firm with familiarity in superintendent searches and educational leadership. I also appreciate the emphasis placed on establishing meaningful opportunities for stakeholder engagement, as I just said. A superintendent search of this magnitude must not occur in isolation. Teachers, principals, employees, parents, students, business leaders, labor partners, all faith-based leaders and community voices, all deserve the opportunity to help inform the qualities, competencies, vision, and leadership characteristics that we seek in the next superintendent. With respect to the fiscal component, I believe it is prudent that the board established

Okay, we're gonna go ahead, and I'm going to call Vice Chair Calucci.

Thank you, Madam Chair, and I just wanted to reiterate a lot of the comments that I've heard. I do want to really tackle that, or as soon as can be facilitated, I know our target date was August 13th, So I think that's something that we need to flush out. I left the last committee meeting feeling very comfortable. I thought it was very clear that the board was in full charge of this process with the independent facilitator. We laid out our expectations. We discussed it. There's something here now that has really brought a big concern to my attention, and that's accepting outside monies for this process. I am fully, fully in deep gratitude to the organization. However, when you have something of this magnitude, I fully believe, as we have said on this board, and many of my colleagues have echoed this sentiment, perception becomes reality. I am very leery of accepting dollars for a superintendent search. I know that my board members have said there's no strings attached, and I do believe that intent, but it's the perception. I don't like that optic one bit. This is the single most consequential decision that we will make. We have decided as a board that we will fund it up to whatever amount it is. When it comes after $30,000, it will come back to the board. This is a complex district with a $7 billion, over $8 billion budget, more seven to $8 billion budget. So we have decided to move forward with an independent facilitator I think that we need to do so as we voted on, but I am very uncomfortable with the optic of accepting money from another outside entity for this decision. And I will state that clearly for the record. I also feel that it is setting a precedent that perhaps could be misconstrued by the public, that there is an outside entity trying to influence, even though there is none, but it is an optic. And as we've said many times on this board, perception becomes reality, and I, as a board member, feel very uncomfortable with that object. We've talked about transparency, we've talked about public trust, so I appreciate, from the bottom of my heart, the offer, but from my standpoint, I will not be voting on that when the amendment comes through. Thank you. Board Member Geller, sir.

Thank you, Madam Chair. I have a number of things that I think are important issues. I do want to preface it by saying, although I also didn't comment when we got to G1, just because I didn't think it was required, but I know Mr. Harvey. I respect Mr. Harvey. I like Mr. Harvey. And I think the board is blessed to have such an excellent general counsel as somebody like my good colleague, Board Member Espino, who is not just an attorney, but an attorney who serves public sector clients as member Espino and I have both done, we have probably a special appreciation for how hard that role can be. And I will stand second to no one in my respect and admiration for the job Mr. Harvey does. And where would we be in this process if Mr. Harvey had just said, thank you very much, but I really would decline to get involved in that. What would we be doing? So I wanna make my respect very clear and that will become more apparent when I find that necessary to say as we move on in considering what's in front of us. But let me just talk for a second about the money. I don't wanna get down that rat hole if we don't need to, okay? I'm not, disturbed by it at all. I don't feel it's necessary. I don't think the fact that, you know, it was going to be 50, but it was a typo and it ended up 30 and now it's 25, but there are some costs that go with it. I mean, I agree, you know, that's a distraction, okay? We need to keep our eye on the ball, which is to get this done and get it done right, and I don't wanna waste money, but it costs what it costs. I mean, the money is precious, but it costs what it costs. That said, we take grants from people all the time, and I like the fact that this said this was a grant. Okay? We take grants from people. I hope the public doesn't think that every time we take a grant that that's going to influence us. I still wouldn't be comfortable saying that this board should shirk our own responsibility to do this right. Now, if we don't take their money, I'm okay with that. It's not really in the scheme of things. It's not that much. If we want to think about it, and some people on the board seem to think it's a great idea, I just have, you know, I always try to find consensus wherever I can. I make it my business to see if we can pull together disparate views, and I wouldn't want to just take a check. If we were to consider it, and like I said, if we don't, I'm okay with that too. I think we should say to them, we'll accept it only as a grant, But we're not just going to have you write a check that if you want to match our expenses dollar for dollar so that we've got our skin in the game, that we're meeting our responsibility. And if you want, if we spend $10, you want to match the $10. And if we spend $10,000, you want to match the $10,000. But you're not funding that. We're driving this process. You're simply giving us a grant that's a matching grant. Just think about it. Like I said, honestly, I think that's a distraction. I don't think that's essential to what we have to discuss. Colleagues, we can come back to before or after or whatever and the date and a target. I mean, I'm happy to come back and talk about that when we're otherwise done, but... I must be not looking at this right, because I really am here tonight feeling like the red-headed stepchild of this board, okay? I don't get it. Now, before I make too much of a fool of myself, I've had the idea that I'm not looking at the right papers. I could swear that what got sent to me is the wrong document. And if that turns out to be right, and everything I'm talking about is just dumb and based on the fact that I can't recognize reality, please, somebody tell me so. But I don't get it. I'm looking at these action items. I'm gonna have a couple questions, Mr. Harvey, when we get that far, but I'm looking at these action items, and you know, as somebody said, there was an original May 7th that was supposed to reflect what the board had said. I don't understand why something that came out May 7th after our committee meeting then had to be changed to reflect a committee meeting from the day before. I don't get that. And we have another one that's for Monday from the 11th. It's down to two action items. Now, I saw that apparently this, what we all are calling this Denny's placement, was attached as the third document. Can anybody on the board or our council please tell me in action item number one or in action item number two, where it says that the attached third page is incorporated? Because I don't see where it says that we're adopting that in the things that are the action items. Dr. Gallen has impressed on me, look at the action items, and I don't see it. It's attached, but that doesn't mean it's included. I'm also tremendously unhappy based on the fact that what we're talking about did or didn't happen April 22nd when I know what I said and what I said and thought we left leaving thinking we'd supported and everybody is now telling me, oh no, that's not what it says, that's not what we voted. So where it says in both of these action items As discussed at the committee meeting on May 6th, delineated at the committee meeting on May 6th, that's both of them, a lot of stuff got said there, and I don't like that. That's vague. That's not clear. That doesn't tell us. I'm sorry that it's a lot of extra work, and like I said, we're blessed that Mr. Harvey's even willing to take his time with this, not what he got hired to do. And maybe that's work for the facilitator, but by God, I want everything that was supposed to be agreed to written down. clearly not as we talked about at a committee meeting because everybody talked about a whole lot of stuff at those committee meetings and Three of our members were not there So how is it reflective of? What the board wants to do if the meeting that they both refer to we didn't have everybody at That's not right now Those are not my big problems with this. Those are the minor things, okay? So please, somebody tell me if somehow I didn't get the right paper, because I... When I got it, it came out Monday, and I didn't get to read it until Tuesday at midnight when I got done with other stuff. And I looked at it and I said, is this like some kind of red line? And I'm not seeing it because I'm looking at it on an iPad and an iPhone, and if it's not a PDF, I can't read it. And the whole document's just redlined, and I'm looking at two versions ago, and I'm not reading the right thing. But... It seems that's not the case. Please tell me if this is the document that you guys have in front of you and save me from making a complete fool of myself. But what I'm looking at, the exhibit A to the revised proposal. Now, I looked at exhibit A to the original proposal. And that's a document that looked something like this, if everybody can see it. And it said draft, and it had down one column phase. And I heard a reference tonight. The general counsel was asked, well, wait a minute. Is this the four phase document? And I thought, where are those four phases that we're talking about? The Denny's chart, the placemat, is not broken into four phases. Anybody have this? I don't see four phases. I see three, four, five, six, seven, eight bullet points. That's not four phases. What are the four phases? Now, I go back to the May 7th, which again, puzzles me. The May 7th one says phase one, phase two, phase three, phase four, and then complimentary scholarship to HYA Transition Academy. I don't know what the heck that has to do with anything that we're even talking about. But this isn't the document that's still in front of us. This is the document that I have that was attached to the revised G3 board item. And it starts, you know, the other one started with the words cost and engagement structure, delivery of services, right? The old one. To me, the new one starts with the word exhibit A, HYA, Consulting services. Is that the document everybody else is looking at? Pardon? I can't, well, I know there's a form document that's in front of it.

