School Board - Regular Meeting

Good morning and welcome to the January 14th, 2026 meeting of the Miami-Dade County School Board. Please stand as Board Member Bendros-Mendigal leads us in the Pledge of Allegiance. 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. Pursuant to its policies, proposed board member resolutions will be presented at 11 a.m. The board will then reconvene the regular public meeting, including other hearings, in accordance with the 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 the 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. If a quorum is not present, then no votes will be taken. The votes on the supplemental speakers list will be reserved once there is a quorum of five members who are present. Today we have three board member resolutions that are going to be presented, but will be voted on once upon there is a quorum of five members, and I believe we just have the quorum right now. Do I hear a motion for approval of the supplemental list of speakers to the resolutions? Is there a second? All in favor say aye. Any opposed, nay. Thank you, motion passes. We have three board member resolutions on today's agenda. Do I hear a motion to move agenda items B3, B4, and B5 to the floor? Do I have a second? All in favor say aye. Aye. Any opposed nay? Thank you, motion passes. Do I hear a motion to approve these items? Move it. Is there a second? All in favor say aye. Aye. Any opposed nay? Motion passes. We will now have those board members present their resolutions. pursuant to Board Policy 0165, whenever practicable, as determined by the Board Chair, presentations that include students should always occur prior to any other presentations during this portion of today's meeting. Our first presentation will be B4. B4 is a request for approval of resolution number 26-002 of the School Board of Miami-Dade County, Florida, recognizing community member. At this time, I do not have any speakers that have signed up to speak on this item, so hearing no speakers, Board Member Santos, this is your board item, so please present it at this time, thank you.

Thank you so much, Madam Chair, and I will begin as I have our wonderful honorees join me up here. Today I am honored to present Resolution 26-002 to a very special group of passionate and well-deserving leaders in our community. These individuals coming up behind me actively uphold our collective responsibility to defend human dignity and cultivate moral courage. They encourage young people to connect present injustices to past conditions and work toward a future that honors our shared humanity. Please join me in honoring three incredible organizations in their extraordinary dedication to educating students about the Holocaust and preserving our community's collective memory. Today, I'm honored to be joined by these remarkable leaders and educators, and I'm gonna start in order. So from 3G Miami and the Holocaust Memorial Miami Beach, we are joined, and when I call your name, feel free to give a wave or step forward. We are joined by Stephanie Rosen, Julie Peresky, the co-founders of 3G Miami. We are also joined by Sherry Esve, the Chief Executive Officer of the Holocaust Memorial Miami Beach, along with their outstanding education team, Hageet Pfefferman, Karen Prado, Jennifer Weisfish, and Danielle Parade-Levy. Through its 3G Miami educational program, the Holocaust Memorial Miami Beach brings the voices of the grandchildren of Holocaust survivors directly into classrooms across South Florida. Since 2021, the program has reached more than 18,000 students, weaving personal family stories with historical instruction and ensuring that survivors' legacies are not only remembered, but carried forward across generations. Secondly, we have the treasure that is Dr. Miriam Kasanoff, the founder. She is the founder of the University of Miami Holocaust Teacher Institute and our very own District Holocaust Education Specialist. Dr. Kasanoff is herself a childhood Holocaust survivor who has dedicated her career to serving our students. Please join me in thanking and honoring Dr. Kasanoff. And a little bit about the program, of course. Founded in 2001, the University of Miami Holocaust Teacher Institute provides essential professional development for K-12 educators, equipping them with the tools to teach the Holocaust with accuracy, care, and ethical responsibility. And on a personal anecdote, we know a couple of teachers who have been through this program and have always said how life changing. It is, and certainly I think the teachers I was blessed to have in our schools had to have gone through it because they did a fantastic job. Incredible, 150,000 plus. Thank you so much, Dr. Kasanoff. From Holocaust Impact Theater, our wonderful third organization, we have Ms. Ruth Gordon, the founding executive producer, and Mr. Russ Gordon, the co-executive producer, along with their talented staff and students who are here today. And through original student-led theatrical production, the Holocaust Impact Theater brings history to life, engaging hearts and minds while exploring the consequences of intolerance, the importance of civic engagement, and the power of empathy. And I was incredibly touched when I got to go last year to the production and see it for myself and to witness the incredibly talented students and the guidance they received. in making sure that they get to express themselves with original ideas that teach this history. We also want to give a special shout out to Dr. Leslie Bonita, who is joining us on behalf of 3G Miami. And... Very specially, she is the producer of The Last Ones. It is a powerful global independent project honoring the last living Holocaust survivors through documentaries and educational media, which is all provided free of charge to our teachers across the district. And if you go check out the website, it is really powerful stuff. Of course, I can't forget Dr. Bob Bersovsky, who works day in and day out here at MDCPS to ensure that we teach comprehensive and accurate history across all of our classrooms, and we're so grateful that you're here with us and that you work with these organizations. And before I close and ask our speaker from the group to come up, I did want to give the chance to our students to come to the mic briefly and just say your name, introduce yourself, because I know we didn't get to do that yet. So students, if you would just one by one come up.

Hello, my name is Eva Vega. I am an actor in the Holocaust Impact Theater this year, and it's my first year. I'm very honored to be a part of this program. Oh, and I go to Miami Art Studio.

Hi, my name is Liv Garcia. I attend Miami Art Studio, and it's my second year being an actor in this year's production of Hit.

Hello, good morning. My name is Isabella de la Vega, and it is my second year with Holocaust Impact Theater, and I'm a sophomore at Miami Art Studio.

Hi, good morning, my name is Francesca Wallace. I'm a student at Miami Art Studio, and this is my first year at Holocaust Impact Theater.

Hi, my name is Silvana Semeraro, and I'm a director this year for Holocaust Impact Theater, and I'm so honored, and I go to Miami Art Studio.

Good morning, my name is Aiden Varela, and this is my second year at Holocaust Impact Theater, and I'm a student at Coral Reef, and I'm very honored to be here.

Hi, my name is Emmanuel Miranda. It's my first year at Holocaust Impact Theater, and I'm a junior at Coral Reef Senior High School.

Hi, my name's Natalia Quick. I was this year's head writer for our show, and I'm a sophomore at Coe Gable Senior High School.

Thank you so much to our students for showing that even though this is a down south sort of initiative, it impacts our entire county. And I am gonna pass it to two people, but I did wanna close by saying that, especially in District 9, every single organization you see behind me, is a partner organization who works with passion to ensure that these stories and the voices of our Holocaust survivors and their descendants are institutionally preserved in our schools. So I'm just deeply grateful for their unwavering commitment and ensuring that those lessons guide our future generations. So I am gonna pass it briefly to Dr. Kasanoff to say a couple of words, and then I am going to pass it to Ms. Hageet Pfefferman, who wears many hats in our community. She is lay leader, a 3G Miami volunteer speaker, the 3G Miami teacher and school outreach initiative lead, and a Holocaust Memorial Miami Beach docent, and executive committee member. But most importantly, Hagi is a third-generation Holocaust survivor and works passionately in our community to keep her grandparents' legacies alive and to advocate for love, resilience, and humanity. Please join me in welcoming first Ms. Kasanoff and then Ms. Pfefferman to the stage. Dr. Kasanoff.

Thank you so much. So what am I still doing here? It's because Bob and Superintendent, wherever he is, and Ms. Bendricall have said, I want her. I want her to keep doing this as long as she can. Today's January 14th, 2026. On January 14th, 1941, I was, as a small child, arrested. escaping Hitler and the Nazis with my family. I was arrested in Spain. Fortunately, I was unarrested. I got out with my parents and escaped through Lisbon, Portugal on a ship bound for America. And guess what? Did I know? Who knew? that on this day, I would end up being here with school board members Santos, my three G babies, my boss, and the school board, still talking, still standing, still educating about the Holocaust and the experience that I had. Thank God for un-arresting me and letting me survive and be here with you today. I hope to keep going as long as this cane helps me, my brain works, and my body works. I love you all, thank you.

That was so beautiful. Thank you. Good afternoon, chair, board members, superintendent, and honored guests. Thank you for this meaningful recognition, and more importantly, for your continued commitment to Holocaust remembrance education in Miami-Dade County Public Schools. By opening your schools to this work, you are making a powerful statement that memory matters, that education shapes character, and that our students deserve to learn history in a way that builds empathy, responsibility, and humanity. We are deeply grateful for your leadership and for trusting us to partner with you in this mission. I would also like to thank school board member Louisa Santos for bringing this recognition forward and for her steadfast support of Holocaust education in our schools. I am also deeply grateful to Jade Pita, whose vision and dedication helped make this recognition possible. I am honored to accept this acknowledgement on behalf of 3G Miami, a program of the Holocaust Memorial Miami Beach, and to stand alongside Holocaust Impact Theater, the University of Miami Holocaust Teacher Institute. 4G United is here in spirit. And the last ones, partners who share a deep dedication to this work. None of us does this alone, and none of this would be possible without the support of this board and this district, and without the leadership of Dr. Miriam Klein-Kasanoff and Bob Brzozowski, who ensured this education could reach our classrooms. Like many in this room and many involved in these organizations, I am a descendant of Holocaust survivors. My grandparents' story is one among countless others, each different, each sacred. My grandmother, Rose Silberberg, was the only survivor from her entire family and endured starvation, torture, and medical experimentation meant to make her sterile. And yet, gratefully and miraculously, here I am, part of a living legacy of survival. She could not bring herself to repeatedly tell her story. The pain was too great. But she entrusted it to me, as so many survivors entrusted their stories to their children and grandchildren. with the hope that we would remember and that we would carry forward not only their suffering, but their humanity, kindness, and love. We speak to students. We do so together with the support of educators, administrators, and this school board. We honor all Holocaust survivors and all victims. All six million Jews murdered and the one and a half million children murdered. Not only for how they died, but for how they lived, how they loved, and what they continue to teach us about compassion and responsibility. My grandparents ended every letter the same way, love and a million kisses, Grandma Rose and Grandpa Boris. Today, on behalf of them and on behalf of all those whose stories we carry, I offer that love, those kisses, and my deepest gratitude to everyone here who bears witness and ensures this education continues. Thank you.

Thank you so much, Madam Chair, for allowing us to present this resolution today.

At this time, let's take a picture with everyone standing. If we can back here, let's just stand up, please. Thank you very much, Board Member Santos. And at this time, I'm going to first and foremost open it up to my colleagues for comments, and I will make my comment at the end. But I must say, Dr. Casanova, I've known you for many, many years, so very proud of what you have done year in and year out. You ask yourself a question, what am I doing here? Well, I'm going to give you the answer. And the answer is actually right here in the document that's in front of me. You are, God saved you for a reason. And that reason is right in front of you. The youth is the future of our country. And if they don't know the stories that occurred, the horrific period during the Holocaust, there is no way that they can take positive action to make a difference. in the lives of all those that they're surrounded by today. So you are impacting each and every day the future leaders of this country to have that courage that they need. the moral values and the knowledge so that they can make a difference in the lives of those that follow them. So thank you so much. And board member Santos, thank you for bringing this item. Truly appreciate it. And I open up. Do I have any colleagues that would like to speak? All right. Yes, sir. You are recognized.

Thank you, Madam Chair. I'd like to begin by thanking the Chair and Board Member Santos for bringing this. I think it's a very important thing and I'm glad to see that there's so much activity in District 9, Member Santos, thank you. And I really want to thank everyone present, all of you who were involved with this work, you know, specifically, The wonderful Holocaust Memorial on Miami Beach, every time you drive past it and see that fest, it touches your heart to see that, not just that beautiful sculpture, but the work that goes on around it is so important. The University of Miami for helping prepare teachers to know how to teach this subject properly and sensitively and that's a wonderful Institute and and I've kind of a special spot for the Holocaust impact theater I know one of the well I know the parents of one of the young women who's involved in writing for that and the fact that that is a student-led and student-driven initiative. You know, those of us who were a little older, in my case, more than a little, but have been around to see this and know people and know survivors and live with it. I'm involved with the Holocaust Center up in Dania Beach that preserves survivor stories. But when you see, as the chair was talking about young people, but not just learning, but taking the initiative to create, to present their own points of view. I do have to shout out Natalia Quick here. But that's just especially touching because that's a sign that this lesson of what can go wrong when people are silent, when good people say nothing and let things happen. So timely today. People need to speak up, and the lesson that we learn from the Holocaust, how even good people can go astray, is so important. And to see that students are creating and presenting that gives me such hope for our future so um we have a few little things that go on in district three as well board members on this but to all of you that are here today and all of you that do this work especially of course Ms. Kasanoff, who is a legend in our community, and rightly so. So thank you all very much. Thank you for being here. Thank you, Madam Chair and colleagues, for approving this. Thank you for the leadership, Board Member Santos. It's very much appreciated. Thank you all.

Dr. Bendrel-Smeninghal, ma'am, you're recognized.