Excuse me, through the chair, sir, please, through the chair.

Through the chair, is this the, I'm asking my colleagues, is this, I know there's a form document, but it says per attached exhibit A, is this the attachment?

I'm going to have general counsel, I asked a question that was similar, and it's the four remaining faces. The four remaining is what was explained, but I'm going to let the general counsel respond to your question because it's a viable question. I had the same one, trust me. And he gave me the explanation, which I would like for him to please share with you at this time. Mr. General Counsel, sir?

Yes, through the chair. So with regard to the agreement itself, the board does, I'm sorry, the board item does ask that the board approve it, but that was forwarded to the board under separate cover. There is a reference to four phases, it's four additional phases after tonight. There's four additional phases under with the placemat. So, and I should indicate, I think I may have shared this with some of you, after the meeting, there were a number of changes that were made, and so it was reflected in the item. There were some issues that arose as to the categories that had been allotted certain funding structure, and that didn't seem to work. And so that had to be reworked so that it fell consistent with the placemat that was prepared as well, which I think Mr. Espino had indicated in his comments. And so once they were consistent, and of course, I think the board also had some I think after he's spoken to some board members, he realized that there was some need for flexibility in terms of how this work was gonna be approached. So there were some changes made, which is reflected in the document that was sent to you on Monday. And that's the document, which is the exhibit A, which the rest of the contract is the same, but the scope of services, which references exhibit A, that was the change.

Through the chair?

Yes, sir.

Let me ask, Mr. General Counsel, is the Exhibit A that I have attached, I want to be sure I'm not looking at the wrong paper here, one that says proposal HYA consulting services and the first sub thing under it is purpose? Is that the right paper?

Yes. Mr. General Counsel, sir? Mr. General Counsel, please repeat the response.

Through the Chair, yes.

Okay, then, Madam Chair, my point is this. Leaving aside the fact that whatever phases are left from the placemat are not referenced in the action items one and two, it just says, as discussed at a committee meeting, which is, to me, inadequate, it says that there's authority to negotiate an agreement with HYA, but it doesn't say the specific one that's attached anywhere, and it doesn't reference the remainder of the timeline that, I mean, that paper is attached, but the action item doesn't include it. But here's the biggest problem. If I'm reading, like I said, maybe I'm not looking at the right thing. This Exhibit A, I understand it references, there's a form, but mostly that's a boilerplate contract. There's almost nothing in there that actually relates to this. There's two pages of Exhibit A, not the old one that had the four phases. I don't even see the word facilitator once. In exhibit a it just doesn't it doesn't say that's what they're doing. This says they're gonna provide consulting services to us focused on strengthening Governance practices. I don't ever remember talking about them helping us with our governance leadership alignment Communication, well, everybody has that. Effective decision-making processes, I don't remember asking for that help. That's not the facilitator process that Dr. Gowen mentioned. Yeah, make sure that the sign-in sheets get done properly. Scope of services may include strategic advising development of board governance protocols and operating norms, communication protocols for district leadership, guidance regarding roles and responsibilities, problem-solving strategies, individual consultation with board members, which I already objected to when we talked at the meetings, and district leadership, protocols for effective and transparent decision-making, leadership planning sessions, and ongoing advisory support about district needs. I don't remember asking for one of those things. And when it gets to fees and payment schedules, consulting services, it says, governance re-special projects. Governance? That's not what we asked. We asked for some help with a board-driven selection process. We're not hiring them to be strategic advisors, and it doesn't say that they're a facilitator anywhere here. Now, I got another little thing that maybe... when we talk about the date whenever we got to get there this also says by the way delivery of services for in-person days okay that's the only part of this whole contract that looks to me like it even has anything to do with our board superintendent selection process. But it also says all other work in the scope will be conducted virtually by, concluding on August 13th, 2026. Now, maybe we'll get done sooner. I'm a skeptic on that, but you know, we'll get done when we get done. We can talk about that. and maybe we'll slip and i heard i think it was board member alonso who said it might slip a week or two and i remember saying that we're our target was august 13th i think i used the words if it was labor day i wouldn't be terribly offended because that's two weeks But not two months. But let me say this. For what we're paying, and I don't want to quibble with the money, but if we need them longer than August 13th, Well, okay, I'm not going to use that phrase because I would offend Madam Chair and I always try not to. But let's just say, by God, I ain't paying another nickel if the process ain't done quite by that day. We're not getting another bill from them for what we're already paying. We can say we want the process concluded that day, but their services... For that kind of money, better be till we're done with the process and tell them they're done. I don't want to see another bill for that one. I don't even understand where these words came from. I don't want any help with board governance. I don't want any help with strategic planning. I want them to facilitate the work of our general counsel together with the chief HR officer and the board secretary to just facilitate our work. process the way we want to do it, and I don't like this attachment, and the action items need to incorporate what's left of that placemat, and it needs to say not an agreement, but the agreement that's in front of us that spells out whatever we're supposed to have talked about, if not voted or all agreed about May 6th. Now, if I'm crazy, please I could be crazy, wouldn't be the first time, but I don't get it. How'd this happen?

Thank you very much, sir. I believe everyone else has spoken already. I'm going to briefly, I've made a few comments, but I haven't really been able to speak. Yes, sir?

Yes, through the chair, just to clarify the agreement where it says scope of services, contractor shall provide services as set forth in the HYA facilitator support proposal attached here to and incorporate herein as exhibit A. Yes, thank you. And in addition to that, I mean, I'm not a subject.

I'm sorry, where does it say that, sir?

Excuse me, through the chair? Excuse me.

Through the chair right here on the scope of services on the first page of the document. And then secondly, I just want to underscore that I'm not a subject matter expert in this, I admit. But I think the board made it very clear that they were not looking for a search consultant. And HYA was very, very clear about making it making that also very, very clear that this is not a search consultant that's being retained. They're providing services to the board. He's gonna facilitate four visits to the district. He's gonna write reports. And I think he explained most of that at the committee as well as the board meeting. And obviously, the original proposal that he presented to the committee, that changed because of what was stated at committee. As far as incorporating the timeline, the board can incorporate the placemat by reference in either the board item or the recommend if the board wants. This is the board's document, as far as I'm concerned, so the board can take whatever action it deems appropriate. Thank you.

Thank you very much, and I was going to ask you to explain that, so I'm glad you did, because it is written down here in the document I received. I would like to first and foremost thank all of my colleagues for their comments, and I know we still have a couple more that are going to speak again. First and foremost for me, the integrity of the process cannot be questioned, should never be questioned in any way, shape, or form. And it is imperative that there is full transparency throughout this entire process. Where I'm a bit concerned is that efficiency is important to all of us, yet we have meetings and we agree to something and then we come back and we're changing something that we've already taken action on. The first time it was a workshop. And by the way, the placemat, I guess mine would have been from Pancake House. because the first one that I brought forth was one that addressed all of the issues related to the framework So it doesn't matter what you call it, whether you call it FACES or you call it whatever you wanna call it. The bottom line is that we need to have a framework to work out of. And then every single board member can make recommendations and then we either reach consensus or we vote it up or down and whatever the majority wants, that's what we do. But on actions that we've already taken, it's really important that we follow up accordingly because that is what is in the recommend. That is what counts. When that decision is made, that's an action that has been officially voted on by the nine members. And to that point, when we had committee, I was the one that said I felt very uncomfortable without three board members making any definitive decisions. However, I also said that at committee, we don't take action. That action is taken right here. And that's why I started asking for comments, from those three board members that were not present because I felt that they needed to have the first opportunity to give their comments since they were not able to attend with us. And we spent quite a long time at that committee meeting addressing a lot of these issues. One of them was the facilitator. I've heard a lot of talk about the facilitator, so I had it looked up. because I wanted to know exactly what is the definition of a facilitator? And that's a neutral person who guides a group through a structured process such as a meeting or workshop to help them communicate effectively to make decisions and achieve their goals. They focus on the process rather than the content. creating an environment that encourages collaboration, participation, and consensus. Key aspects of a facilitator include neutrality. They do not take sides, offer solutions, or take an active part in the discussion topic. Enabling process. They help a group work together more efficiently by setting agendas, managing time, and organizing decisions. Guiding, not leading. Unlike a teacher or presenter who manages knowledge, a facilitator aids people in arriving at their own insights and conclusions. And lastly, effective participation. They ensure that all voices are heard and that the group stays focused on the objectives. I read that because of so much going back and forth in reference to what is the facilitator. And I respect every one of my colleagues and understand that each one of us is here for the right decision. And to a point that was brought by Vice Chair Colucci, whom I respect fully. I am always very, very cautious as well. And yes, we have philanthropists that give us donations, whatever. We have the scholarships that we get from different groups. And I wanted to read this very carefully. And I'm gonna read this document, the letter that we received. And why am I gonna read it? I want it for the record to show why I am in support of this. It was from the Miami Foundation and it was written on May 13th, 2026. Dear honorable chair and members of the school board of Miami-Dade County, Florida, there are few jobs that matter more to the future of our community than one of our next superintendent. Thank you for being, I'm sorry, thank you for leading this process for our community. It is a tremendous responsibility I write to offer the continued support of the Miami Foundation as you navigate this important chapter. The Miami Foundation has stood in deep partnership with Miami-Dade County Public Schools since our founding in 1967. Our institutions work together in countless ways, including overseeing the CAP scholarship programs, which has enabled thousands of Miami-Dade County public school graduates to access higher education and wraparound support. During COVID-19, we partnered to ensure our students and our community had access to the internet. Together, through Arts Access Miami, we have enabled Miami-Dade County Public Schools to increase the number of students receiving high-quality arts education, both in and out of school. Right now, we're partnering on the Zero Drowning Initiative, which we all heard today, to teach all of our youngest students how to swim. Over decades, we have united to advocate for our students and co-sponsored countless initiatives as we both work towards building a better and stronger Miami. As you embark upon this search process, if you determine that additional resources would be valuable to enable your chosen facilitator to conduct a high-quality search, including candidate recruitment, vetting, or other needs, we stand ready to contribute a grant up to $50,000 to support your process while We obviously care deeply about you having a successful search. We do not seek to influence or to be involved in your process. And that was something I looked at very, very closely. That is your responsibility. And they're absolutely right. It's the nine board members that are sitting right here. And we understand the importance of shielding the search from outside influence. While I know some of you are deeply familiar with our work at the Miami Foundation, For those who are less directly connected, I want you to know that we exist to help all of Miami give back to their community. Last year, over 60,000 households gave back together with us on Give Miami Day, and nearly a thousand families and companies house their foundations under their umbrella. So we partner. We are not coming with an agenda or specific viewpoint in mind. We represent the vast and varied perspectives of our community at large. With that in mind, we are not here to sway your process, but to stand with you as friends and partners in whatever path you choose. And so this is the document that I read very, very carefully. And therefore, I felt that they're offering this to us. And again, it's whatever the majority of the board would like. I do, in this case, concur with Board Member Santos as well that this is something that I think would be beneficial to the process if deemed necessary. And if not, then fine. We thank them for the opportunity to help us in whatever way they could. And I also want to say before I call, just one second, the timeline. The August timeline for me is something that is very important for a plethora of reasons. I'm not going to go into them again. This was discussed extensively in several other meetings that we've had in the past. But for me, the August date is something that is important. And the other part is a finalist. In the previous search that we had, I did not interview all of the finalists, neither did my colleagues on the board. Where we publicly interviewed, the finalist was only for the three top finalists that we did publicly. The others, if you want to do that on your own, I think that's fine. But in our last case, and I thought that that was successful, we interviewed just the last three. It could be the last five or the top five, but not 20 people or 15 or 10 or five. I don't know how many people are going to apply. but i just want to see the top candidates and then the uh vetting process that's extremely important and that was alluded to earlier i'm not going to get into that nor am i going to be addressing other areas that have already been spoken about And so with that said, I know Board Member Gallant, sir, we've had everybody speak. And so now is the time for us to make a motion to either approve what is in front of us or make a motion to have friendly amendments included. That is up to the board. And so I open that up officially.