Thank you, Madam Chair. And Miriam would not leave until I had my chance to speak, so if you wanted to move the meeting on, Miriam, I had to speak. And she called me out, and usually I'm sitting here smiling and waving at her, and waiting on her to call me out. To my colleague, Member Santos, where are you? You're looking like one of the students, yes. Thank you so much. It's so appreciated that we tell the stories, and we have to tell the stories the way they are, Miriam, the truth. If someone else tells your story, it's not always the truth. And as you mentioned, and the chair also reiterated that you stated, what am I doing here? We know why you are here, and I want you to keep coming. And you say, and I want Dorothy to do it as long as she can. Well, that's just a good message to all of them, because we had a, Madam Chair, we had an event this morning, and it was really, really, really, really kind of funny, because part of it required that I get under the, then crawl out. And someone came in and they said, you got to worry about Dorothy. Dorothy grew up in Liberty City. She knows a gunshot when she hears it. And she knows to move. So I want you to know, Miriam, I'm fine with being here. See, we go way back. And whenever I was the chair for the Florida Commission on African American Affairs, she was up there doing this. And at that time, we were under the leadership, Representative Geller, of Lawton Childs. Now, you all are probably saying, but why are you telling us this? I wrote down just a couple of notes, and one said, I honor you because you honor Miriam. If you don't know what she's done, find out. You're scholars, I can tell. Do that. It causes you to grow. You don't know what you don't know. Please move forward in the homage that you bring to this chamber and bring in Miriam because Dorothy wouldn't have been happy, okay? And you don't want to make Dorothy unhappy. And the respect, as I said. Continue, continue everything that you're doing. And we will, of course, make sure that as long as we can, Miriam, you and I will tell the stories, and we will definitely make sure we teach our children the truth. Madam Chair, thank you for the opportunity. See you on the journey.

Thank you, Dr. Bendros-Meningold. Do I have any colleagues, anyone else? All right, our Vice Chair Colucci.

Thank you, Madam Chair, and to my colleague, Ms. Santos, thank you. This is so very important. And stories are what history is made of, and there are no better stories told than those that actually were there and lived them. To Dr. Kavanaugh. You are here just like our chair said for a reason. God put you here so that you could tell that story. Tell it to the youth so that it lives, so that it doesn't happen again. And we must make sure, and the youth that is here before us has to make sure that this never happens again. And the only way that will occur is if we truly educate our students. We tell that story and we keep it alive and we make it real. Just this, a couple of weeks ago I was at the hiding place of Anne Frank in Amsterdam. And what those emotions that stir in a person when you live that, and you live that experience, that is what you bring to the table. You share that, you move people. And when you move people, you stir them to respond. You stir them to educate. You stir them to take leadership roles. So thank you for instilling that in our students. I cannot thank you enough. And God bless you. And God bless all of you. And now you carry the torch forward to educate others and make this story known. And especially, and I don't have to tell you, in the world that we're living right now, The truth must always be told, and the truth will always prevail. Remember that, so thank you. Thank you, Madam Chair, thank you, Ms. Santos. Thank you, do I have any other colleagues?

Okay, seeing none, I would just wrap it up at this time. Again, Board Member Santos, through education, that is how our youth learns and it is imperative that we continue this endeavor throughout the years because as it has been stated by all those that have spoken already, it's imperative that the stories and especially the stories of the survivors continue to be told so you can learn from all of those previous experiences and again, never to be repeated again, ever. I had the opportunity to go to the exhibit that they had after the horrible event that we witnessed a couple of years ago. I will never forget that. Never. It brought tears to my eyes from the moment I walked into that exhibit to the moment I walked out. And it has to be with people like all of you that are here today to make a difference so that history does not repeat itself in the manner, in the horrific manner that it did. But yet, thank God, many survivors that particular event are with us today who will continue to do what is Casanoff has done in her event and continue to tell the story and Youth will learn from the experiences that they went through and God willing we'll do everything in our power to ensure that that does and

not ever repeat again.

So thank you for taking the time to come out here to our children that are here. We are so proud of you. The adults are good. Dr. Kasanoff is good, but you guys, you're the shining stars for all of us here today. So why don't we give our children who are gonna be the ones telling the story a big round of applause. Thank you. Thank you. So with that said, do I hear co-sponsor for the item? All right, is there a second? Second. All in favor, say aye. Aye. Any opposed, say nay. Motion passes. Do I hear a motion to approve the item as amended? Second. Do I have a second? Thank you. All in favor, say aye. Aye. Any opposed, nay. Motion passes. Congratulations and happy 2026. I know you're gonna have a great year. Thank you. We are now going to proceed to B3. B3 is a request for approval of resolution number 26-001 of the School Board of Miami-Dade County, Florida, recognizing the Biltmore Hotel on the occasion of its 100th anniversary as a symbol of recognition, respect, preservation, and gratitude for its ongoing role as a landmark of history, education, beauty, and civic pride. This is my item. I do have a speaker that has signed up to speak, Mr. Kenny Brown. Is Mr. Kenny Brown present at this time? All right, well, seeing that our speaker is not here, since it's my item, I'm gonna turn the gavel to the vice chair, and I will proceed downstairs, Madam Chair, if I may.

Thank you, Madam Chair.

Well, good morning, everyone, again.

I feel so safe.