Through the Chair, I don't want to, at this point, first dive into emotion, but because of the admiration and respect I have for all of my colleagues, I'm often constrained by collegiality. I'm constrained by collegiality. If people know me, they know me. And I'm a good guy, I'm a decent guy, I'm a nice guy. But in some cases, collegiality kinda have us circling the wagon. Just wanna comment on a few things. The $30,000 has come up. I wanna say for the record, kudos to Mr. Harvey. Again, we have a nationally respected firm that has accepted the offer as the facilitator And I think through the chair, for those of us who know, and I know, $30,000 is not a deal, it's a steal. And we, in life, in marriages, I'm not married, but in relationships, we make time, we find the dimes for what we want to find them for. And I submit that if I, explored what contractual agreements have been issued in this district that exceeded $30,000 for a decision that is nowhere near as consequential as this, it would be a real story. I got receipts. And I'm constrained by collegiality, so I navigate to land on consensus. So $30,000 for those who know, who know the landscape, and I think Board Member Geller kind of alluded to it to some extent, but the landscape of $30,000 for a consultancy agreement regarding a superintendent search in the third largest school district in the nation is minuscule. And I'm saying that as a person who has been a part of a search, and as a person who presently serves as a consultant on searches, I would probably have asked for more money. So this is a great steal. We will always find a fiscal reason for not doing what we don't want to do. And I'm just putting that out there. If it was $20,000, we would probably, if we don't want to do that, it would be $20,000 too much. If it's $10,000, we don't have the money, because it doesn't align with what people want to do, and I respect that. But at this particular point, the will of the board prevailed that we voted for a facilitator. And I want to kind of keep that at the forefront. Number two, part of my collegiality deals with the timeline. I was out the gate that I felt that the timeline was not consistent with what I would have supported, and it's not supported by research, it's not supported by best practices, it's not supported by circumstances, and it's not supported by professional and administrative logic. But guess what, that was the will of the board. And I keep coming back to Board Member Geller, he mentioned target, aspirational, fine, but I am a consensus builder, so I have not gone back on that. I'm not trying to retread that. I'm not gonna litigate that again. That's the target date, that's where we are. As it relates to the 30,000, we could either be a penny wise or a pound foolish, my late father would say. And I have my thoughts on the representation for the donation and I'll kinda just end with my comment on that when I do get to that. I agree, Madam Chair, and I want to thank my colleague, Board Member Espino. I'm about sick of the word Denny's placemat, and y'all don't know Denny's on Biscayne is closed now, closed down. Yeah, it just closed down recently. It's a historical place. I wasn't at the meeting, but I kept hearing on my earplugs the Denny's placemat. I'm like, what the hell is this Denny's placemat? But, you know, I appreciate the effort to incorporate this, and I do agree that it is closely aligned with some of the things the initial item came with in the timelines, but we're here now. We're here now. And I'm not trying to retread that, because we agree that we wanna move forward, not backwards, and not relitigate things that this board has already voted on. But that being said, there's always a risk of these things kinda coming in, because you're not gonna get everything you want. Everybody's not gonna be satisfied. That's part of consensus. So a facilitator is just that, and through the Chair, I don't want to diminish Mr. Harvey's efforts, and I know that was never the intent, but when I look at the document, the Exhibit A, I received it, Board Member Geller and colleagues, as a proposal. You've done proposals. I do proposals. I've been fortunate over the last couple of weeks. They've gotten accepted. But guess what? Maybe they take out this scope. Maybe they take out that scope. They negotiate certain things. But I receive this as a framework, a proposal for the services. Now, what I would have done if it were me, that's my language, Maybe in the first line, HYA led by Adam Lechner will provide consultancy services as a facilitator in the superintendent search currently to the Miami-Dade County Public Schools. That one line brought through the chair of Mr. Harvey would assuage anything that subsequently follows.

Yes, sir.

Scope of services, it explicitly says services may. doesn't say shall, may include, but are not limited to. Now, we could spend another 45 minutes, and I've done it already, I can dissect how each of these particular bullet points, although not explicit, are contiguous to a superintendent search. I really can. Some less than others, I will concede. But when you talk about strategic advice and counsel to the board, that's fine. Governance and protocols and operating norms, if you've not been a part of a superintendent search, you may not know what the protocols and frameworks should be, not getting into the day-to-day, not necessarily dealing with certain things, et cetera, et cetera. up to foreign persons day initial framework discussion with the school board regarding the superintendent search on may 7th and 8th i would have laced that with that kind of language but in a proposal i think we can extrapolate what we want what we don't want and maybe the proposal mr lettner made it more general than specific that's that's the proposer's prerogative but the contractor being the board has an opportunity to dissect this and say okay we want more meat on this bone or we want something that's more explicit so i don't necessarily take exception with it being as a proposal not a contract and obviously i would believe through the chair that mr harvey would have incorporated any feedback on the proposal on the proposal before he folds it into a contract based on what we talk about Number five, I know there was some discussion about the interview. There's value in terms of a community interview that we can do together because we build off of the questions we ask and the responses we get and don't get. I think that's important that we cannot interview candidates together outside of the sunshine. Once their names hit Board Member Alonso, it's public information. And this is not, I don't wanna diminish our colleagues across the country, but this is the third largest school district in the nation. And we probably would get some heavy hitters and they know how to navigate that process. And we've had that particular situation here where our former superintendent was reportedly, that was a meeting I didn't go to. I was home watching. reportedly offered a position to the largest school district in the nation, and he didn't accept it. But those things happen. Those things happen. I have my own opinion about that, but that's the past. I'm looking toward the future. Last but not least, Madam Chair, through the chair, you know, there are some questions around the grant and the timing of it, and they're very reputable and everything else. And, you know, I think if I were to patch up, we all could probably nine times, five times nine is what, 5,000 apiece. We could probably jointly come up with $45,000 and Board Member Geller probably put an extra 15,000 in it and get us to 60,000. and make it a donation and write it off on our taxes or whatever the case may be. That may cause a bit of consternation, so I'm kind of comfortable with where we are now and see where we go and if that is going to come in potentially as a grant I think it should not be conflated with this issue and come in through the grant process such as an E201 in the event that we need that subsequently so it doesn't appear to come in the night before this meeting and all of a sudden we're acting on that particular issue or recommending staff do that. For the optics, for the transparency, and what will happen is we may get a $50,000 grant offer from this company and maybe somebody else may offer $100,000. And then the board will want to deliberate it and not conflate it within the confines of this, because you're correct. I've been big on that. Perception is reality. And people are watching this now saying, well, I'll donate $5,000. I can donate $10,000 and things of that nature. So I just think not to conflate that with this particular item, because I was hoping that we vote on the authorization for Mr. Harvey to identify, finalize at least as much as we can the scope for the facilitator and not pretty much conflate on a whole other issue relative to the cost. The cost that the Board acted on was $30,000. Is that the action that the Board took? That's approved. And if there's some additional need next month, six weeks from now, if somebody wants to submit a grant, they have the right to do that through a donation, I'm sorry, through the chair. A donation, they can submit it through the proper channels. and it could be voted on as a grant for the explicit purposes on an E-201. Those are my thoughts, but I think at some point I would like us to vote on a proposal and give Mr. Harvey direction to go to a contract. Thank you, Madam Chair.

Thank you, Board Member. Thank you, and to your point that you just brought up with reference to E-201, that was discussed today. I discussed that with our board attorney because they want to help, but again, Going through E201 is an option that when we discussed was a very viable one and probably a better one because of the very reasons that have been addressed. Yes, and it could only be used for the purpose that it is addressed. It's just like us when we were principals, when we got donations to our special purpose account, we needed to use it specifically for whatever the donor wanted that monies to go to. So if he wanted it for field trips, I could not use it to buy a cake for birthday parties. It would have to be used for whatever purpose was identified. And so the E201 conversation was definitely had and I think would be a great option for us to consider. Vice Chair Calucci, I know you wanna speak, Board Member Blanco, Board Member Espino, Board Member Santos, I'll get to everybody.

Thank you, Madam Chair, and I do want to state for the record that I am truly appreciative of all grants that we get. That is, for the record, why I'm very, very, very appreciative. Miami Foundation has done an amazing job throughout the course of its existence with Miami-Dade County Public Schools. what i brought to the table were the optics which dr gallon again reiterated perception becomes reality so we have to proceed very cautiously with that has there ever through the chair been a grant for the selection of the superintendent does anyone have the answer to that

through the chair, just to answer. I won't speak to the history here, because the recent history I know is not there, but I do know that foundations throughout the nation, I'm thinking, for example, of Rockefeller, who funded at 100 different municipalities a position And even I've learned that our mayor's office actually has received funding from the foundation to be able to conduct a search at a time of fiscal constraint. So I won't speak for MDCPS, but I know there are examples of community foundations who are known as very objective third parties without an agenda other than civic improvement to do that in other places.

Thank you, and I'm very well aware that they are very, very noble and are very engaged in civic involvement, but my question was specifically to Miami-Dade County Public Schools. Has there ever been a grant through the chair?

I'm gonna have the general counsel respond to that.

Through the chair, I'm not aware of any instances. Of course, there might be a history that I'm not aware of, so.

Okay, thank you, thank you, I just wanted that clarity. And again, I will state for the record that I do want to be very clear All of the grants that we have received are for educational purposes, are for students, so I'm very grateful for that. However, I'm very, very leery and very hesitant of accepting any grant when it comes towards our responsibility of choosing and selecting the superintendent, as Board Member Gallin said very clearly. The board, the will of this board was to have an independent facilitator, and I think it is incumbent upon us to fund that. Thank you.

Thank you, Vice Chair Calucci. Board Member Santos. Thank you, Madam Chair.

I've been hearing all the discussion and want to, again, always try to bring us in for a landing as we all want that. So Board Member Geller, point well taken. I think Dr. Gallin clarified that it's a proposal, it's not a final contract. would be done through the next step. So I took the liberty in trying to ensure that what we're discussing, which is that currently the action recommends don't incorporate specifically our Denny's placemat, which we're coming to some agreement on, I workshopped some language just to make sure that that's very clear. Obviously, we have to agree on the final few points to tune in on our agreement on that placemat, but I think this language would allow us to do that. There are minor adjustments to Recommend 1 and 2. I've shared with my colleagues if you want to discuss, but just to try to bring it in. And then I do hear the point related to E201 and the idea is really that if the funds are not needed, they're not needed and we shouldn't use them, absolutely agree with that. If we come to a place and specifically where I came from in my original comments was around the incorporation of recruitment. Recruitment is very clearly outlined in HYA as not included in the current proposal. And if we wanna have any kind of support there, we are gonna need additional funds. And that's the one place where, I don't know that it's up to 50,000, but we would need to have the ability to spend a little more to include recruitment, which was the most important part to me. So that, I think if we work out our remaining concerns on the Denny's placemat, then we could vote on language that incorporates it into the action recommends, which is what I propose here. Thank you.

Thank you. I have Board Member Espino.