That's because we have the big shots from the Biltmore here with us this morning, huh? But law enforcement, you make a difference each and every day. And before I do my presentation, thank you, because this is the month that we honor you. And we just did that at the Biltmore Hotel on Friday. Thank you so much, Mr. Prescott, for hosting that, because they are the ones that are willing to make the ultimate sacrifice that no one else is to be able to protect all of us. So thank you so much for what you do, and thank you for recognizing them the other day with Mr. Vermejo and others at the Bilma Hotel. At this time, I'm going to ask my friend, Mr. Tom Prescott, the president of the Biltmore Hotel, to please come and join me. His daughter, Celeste Prescott, stand next to your, and look at this beautiful, what do you all think of this beautiful baby? She steals the show, right? And Celeste is with her dad. And then we have Priscilla Gavro and Christina Ramos. All righty, so it is, again, a great honor for me to be able to bring resolution number 26-001 of the school board of Miami-Dade County, Florida, recognizing the Biltmore Hotel on the occasion of its 100th anniversary. Let's give them a round of applause. That's a lot of years, yes, sirree. as a symbol of recognition, respect, preservation, and gratitude for its ongoing role as a landmark of history, education, beauty, and civic pride. The School Board of Miami-Dade County, Florida, and the broader educational community recognize the importance of honoring institutions that preserve, educate, and shape our shared heritage, strengthen our cultural identity, and meaningfully contribute to the civic fabric of our region and of our overall state. The Biltmore Hotel in Coral Gables, Florida makes its 100th anniversary celebrating a century of timeless elegance, cultural significance and architectural grandeur. Since opening its doors in 1926, the iconic landmark has stood as a symbol of Miami's golden age, welcoming presidents, celebrities, and generations of guests to its Mediterranean-inspired halls. The hotel was designed by Schulze and Weaver and was built in 1926 by John McEntee. John McEntee Bowman, and George Merrick as part of the Biltmore Hotel chain. The hotel's tower is inspired by the Giralda, the medieval tower of the Cathedral of Seville, Spain, When completed in 1926, the Biltmore became the tallest building in Florida at 315 feet, holding the record as Florida's tallest building until 1928 when the Dade County Courthouse was built. At one time, the pool was the largest pool in the world. This milestone honors the hotel's rich history while showcasing its enduring role as a very cherished centerpiece of Coral Gables' community. The Biltmore Hotel, a designated national historic landmark, stands as a preserved testament to our shared past, safeguarding the history, cultural heritage, and architectural legacy that remain a physical embodiment and a broader community story and identity. The grandeur of the Biltmore, its timeless beauty, its elegance and sophistication continues to elevate the cultural and educational landscape of Coral Gables, reflecting the city and by extension, broader county's distinguished character and its place among Florida's most celebrated destinations. Throughout its century-long history, the Biltmore has served as a stage for significant national and international events, welcoming heads of state, visiting royalty, educational and cultural icons, and has contributed to the nation's service during World War II as a military hospital and a training facility. Over the past four decades, the Biltmore Hotel has been guided by a succession of visionary leaders whose stewardship has shaped its enduring legacy of excellence, elegance, and innovation. Mr. Gene Prescott played a pivotal role in saving and restoring the Biltmore Hotel. in 1992 through Seaway Hotels, he took over the operations under a long-term lease with the city of Coral Gables and led a multi-million dollar, decade-long restoration that returned the 1926 landmark to the prominence while preserving, its historic character. His stewardship is widely credited with reviving the Biltmore as a premier luxury hotel and national historic landmark. Tom Prescott, our very own Tom Prescott, his son, later assumed much of the hotel's day-to-day leadership and operations. He continues the family legacy by overseeing the Biltmore's modern management public presence and long-term vision, ensuring the hotel remains both a historic treasure and a thriving destination. For generations, the Biltmore has provided meaningful employment, for countless individuals educated in Miami-Dade County public schools, reinforcing the essential connection between local education, workforce development, and the economic vitality of our community. It has consistently supported MDCPS through longstanding partnerships. sponsorship of educational events, and active participation in school and district initiatives by providing resources, venues, and community engagement opportunities. The Biltmore demonstrates a sustained commitment to enhancing student learning experiences and supporting educators across Miami-Dade County as it celebrates Its 100th anniversary, the Billmore Hotel continues to embody excellence, resilience, and cultural stewardship, serving as an enduring educational touchstone and inspirational landmark for future generations. My friend, Tom Prescott. and your beautiful family. I cannot tell you how grateful we are to have leaders like you at the helm at the Biltmore Hotel. I can tell you when I was a former principal of Sunset Elementary, we went into a joint partnership with you and we decided that our students, the future leaders of tomorrow, needed to play a critical role in the Biltmore. And so we went to you with our art teacher asking if the beautiful cards that you sent out for the holidays could be those that were handmade by the children of Sunset Elementary School. That proved to be one of the most successful endeavors the Biltmore has engaged in. And the winners, by the way, were able to have their parents stay for a weekend at the Biltmore free of charge. And they just, I mean, were in heaven. So thank you for that endeavor. And that's just one example of all of the ceremonies that we've had from different schools and the district in general at the Biltmore Hotel. And as well, I can tell you that as far as the community is concerned, you open your arms to everyone. The Latin Builders Association, we meet there on a regular ongoing basis. We just recognize law enforcement. Again, you do so much for this community. You do it for the youth like that little one that you have there. So thank you so much for what you do. We are so, so very proud. And congratulations. And I know you're having a huge celebration tonight. I'll be at the board meeting. But I know you're having a big celebration. And I know it's going to be extremely exciting. successful, and extremely well-deserved. Thank you for what you do. We are so, so happy to have you with us today, being able to recognize you with this very special proclamation for you. So if I could ask my friends if it's okay, Madam Chair? Sure, sure. That's a picture. That's a picture. All right, Grandpa. There you go.

Thank you much, Madam Chair, Vice Chair, and all the members of the board of this Estimal body. It truly is an honor both personally and for the broader Biltmore family, which we now actually number close to 700 people from full and part-time basis from the broader Miami-Dade County areas. I was looking at the students earlier that were here, and it is a testament to, again, what this body strives to achieve, which is to empower the students to, ensure that they are confident because that's what we need is the strong leaders for the future. And as the chair also mentioned, I want to thank all of you here, the men and women in blue that we just celebrated actually law enforcement and firefighter appreciation in Coral Gables because of the fact that we recognize everything that you do along with our military on a day to day basis. It's really truly an honor to be able to accept this proclamation, not just because it comes from this body, but because I get to share it with all of you. as well as the persons that preceded me and all that they sacrificed directly and individually. So the chair stole the rest of my comments, so I really don't need to go through any of them. But we are proud to be a representative to the broader community, to the global community, if you will, on behalf of Miami-Dade. We do have, as the chair mentioned, a number of students directly in the schools and that's something that is incredible. They talk about it every day on what the impact of education is for them. We try to guard that along with the cultural and architectural identity and preservation because that past is what's gonna lead us all the way through the future. So again, thank you very much to all for the recognition. You know, her brothers pointed out, are you sure you want to bring her this morning, Dad? Because, you know, she's going to make a comment, but that's also what is remarkable. She's ready for school, Madam Chair, so clearly. That's right. So thank you again very much to all. God bless the school board. God bless Miami-Dade. God bless the United States of America.

thank you so much thank you madam chair mr. Prescott at this time I have board member Espino madam chair thank you so much for bringing this amazing honor to the Biltmore I'd be jealous if I didn't say that I wish there was a Biltmore in district 5 but I'm so pleased to be able to come out to share with it where it's located now Tom my friend good to see you you you do honor to you and your family and your family legacy of the Biltmore which is not simply about preserving an amazing component of not just Coral Gables history, but of Miami history. It's ubiquitous with the history of Miami-Dade County. You honor it by the community building that you do week in, week out, month in, month out with the organizations that you host, with the activities and events that you host there. It is a hub for coming together. It is a hub for building tomorrow in Miami-Dade County. and you do it on the shoulders of everybody that came before you. So God bless you and the stewardship of that amazing facility, and I wish you nothing but success in the years to come.

Dr. Ventress-Mendingall at this time.