Thank you. Thank you, Madam Chair. I'm going to take Board Member Gallin's comments in reverse, because I did connect with many of them. I resonated with many of them. Look, the Miami Foundation, and I go back since 2014, as a matter of fact, but for the Miami Foundation, I would not have known Board Member Santos before this. I went to the Miami Fellows Program. I consider that an extension of my professional development, my upbringing, so to speak. I think they're pledging the funds in the most altruistic fashion possible, but I just don't like what it says about us saying that in the most important decision, and by the way, let me just say also, quantify, couch this, is that I understand being fiscally prudent, I really do, but we are here now, and I don't like the message says that if we wanna get somewhere, we can't find the money to do it, because we are investing in ourselves, we are investing in the leadership of this district, and if we are 15, 20 grand short, I'll tell you right now, when that comes up at that point, I'm willing to support it. part of my issue with this is that it's not ripe. It's not, I don't find it to be ripe. I don't know that it needs to be part of this calculation because we have an opportunity to address that coming forward if all of a sudden it says, and by the way, I had this conversation with Mr. Lichtner where I said there was a proposal. You saw that we, pursuant to our framework, had advanced. He had to recalibrate. I specifically said there was a consensus to have recruitment and it had to be included and that to readjust the action items, whatever we call them here, the deliverables for this project. There is the perception that first and foremost, well, we needed a foundation to come in and do the job that we were supposed to do. I think there's a perception that says we may not say it publicly, but what kind of conversation in the background of the Miami Foundation or anybody else that gives money in this process is going to have with us. And some of my people see that as undue influence. During committee meeting, I said this may not have been pretty, but we've done every step of this process as public as possible. We've made the sausage. Everyone could see at every second of every video where a decision was made, whether you agreed, didn't disagree. So I right now, I'm not. willing to proceed with a motion that incorporates this action. If we want to take it as a separate item, we can take it as a separate item. But I would not like to see that. Going to sort of the meat and potatoes of why we're here, I saw it as, Board Member Gallin saw it. That is to say, trying to adjust on the fly a scope based on the changes that were made today. I agree. this proposal as a facilitator to the superintendent, as a facilitator to the superintendent search and then for delivery of services pursuant to this framework, you say that and we've got dates, we've got action items, we've got deliverables, we've got sort of coordinating services that I do agree with you. You tease these out and you're like, well, there's coordination between the departments and you do these other things. Some of these things are essentially a value added that if we wanted them to do them, He'd say, hey, it's going to cost you extra. And we'd say, all right, we don't want it. We don't want it. I don't want the extra mud flaps on the truck. But I think that we can get there. And as I mentioned, I think that's why in committee we did framework first and then the agreement, because the framework was going to guide his work. So insofar as the framework, the only comment I've heard, the two comments I've heard to shift it were, The screening window from June 11th to June 30th, which it's time frame, it's just there, I don't see an issue with it, and the background check. So if there's... Right, as soon, I mean, so, Board Member Gallant had mentioned the fact that there was language as soon as can be facilitated, whereas, I mean, I take as soon as can be facilitated. to mean both forward in time and backwards in time. Because if it's not practical, if we make decisions, as soon as can be done would be after August 13th. If there isn't an acceleration of time, which there really isn't that much time to accelerate in this process. So, I mean, I don't know, Board Member Geller, when we use the term as soon as can be facilitated, as soon as commercially practicable, it basically, it's a flexible term that's intended to say when you can get to it.

Just just I'll be quiet through the chair We had a lot of discussion about July and when we had the August 13th that took July off the table The way the language is it keeps you off the table I can't support something that to the perception of the public July or sometime prior to August 13th is still on the table and that's something that I'm adamant about so so how about as soon as can be facilitated in August or

So let's just put that in bracket insofar as the framework is concerned, how to address the asterisks on August 13th. But other than that, I think that we can get there with that final adjustment and a motion on both of those two things.

All right, I have Board Member Blanco who is waiting and then I'll call you Board Member Geller, sir.

Thank you, Madam Chair. Yes. And I appreciate in the beginning you gave me an opportunity to speak because I wasn't at committee and I've been able to hear more, right? So there's obviously a few things that I want to say. Before I get to, I guess what, you know, we've been saying as the meat and potatoes, I'll talk about, you know, the offer from the foundation. And I just, I'm gonna go on the record, I do not feel comfortable including that with this item. They are great partners. I've met with their letter, Listed several of the different ways in which they've supported our students. There's even more that I think weren't listed there that that I'm aware of But I just think you know, we've talked about perception is someone's reality we have been stressing the word independent we want this to be independent and to Dr. Gallin's point and collegiality. I think the three years I've been here, I think you've seen me to be very collegial. And when I mentioned the thing, the contract and the $30,000, it's because I have been the one to be attempting to be as fiscally responsible, right? And so it was my duty when I'm the one that brought up the 30,000 to bring that up. When I mentioned that, the facilitator had not been added. And so I think that was a fair number. Now, you're absolutely right. We have voted. We voted for a facilitator. I'm not going to hold this up because of a $30,000. That's fine. But I felt that I needed to make the comment, you know? Just like the H2 item that we voted on has language that subsequently has been included, right? I did want to just kind of echo what board member Geller said, because when I looked at exhibit A, I was so confused, I almost couldn't even dissect it. And at the end, I was like, what are they even doing for us? So thank you for putting into much better words what I was just trying to do as I stared at the paper. And I think like, you know, yes, they can put all of those things and I'm sure all of those things are in some way will happen, but I couldn't agree more with you, Board Member Espino. It just needs to say that they will facilitate what's on our timeline. That's it. I do have a question for you. for general counsel because I had that draft, right? That had the itemized 9,000, 5,000. Now on this exhibit A, it seems to me that we're going to be billed by hour and then by day that they are on site. Is that accurate through the chair?

Yes, through the chair they would bill by the hour and up to the $25,000 bill.

But, okay, and then through the chair, what happens when we hit the $25,000 but we still need them?

Through the chair, that's it. They cannot bill any more than the $25,000. So through the chair,

when I look at Exhibit A, I'm not comfortable having a lot of this language for things that we didn't ask for or we didn't want, to Board Member Geller's point. So I understand that some of these things might become part of the role, but I don't wanna be billed for something that I didn't specifically ask for. And so, I, I don't know how I can vote on a proposal that I'm going to be billed by hour, and I really truly don't know what I'm being billed for, especially when it says may include but not limited to. So what if they say, well, I had to do all of this, and I say, well, no, you didn't, because we have a board-prescribed timeline. We didn't ask you to do that.

So through the chair, they do bill by the hour, but they have to submit a billable hour to the district. It has to be reviewed by myself and by several other entities within the district before it's signed off and paid as being related to the services that they contracted with.

So through the chair, follow-up? Yes, ma'am. So before they perform the work, they will say, to do this, this, and this, it's going to take us this many hours. Is this approved through the chair? Is that what I'm understanding?

Yes, Mr. General Counsel, sir.

Yes, through the chair, generally, they give you an estimate of what... this work's gonna entail. They do not, first of all, it may be less than $25,000. That is a possibility. That's one of the reasons for revising it, because some of the categories didn't quite fit. But yes, with all hourly contracts under state law, they have to be reviewed by a number of people, including finance, et cetera, to make sure that they meet the requirements of the contract.

Okay, so follow up through the chair. Yes. So we would authorize things before they complete the work and they have to tell us, right? I just want to make that clear.

Mr. General Counsel.

So through the chair, no one can get paid unless there's a contract.

Right, okay. And through the chair, maybe I just need to clarify. If the first thing on our timeline Post position with desired criteria. Will they let us know and say, that's going to take me one hour, that's going to be $300? Do I have your approval to do that?

Yes, through the chair, there'll be that communication.

Okay. And through the chair, follow up, the one that would be authorizing would be yourself and the staff that's working, that the facilitator's reporting to?

Yes, through the chair, me, and I'll probably consult with HR as well.

Okay, thank you. And so again, this is not about not being collegial, okay? And as I said, when we agreed, when we changed it to the 30,000 from the 50,000, facilitator had not been added, right? So that's fine. Just for the record, I do know the import, I do understand the importance of this and I've talked about it and of course I'm not going to nickel and dime and limit us to something because we have this 30,000. But throughout the process, I am going to urge us to be as fiscally responsible as possible. And then I really would just like to finalize G2, right? I think we need to have a recommend one that, we ensure that the contract is going to have the language that Dr. Gallin incorporated, that this is to facilitate the process of the search of superintendent according to our timeline. And then I think we need to make sure, and it sounds like we've reached some agreement on that timeline, and let me just say this, because I know there seems to be some consternation on the item, or the wording, as soon as, and this version doesn't have it. or as soon as can be facilitated. Again, we voted. We didn't vote for July, that's fine. I've moved on from that. So when I use that language, that's not why I said it. Today I said we have a board meeting August 12th. And so that's why, in my mind, that language is there because if we're ready, when we have a date already to take action, it leaves us flexible. If you only leave August 13th, we're tied to a date. And maybe we go back to the original language that Board Member Colucci had said, a target date. But I'm honestly, it's a little frustrating that we have voted on things, the H2 item has that language, and we continue to come back to things that have already been voted on. And this is not about, I need those words there. This is just to understand that those words is not trying to move this up a month. I'm not there. We've already voted, and we know that we're looking at a target of August. But when I have an August 12th board meeting and we have a date of August 13th, I'm open to the language or before, and I'm really just thinking one day. Those are my comments.

Thank you. Yes, I have. Yes, sir. I'm going to call you now because you've been waiting. And I know, Dr. Gallin, did you just want to respond to that?

Just the August 13th date. Let's just put it out there. The August 13th date was salient because it dealt with the opening of schools. full stop and any notion any effort any uh exploration of trying to name a superintendent prior to august 13th which is the opening of schools was something that i thought we reached consensus on that we were not going to do so that's why that date was mentioned through the chair thank you board member geller sir so i'd like to

move us forward a little bit. I just want to talk for a minute first about money. And as far as I'm concerned, let's not have it in our heads that we're going to get away for $22,963 instead of $25,000, which is the limit for the consulting services and the agreement that Mr. Harvey very carefully negotiated for us, and maybe some more for some of their costs, that's fine. I don't think we should be locked into any kind of hourly anything, because as I said, I don't wanna find out that we hit our quote target date, but we have a couple more weeks of work, and that they're gonna give us another bill. Let's just flat fee it. Okay, the amount is 25,000 plus some costs. And for that, they are to finish the project, get it done, get it over, get us across the finish line, whether it's a month early or a month late, whether it's a day early or a day late. I don't want to, you know, lose focus here. So looking at what Board Member Santos very helpfully gave us, I want to separate the third recommend on here from the other two. This is the one about the money, okay? I love the Miami Foundation. I think I might have worked with them longer than anybody up here back in the day, okay? Because I remember when they were getting going and I've known people who work there and were leaders there and they're great. My suggestion though, it's a serious suggestion, but I have to say, colleagues, it is a little tongue in cheek. I'm ready to move to tell them that at this time we do not need their assistance provided that everybody who votes in favor of that, by the way, not tell them, you know, say it graciously and we'll never know where we get down the road, but I'm ready to move that so we can quit talking about that provided that everybody who votes for it doesn't complain about what the search costs us to get it done. We're taking that off the table from now on. We're authorizing, I think, 25,000 flat fee, but we come back to that, and costs. And if we need more money, we'll vote more money. And if somebody gives us a grant, we'll see about that down the road. So I would make that motion to separate number three and vote that down as long as all of you promise if you vote for it, you're not gonna complain about another $5,000 or something down the road. And I'm ready to make that as a motion.

Just point of order, Madam Chair. The Miami Foundation has not been proffered as a motion at this particular point, so it's not on the table.

Well, let me say, I'm ready to, as we have three action items, I want to separate number three and make it. I'm ready to make the motion through the chair.

Board Member Geller, through the chair, sir, please.

Yes, ma'am. There's no other way to do it than through the chair, Madam Chair. Whether I say it or not, it's all through the chair because it doesn't move without the chair. Thank you.

Board Member Gallin. Board Member Gallin, through the chair, please. Through the chair, Madam Chair. Thank you. These recommendations for amendment, they've not been put on the table as of yet.

Yes, sir, and that's why, through the chair, that's why as a point of order back at you, I'm ready to make a motion on the money.

My motion is that we- And in all fairness, I know Board Member Espino was the one that had originally had said he wanted to make a motion. but I'm gonna go, I'm gonna let you do it, but originally he was the one and I said wait until everybody makes.

My motion would be that we thank the Miami Foundation profusely and tell them that at this time we do not require those funds, but if that changes, we'll let them know and Everybody who votes for it, cross your fingers behind your back and say I will not complain if we need a few more dollars down the road to do this on our own. That's my motion.

Is there a second? Yes, sir. Second for discussion.

It was a rather colorful motion. Discussion comes after a second.

We don't have a second. Did you second it? I'll second it for discussion, and I just want to remind us out here as it's 8.37 p.m., we are discussing and arguing about something that is .000714% of our budget. All right, guys? That's the purpose.

Excuse me, sir? Thank you. This will be orderly, as I said from the beginning. I will not tolerate anything else. We will follow the protocol that we have in place. So therefore, at this point,

thank you madam chair um again i'm gonna go off of g3 and g3 has two action items um i don't i don't what was submitted is is uh just point of order if you may i i think he made a motion and it was seconded we're gonna have to do that through the chair if i made one point of information and clarification

He made a motion. It was seconded. It's up for discussion. Board Member Santos provided a motion, but it was never moved. So I just I don't want to go down the road of what I looked at at the last tape. We had multiple motions on the table. So I just, through the chair, recommend that we dispose of these as they come in so that we can do this cleanly and efficiently and orderly pursuant to Robert's rules. Thank you, Madam Chair.

Yes, we have a motion on the table right now from Board Member Geller.

Point of clarification, I don't know what that motion was exactly.

Board Member Geller, repeat your motion, sir, which was seconded by Roberto Alonso. Discussion took place, Board Member Alonso spoke, and now we're gonna dispose of your motion after you repeat it because Board Member Espino does not know what your motion is.

The motion is that we... Very politely thank the Miami Foundation for their very kind offer and tell them that at this time we do not require that assistance. And that would be the motion. And then the tongue-in-cheek is cross your fingers and quit complaining about the money in the future if you vote for this. Got it.