Thank you, Madam Vice Chair. Thank you, Madam Chair, for bringing this item for us to live some history. Just want to make sure that everyone in here and everyone who's listening will get a chance to go to the Biltmore. and enjoy the fine, fine building. My joy has been that I've been elected for a short time since 1999, write that down, and just know that I've been there several times, but it's because I was elected. But you need to make sure that this whole county is aware of that, it's 100 years, Do what you can to make sure that all people understand this place and get to enjoy that place. That's my wish for you, that the next hundred years, again, it's open. And I know it's there, but it's not open in my opinion. to everyone uh as the chair mentioned when she was a principal and she might not remember but we used to have a few principal meetings there when i was the principal but to just just follow this it's been because i have been serving uh made a lot of money and serving Please do that. The last time I was there, we had friends from Tallahassee and other places. But I just always wanted to make sure, if I had a chance to speak about this place, that it's open, wide open to everyone. And maybe I'll hear a little announcement or something on the radio about people coming too. Because Coral Gables is a place of its own. From the time I was a little girl, That's where I went to my doctors. And people said, well, why there? Well, I had the best doctor ever who had an office in Coral Gables. Continue your good work for the next 100 years. Thank you, Madam Chair. Wonderful, wonderful. And I think we always say to each other, knocked it out the park. It's a beautiful building. Someone should make sure that we do maybe a field trip for some of our children. Let them walk through and have lunch here. something and they'll never stop looking up. I can tell you that. Okay, thank you. Now, God bless you.

Thank you, Dr. Bendres-Mendinghall. And thank you, Madam Chair, for bringing this item. The Biltmore, Mr. Prescott, is an icon in the city of Coral Gables. It is synonymous with elegance, history, class. And thank you for allowing it to be a hub for the city and for all of the events that happen there and for community building. And I know that I wish you much success as you continue moving forward. It is a wonderful, wonderful history lesson that I got here on the Biltmore. And I really enjoy the times that I have spent there. And I know that you will continue to take it to new heights. So thank you so much. And at this time, may I have a motion for co-sponsors? Move it. All in favor?

Aye.

May I have a motion to move the item as amended?

Move it.

Second. All in favor?

Aye.

Thank you and congratulations At this time, we move on to item B5, request approval of resolution number 26-003 of the School Board of Miami-Dade County, Florida, recognizing Miami-Dade's Sheriff's Office. Dr. Bendros-Mendigal, this is your item. And at this time, I do not have any public speakers signed up to speak to this item, so we will move forward with the presentation. Thank you.

Thank you. I am your school board member. I don't care where you came from way deep south in the central area or in Overtown. I am your board member. And someone just kept, kept, kept, kept saying, we're honoring you. I am so glad that you were here because it gives me a chance for the messages that I'm going to talk about today for just a minute that you know that you are honored. Please don't ever forget that. As I said earlier, we had an event this morning. Not, you know, we got through it, but we can never ever forget you. I know that there are people trying to figure out why is she, why does she have all of them down there? I was shocked that all of you came because I know you don't come to the school board meetings. Am I right? Yes, I'm right. You can nod a little bit or a lot. I know I'm right. But I say that because we need to thank you. We need to thank you every day. I want you to know the last time I saw some of you, we were having a nice lunch. I don't know if we have a something for you down here today, I don't know. But it's school board food if we do. And maybe we have to have our own little gathering later on. So today we proudly recognize the Northside District Neighborhood Unit for its proactive, community-centered approach to law enforcement that prioritizes collaboration, trust, and meaningful partnerships with the residents they serve. The NRU exemplifies modern policing by moving beyond reactive responses and actively engaging community members, businesses, school boards, yes, faith-based organizations, and government partners to identify and prevent public safety concerns before they escalate. Through consistent engagement and the effective use of the SARA problem solving model, scanning for issues, analyzing root causes, responding strategically, and assessing outcomes, NRU deputies address not only crime, but the conditions that contribute to fear and social disorder. NRU deputies demonstrate deep commitment to our youth, families, seniors, and vulnerable populations through after school, I'm so proud of that, after school mentorship, youth sports engagement, internships, fraud prevention, education, homeless outreach, and life skills development. You know who you are and there are people looking at us and you know by trade I am a teacher. So I'm not gonna read all of this to you. Some of you have your arms folded so high, it's like, oh God, will she ever get through? Well, it's so much to say about you all. We don't honor you enough. So above all, we commend the dedicated deputies of the Northside District Neighborhood Unit for their professionalism, compassion, and unwavering commitment to building trust, legitimacy, and safer neighborhoods for all. God bless you, and I will see you on the journey. Now you can clap for me. And I'm watching to see who's not clapping, okay? Because I do have some friends out there. We'll just have to, you know, take you down and put you in that room and question you. So I hope that someone from this large group would have said something about you all. Yeah. Come on. So here we go.

You're welcome. I appreciate you. Thank you, thank you, thank you, thank you. You're welcome.

We know each other, okay.

Yeah, go way back.

Way back.

And I hate that Mr. Prescott left because our wedding, me and TK's wedding was at the Biltmore. So it's funny that we're all here receiving acknowledgments at the same time. So you, like him, you stole my thunder. So you said all the stuff that I was going to say about them. But just as a parenthesis, the behind the scenes, the things that are not captured on their evaluations or in the white papers. These men and women tirelessly contribute to the young lives of the youth in Northside District. And they have literally become surrogates in many cases. Many cases have become surrogate parents to a lot of these kids. These kids call them before they call their biological parents or relatives. when they get into trouble and when they have needs, and those needs are provided by them, oftentimes out of their own pocket and on their own time. And these are the things that are not captured on their evaluations because they do it unconsciously and they do it without the expectation of acknowledgement. In fact, they don't like this, quite frankly.

If you look at their faces, I don't get it.

They don't like this. I have to promote them and I have to force them to receive these types of acknowledgements because they don't like the acknowledgement part. They like to do what they do and they do it out of the kindness of their heart from a humanitarian perspective. And they go above and beyond the call of duty. So this speaks volumes. This acknowledgement is extremely impactful. So thank you all to the board, the chair, Vice Chair, and certainly to you, Dr. Mittingall. Thank you so much. You are truly a gem, and we really appreciate you and all that you do. And it's your commitment to the Miami-Dade Sheriff's Office and the community at large. Thank you so much. You're very welcome.

Okay. Give yourselves a hand. Okay, move over. You all have to come up because we have to get you all. That means that you can unfold your arms. Okay. Okay. It's so beautiful.

Okay, let's move this out of the way because we have to get it.

And if I could ask the board members at this time to stand for a picture.

You're silly.

If she doesn't make it inside, you have to read this. If she doesn't come, okay?

Thank you, Dr. Bendris-Mendingall. And at this time, do I have any of my colleagues that would like to address this wonderful group? Board Member Espino?