All right. All in favor say aye. Madam Chair, discussion. We had discussion.

I haven't asked my question on this motion that's on the table currently. I know we're going to start disposing of motions. So the question I have is, maybe it's clarification through the general counsel. I talked about recruitment as an important service offered in this contract, and currently that is not included in the discussed 30,000. And so for me, the reason I even would consider this additional support is one of the services at this point today that I think are important be included and authorize our general counsel to go included in agreement goes beyond the 30,000. So that is what, so point of clarification to the general counsel, if we wanted to include recruitment services, that ability to have the conversation with people before they apply to this firm's contract, is that included in the 30,000 through the chair, or would that be a separate fee?

Through the chair, that would be a separate fee.

Thank you. So with that clarity, to me, that became an important point of consensus where I did hear that some, there were enough board members who said we want some recruitment support. If we don't, have additional dollars that is not included and so that is an important support service that i think is important i may be in the minority we can vote on it but that is one of the reasons i would like to give the council with enough flexibility direction that if that if we want that because it is on the denny's placemat right now it is on there it does say recruitment And so if he's gonna go and execute this framework that says recruitment, but the fees are gonna go beyond the 30,000 because it's not included, then how is he supposed to do that? That's where the 50,000 to me came.

Through the chair, if I may respond. Yes, go ahead. Thank you. First of all, there's a bunch of other stuff in there that we are supposedly paying for that we didn't tell them we want. So that shouldn't be a problem. Second of all, I'm not really 100% sure, I'm so clear, I want them doing recruitment for us. I think enough people are gonna apply regardless, but if we wanna get some assistance, I don't want them deciding for us who's going to apply and weeding out the field for us. That's our job. But as far as I'm concerned, we're giving them a lump sum. And whatever we want included, we'll tell them what we want included. And if they don't want the job under those circumstances, we can find somebody else. We're paying them Well, I agree with Dr. Gallen. It's not excessive. It's appropriate. But if they don't want to do what we want for the money we're willing to give them, I think we could do without it.

All right, Board Member Santos.

Thank you, through the Chair, it was clearly outlined in their original proposal that that's a significant amount of work hours and to do it well, and again, maybe in the minority, I think it is important to get the kind of quality candidate and pool we want to get to if we leave it up to ourselves to do all of the recruitment. We will miss out on candidates that are in this world, but we do not know about, and that's fine. I may be in the minority. I would like to know those candidates. I would like to have a very strong candidate pool. I would like support on recruitment, which is why it was clear to me in all the documents we received that that would need additional support.

Thank you, Board Member Gowen.

Yes, through the chair, just through the chair, through the chair. Yes. For clarification, and I looked at, Board Member Espino wants me to say the Denny's placement. I'm not gonna say it. I looked at the document, and you're right, Board Member Santos, but I would like to clarify based on experience. In number four, it says launch recruitment campaign. That is distinct from recruitment services. And the recruitment services that is intentional that you're describing does incur some additional costs. I went through that process. And you're not in the minority on that desire, but at the onset when it was decided that we would not have a search firm, the board ruled that we won't have a search firm. So that's where I was. I thought that we would have wanted to do that, but I concede to the will of the board at the time when we had the first workshop. But the search firm, the recruitment services is very exhaustive. I could just tell you through the chair. They flew me to Chicago. I met in a hotel by the airport. about five or six different consultants, a whole series of things from different districts, and they go through a whole process that is quite extensive, and that's recruitment services. What's reflected on this document is Launch Recruitment Campaign, and I did hear on the meeting that they agreed to put it on their website, and I thought that was the basic what they're gonna provide through that. I just wanna make that distinction from what you're thinking, and you're correct. Recruitment services is extensive. Launching the recruitment campaign is pretty much a perfunctory activity through the chair.

Thank you, Board Member Blanco.

Thank you, Madam Chair, and Dr. Galland, you kind of jumped in. That's pretty much exactly what I was gonna say, right? We keep talking about, we're going back to things we've already voted on. We've already said no search firm, and I'm gonna reiterate something I have said, and I wasn't at committee to be able to comment on this, is we are the third largest district. Anyone who wants to be a superintendent of Miami-Dade County Schools knows that we are looking for a superintendent. I mean, that in and of itself is the cheapest advertisement that we have because we are a well-known district, we are a large district. If somebody wants this position, they are aware of the fact that we are looking. And so when I look at the superintendent search framework, And I look at the launch of the recruitment campaign to put something on their website that is included. And so I think we should be okay on that. Thank you.

All right, at this time, I'm calling the question. No, but before we proceed, I have to dispose of Board Member Geller's. So we're gonna first do that. At this point, Board Member Geller proposed his motion. It was seconded by Board Member Alonso. We had discussion, and now we're gonna vote it up or down. All those in favor of Board Member Geller's item, say aye. Aye. Aye. Any opposed? Nay.

Say nay.

Anyone? Okay, so you're a nay. Yes. Okay. All right, then we are going to now open up for the next motion.

Thank you, Madam Chair. Going back to G3.

G3 revised.

Okay. I'd like to move to approve... G3 as written with a couple provisos. Number one, that it is pursuant to our framework with two modifications, that the screening window on number five is June 11th to June 30th, and that it also includes background. And that while it does reference May 6th, that this continues to be in line with the protocols and procedures we approved on H2 on April 22nd. The last thing I'll say is that General Counsel is to come back to us for additional funding if that is necessary at a future date. So just to summarize it one more time, it's motion to approve G3 with one being approval of the facilitator scope pursuant to the framework with the two changes I made on the screening category, and that this is in line with our May 6th deliberations as well as in line with H2 on April 22nd. And that refers to both number one and number two insofar as being in line with H2 on April 22nd. So it's, I'm sorry? 29th, I'm sorry, did I say 22nd?

It's G3 revised.

Point of information, Madam Chair, through the Chair?

Yes. To the board member Espino. Are you keeping it as being payable on some kind of an hourly basis, or are you addressing that at all? Because I think that that was laid out somewhere, or are you interested in changing it to just a flat fee?

What it says right now, for clarification, is that it's a budget not to exceed $30,000 for the entire scope of work. I mean, if you want me to clarify and tighten that up, essentially the job is supposed to be done for $30,000, not to exceed. And if for some reason there is a shortfall for travel or something to that effect, they can come back to us.

Just to clarify. Through the chair, sir. Through the chair, Madam Chair. Through the chair. My question is that are you there saying, addressing the fact that if you decide to go flat fee, that we are paying them until the job is done, because I don't think that's specified in what we have, and is that something you're including or not? This is what they're getting paid, and they gotta finish for that amount of money.

I'll accept that.