Dr. Vandross-Mendigal, thank you so much. As we say every meeting, you always bring excellence, and Miami-Dade County's now Sheriff's Department always delivers excellence every single day. I always say that parents go to work knowing that their children are safe because men and women like you are patrolling our streets, patrolling our schools, and keeping us safe. I don't know what society would be like if we had to worry about the condition of our kids at every Are they safe from harm at every moment of the day? I know that in Miami-Dade County Public Schools, we send our kids knowing that our men and women in blue protect them, and Miami-Dade County overall is one of the, if not the largest, safest metropolitan area in the country, and you are responsible for that. So thank you for everything you do. Thank you for your sacrifice and letting your life on the line every single day. God bless you guys.

Thank you, Board Member Espino. Board Member Alonso.

I'll just take the advice of Dr. Dorothy Bendos-Mendigo, make sure to be very nice to these officers, right? Thank you, Dr. Bendos, for bringing these really true heroes to us here at this district. We always say, our officers walk out of their homes every day placing their lives on the line to protect us all. We see it with our officers at our school, we see it with our officers in the county and our municipalities, and it's really an honor to have you all here and to recognize you. We should recognize you, not just once a year, but every day, right? And I always try to take that opportunity, whether I'm riding an elevator or seeing somebody, to thank you all for the work that you do. So thank you all, I know that this school district, the families that we serve, the students, are so appreciative of what you all do for us every single day um and we're here to support you guys uh throughout this journey so thank you so much may god bless you

Board Member Santos.

Thank you, Madam Vice Chair, and Dr. Bendris-Mendigal, thank you so much for bringing us this incredible group. I know you are Northside NRU, but I got some really great NRUs down South. And so while I personally haven't gotten to know any of you, I personally know some of my wonderful officers in the South. And really, the work you do, as was mentioned earlier, goes so far beyond. When you're that unit that is there proactively building relationships. As we heard the stories of what you're doing every day for the children in your community, we're just beyond deeply grateful. I know every single one of you goes above and beyond the call of duty, so thank you for everything you do, and thank you, Dr. Bender-Smith and Gall, for bringing us such amazing honorees to recognize.

Thank you, Board Member Blanco.

Yes, thank you, Vice Chair. Thank you, Board Member Dr. Ben Drosman-Nagel for bringing this amazing group before us. You know, a good friend of mine was a police officer, now retired, and one of the things I've always admired about him whenever we're with family is how he just brings into action. He just acts, knows what to do, doesn't stop to think about it, and to me it's always been a testament to the bravery that you have. You don't think about what needs to be done, you just go out and do it, and I thank you for doing that in our community day in and day out and risking your lives, but I want to kind of reemphasize something that Board Member Santos said, and I believe it's something, Officer, that you mentioned when you spoke, that oftentimes the kids you connect with, because you're in that unit that's being proactive, that they often call you before calling their parents, right? Maybe that's out of fear, too, with calling the parents. But I've always been, one of the things I always say on this board is that children need to connect with adults, with trusted adults that can help them. And I think that's one thing that your unit does, right? You're out there and you're connecting with them. And if every child has at least one adult that believes in them, that knows and sees the good in them and fosters that good in them, then we can absolutely save every single child that needs saving or that every child needs help and support. So thank you what you do. Not just that bravery, but going that extra step. making that connection with the students and the young people in our community and may God bless you always and protect you.

Madam Chair.

Yes, thank you very much. And I spoke already, but I have to just say a few more things. First and foremost, you know what? I was outside and I saw this ball going past our building. And I'm going, what is that? I said, that's Dorothy Bendro's mendingo hitting it out of the ballpark again. So yeah, it went right through, I saw it. So I want to first and foremost, thank you for this amazing board item that you brought to us. This recognition is truly deserved. And as I alluded to all of you earlier, and I'm not gonna be too redundant, I'm gonna be very brief, but thank you because again, every single day that you leave your homes, you don't know what you're gonna encounter. You have no idea what situation you're going to have to address. and how it's going to impact you for the rest of your lives because there's no way you can just forget about what you had to deal with on a given day. And you are there. willing and ready to serve the community that you swore to protect. You are there to protect the children, most importantly for us, our teachers, our administrators, our cafeteria employees, our school bus drivers, Everyone who's part of the Miami-Dade County public school family is so eternally grateful to each and every one of you for what you do every single day. As I said to the group that I spoke to earlier today, I come from your brothers and sisters because, well, actually all brothers, because it's my husband and my two boys. They're in the fire department. So I know how close you all are. And they also have a job that's very similar to yours because you don't know what you're going to encounter and you don't know if you're going to come back that day the same way you left your homes. And that is a tremendous sacrifice, the ultimate sacrifice that you're all willing to give if ever you have to decide to protect someone. So I thank you. I ask God to protect each and every one of you. and to bring you home safely each and every single day. And I want you all to know that in Miami-Dade County Public Schools, I heard one of my colleagues, this is the north, the other one's the south. Well, I have the central and I also have part of the south, but all of us have all of you to be so grateful for. So again, continue to do the great job you do and make a difference in the lives of all those you serve, but especially the children. And this is mentoring month as well. And I want to just say that I heard my colleague state a few moments ago, board member Blanco, how important it is that you make a difference in the lives of children and have those relationships established. You don't know how important those relationships are to some of these kids and what a true positive difference The relationships you establish can make any child turning their life around who might have gone in a different direction. So keep it up even on those difficult days.

Thank you. Thank you, Madam Chair. Thank you. I want to say as a daughter of a law enforcement officer who for 25 years served, I know the sacrifice that you make firsthand. And it's not just you, it's your family. Because they don't know when you walk out the door what's going to happen either, just like you don't know. So it is a difficult job. Dr. Bendros-Mendingal, thank you. I know that this is a difficult job. It's not an easy one, but that badge that you wear is a badge of honor. And when you wear it, you are protecting the law and order of our community, of our country, And thank you for doing so with dignity, with respect. And also, may that badge that you wear remind you of a shield, and may the shield of God always cover you and protect you in your line of duty. So I wish you all the best. Dr. Bendros-Mendigal, I'm going to copy what our chair said. You hit it out of the park. And God bless you all. Thank you. Thank you. And at this time, may I have a motion for co-sponsors? Second? All in favor? Aye. May I have a motion to move the motion passes. May I have the motion to move the item as amended? Second. All in favor? Aye. Motion passes. Thank you so much. God bless you all.

And as you're here, just wait one second before you all go. Before we conclude, January is recognized as nationally human trafficking awareness month. And it is a time that is very dedicated to increasing awareness, education and prevention efforts related to human trafficking. We have a person here with us that I have to call her to the front at this time. Kathy Fernandez Rundle, our very own state attorney's office, who is leading the cause. in human trafficking. I cannot tell you how grateful we are to have Ms. Fernandez-Rundle with us. What you do so quietly every single day, what I have witnessed you doing in this arena is beyond words. There are no words to describe. And this is something you have been doing for years. Your true dedication and commitment to this endeavor is beyond remarkable and commendable. And you are touching the lives of so many people. So I felt that with law enforcement here, it couldn't have been more appropriate for you. I know we're going to have a very special session and I'm going to let you speak now. But again, thank you for coming. And if you could say a few words before I continue, that'd be great.

It would be my honor. And I have to start with thank yous. Thank you to all of our law enforcement partners. Thank you to one of the heroes that I have admired for so many years. And thank you to all of you within the school system. And Monty Teddy is everywhere, by the way. I just see her everywhere. They say they call her the bunny. I just try to keep up with the bunny. But truly, this has been such a remarkable journey. to understand that little girls and little boys are trafficked. They truly are in our community. Miami-Dade ranks number one in all of Florida, and Florida ranks number three in the United States for the number of children and other victims that are trafficked in this country. And so together, the partnerships, the collaborations that we have made with law enforcement, with the schools, you have been tremendous. You have been at the forefront of this for so many years. You recognize, and I'm grateful to that, and so are all the families and the children and law enforcement, that you recognize these victims, They're not from some other place in the world. They're ours. They're in our schools, they're in our parks, they're in our foster care system, and they're ours. And so I want to thank you for empowering us to understand how we need to tackle this together and make a difference. And I also want to thank my office because the partnerships, the people that work for you in the state attorney's office, You have no idea how much they give all the time. Some of you that are with them every day know that. And so it's all about teamwork and we're getting ready now. I'm going to close with this because I know everybody wants to leave and I don't want to be the last one between you and your food, right? But we have a lot going on in this community coming up in the next several months and throughout this year, really. So major events draw lots of wonderful people to our gorgeous magic city and county, and we want that. But at the same time, when the good guys come, the bad guys come. And the bad guys bring trouble and trauma and serious issues to our community. So we all have to get ready for that, do this incredible campaign awareness that I know you're going to be part of. Roberto up there, he'll call me at 3 o'clock in the morning kind of and say, listen, there's this girl that's missing. And that's a good thing. Because if we don't call each other, Florida also ranks third for the number of missing children. And we now know that one out of six children that go missing end up being trafficked. And these aren't just numbers we make up. This is science-based, data-driven. So I didn't mean to go on so long. Thank you for giving me this opportunity. I know we have something exciting outside that the police department, thank you to your chief, thank you to all of you for your leadership. I admire everything you do for this community, for our children, because they are really the future. We all say that, but we all know that it is the truth. So God bless you and thank you for your work. Thank you. Thank you. Let's give her a huge round of applause. We really appreciate it.

So in recognition,

Thank you, Kathy.

In recognition of this observance, the Miami-Dade County Schools Police Department will unveil today, we're all gonna go out there in a few moments, a human trafficking awareness vehicle following the conclusion of the resolution portion of today's meeting. Board members are respectfully invited also to attend this unveiling, which will take place immediately after we finish this meeting. This now is going to conclude board member resolutions. May I have a motion to adjourn? Do I have a second? All in favor say aye. Any opposed, nay. We will resume our regular portion of the meeting at 1.30 in the board auditorium today, thank you.

Good afternoon and welcome as we reconvene the January 14th, 2026 meeting of the Miami-Dade County School Board. The time now is 1.30 p.m. and I would like to officially call this meeting to order. Please stand as our Vice Chair, Monica Colucci, leads us in the Pledge of Allegiance. I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the Republic indivisible with liberty and justice for all. Please pause for a moment of silent meditation. 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 available to assist you. The board must approve additional speakers by a majority vote. Again, Happy New Year to everyone. As we begin our first school board meeting of the 2026 school year, we are delighted to have the historic Booker T. Washington Senior High School percussion section perform percussion cadences, get ready because they're gonna wake you up, I guarantee you of that. So let's welcome this wonderful group of students that have been ready to perform for us for quite some time this afternoon, thank you.

One, two, three.

Well, if that didn't rejuvenate you, nothing will. Not even Geritol. In my day, they used to be Geritol. You remember that? Those of you that have been around for a while? Dr. Bendros-Meningo. You and I remember those days. You guys are beyond amazing. Beyond. We hear you, and we just want to start dancing away. I was dancing the whole time, sitting on my chair. So congratulations. Thank you so very much. Thank you for the talent that has been exhibited by each and every one of you. We are so, so very proud. But that would not happen without the amazing teachers and leaders, directors of our bands that we have in our schools, our principals, your parents, and members of the community. It's like a big team of people working together. so that beautiful results like the ones that we just got to witness are evident for all of us. So I want to take a moment to thank also your band director, Mr. Ahmad Newbold. Is Mr. Newbold here? Yes, he's here. Yes, there he is. Thank you, we know it takes countless hours. It looks easy, but we know the hours and hours and hours of practice and frustrations and everything that comes with it, I know. Thank you so very much on behalf of our entire board, we're so totally grateful to you. I need to say something. Thank you, yes ma'am, I will call you in a second. And to our principal, Mr. Anthony Simmons III, where is he? Thank you. Yes. Mr. Simmons, without you at the helm, none of this would happen. So thank you so very much. You have to be so very proud of everyone here today. They've just been phenomenal. And I know that I have a board member who's desperate to speak. If you see her, she's been waiting for you all the entire day. So Dr. Bendros-Meningal, you are very, very proud and you should be. They are amazing, your students. Ma'am, you are recognized. Thank you, Madam Chair.

I did get a chance to say hello to them earlier and maybe do a step or two with that pretty lady standing there with the symbols. She just doesn't know how much Overtown means to all of us, but more specifically, me. That's where I learned a whole lot in terms of reading, writing, and spelling in Sunday school and everything. And of course then I moved right on out there to Liberty City. You all know we're connected. So Ahmad, Mr. Newbold, where is he? The chair has already spoken about you, but she needs to know that you come from a wonderful family of educators, and she knows many of them. Maude Newbold, that's her nephew. So we, yes, yes, so we want to thank you all. And Mr. Simon, we want to thank you. I believe if I'm wrong, correct me, but don't correct me here. Are you in A school? I knew that. I knew that, I knew that. Thank you so much. And I wanna know about you quickly. The white attire, why are you in white? Why are you in white? I knew that. But I wanted everybody else to know. To all of you, you sound, as the chair said, so precise. I am. Happy to tell you that you come from D2. And if you don't know what the D is for, it's district. I wish I had known earlier. I would have invited them to hold alumni. They love you all. So hopefully they are watching you on some kind of channel. God bless you all. And to all of you, you are called our children. I know I said district two, but as the chair said, you are our children. And this is what we need to do for all of our children to make sure that they are safe and sound. So continue the good work, and then when I learn two more steps, I will be with you. God bless you, see you on the journey. Thank you, Madam Chair.

Thank you. Thank you, Dr. Bendros-Meningo. So when you get those other steps, they can come back and perform, but you're going to be down there with them performing as well. And by the way, thank you so much for telling me about Maude. Maude and I were administrators together, and I know where the energy comes from, because she had plenty of energy. So love Maude, and give her my very, very best. And congratulations. Once again, let's give them one more round of applause as we conclude this portion of our meeting. Thank you so much. This now concludes the performance portion of our meeting today, so at this time you may exit. Thank you. Thank you very much. Ms. Yopes, good afternoon. Are there any added items, Ms. Yopes, to be considered by the board? Through the chair, yes, H10. Thank you, I find good cause to vary the established agenda pursuant to the recent stated in the agenda item. Are there any withdrawn items, Ms. Yopis? Through the Chair, no. Thank you. At this time, I would like any board member who needs 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. Do I have anyone?

Seeing none, I will continue.

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?

Yes, Madam Chair.

Thank you, Mr. Harvey. We will now go through the consent agenda. This is the time that board members advise me of those items 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 the additional speakers once sign up has been completed. Do I hear a motion to approve? Speakers to agenda items and to public hearing topics not previously signed up to speak?

So moved.

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, of the Florida statutes and the board policy 0169.1, citizens who have signed up to speak to an item that is not 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 portion of our meeting. 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 prior to 4.30 p.m. unless all the speakers signed up to speak are present and have been given the opportunity to do so. Before I proceed to call board members regarding the items they would like to discuss on today's agenda, please note the following co-sponsorship requests that have been received. I have requested to be added as a co-sponsor to item H10. Vice Chair Colucci has requested to be added as a co-sponsor to H10. Board Member Alonso has requested to be added as a co-sponsor to item H10. Board Member Bendros-Meningo has requested to be added as a co-sponsor to H3, H4, H6, H9, and H10. Board Member Espino has requested to be added as a co-sponsor to item H10. Board Member Gallin has requested to be added as a co-sponsor to H10. Board Member Geller has requested to be added as a co-sponsor to H3, H4, H5, H6, H7, H8, H9, and H10. Board Member Santos has requested to be added as a co-sponsor to item H5, H7, H8, and H10. These board members wish to officially add themselves as co-sponsors to the agenda items listed. I need a motion to approve the board members that were just identified along with the items specified listed as co-sponsors. All in favor say aye. Any opposed nay. Seeing none, motion passes. Do I hear a motion to approve the items as amended? Thank you, do I have a second? All in favor say aye. Aye. Any opposed nay? Motion passes. I will now go through those items that board members wish to address. Dr. Gallin, sir, I do not have you down. Thank you, sir. Dr. Bendros-Mendingal, you're down for H5, H7, and H8. Is that correct, ma'am?

That's correct, Madam Chair.

Thank you. Board Member Geller, none. Is that correct, sir? Board Member Alonso, you're down, sir, for F54.

I'm okay with that one.

Thank you, sir. I will remove you from F54. Okay. Board Member Espino, you have none, sir? Thank you. And myself, I have none other than announcements. Board Member Blanco, you have none, is that correct, ma'am? Thank you. Board Member Colucci, you have none, ma'am? Board Member Santos, I have you down, ma'am, for announcements, is that correct?

That's correct. Thank you.

And our student advisor is not here, okay. Before the vote on the 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. Therefore, at this time, I will call those persons who have signed up to these items to address the board now. The first speaker that has signed up is Kenny Brown on D-19, presentation of the quarterly school safety compliance report to the school board of Miami-Dade County, Florida. You may go ahead, sir, and address us at this time. Good afternoon, sir.

Good afternoon, everyone. Good afternoon. It's a pleasure to be here this day, and it's a grand opening for the school board. And it's a pleasure to see everyone here, all bright and spoofy and energetic. And you brought the sound to the sound room today. And I appreciate that. The concern that I only have is with the school system is that I know we all is cracking down on the speed zones. That's actually where people are actually coming through. But my main concern is that it doesn't seem like that's enough because the other day, it was a few students that was running around Charles Drew Elementary that almost got hit actually crossing the road. So if we can actually put one patrol there, not all the time, but just let them just park out there in the middle of the media and just sit there maybe once or twice out of a week, it can slow down some of those drivers. Because what happened is that we get a lot of those drivers that's constantly speeding through these school zones. And if we can also have them to patrol the schools, because we still have a lot of people that I have noticed that's lurking around these schools. I was actually at the school there on the 111th, right off 22nd, Henry Reeves is it? And I noticed a van that was sitting in the back for about 20 minutes and I went and brought it to the attention to the security guard and also to the people that was outside that the safety of our children is one of our number one priorities. So if we can actually get someone to patrol not only the schools but just the perimeter around the schools, you know, we can make it a lot safer.

Thank you very much, sir.

Okay, thank you, and y'all have a great one.

Thank you. Mr. Brown, you may wanna stay standing there, sir, because you did sign up for D68, and D68 is the expulsion and assignment of students to alternative school programs.

Thanks again. The expulsion to the schools that are alternative program is that It's a lot of the students that's actually attending the schools that's not being exposed to a lot of the programs. I was speaking to a young man and a young lady the other day at Miami Northwestern to where that day was turned down, I think, Dr. Gallin used to be the principal there. And they said they brought it up to the principal a couple of times. So if Dr. Bendross and Dr. Gallin, if you all can address that. with some of the students that's actually brought up the grade average that they had like one student had a 3.8 and the other student had like a 4.1 and one was in the 10th grade and the other was in 11th grade and they said they had brought it up to the administrator that they wanted to be in more advanced classes and they kept for some reason being rejected. The young lady that actually had the 4.1 GPA She lost her parents about two years ago in a tragic accident. So I guess whoever's taking care of her is not doing a great job. So if you all can just walk out to the school or reach out to them and just let them know that there's some students that's actually there that want to get into a lot more advanced students' classes.

Are you done, sir?

Yes, ma'am.

Yes, at this time we normally don't speak, but I do have two board members that have requested and I'm going to authorize it. We'll start with Dr. Gallin, sir, and then I have Dr. Bendros-Mendingo.

Yes, through the chair. I just wanted to add the initial issue that was raised with respect to school security and school resource officers. In 2018, subsequent to Parkland, all schools pursuant to law have school resource officers. That's required by law. Many of the issues that were raised previously, I don't usually speak, the chair is correct, but we don't want any notions about school safety to be misinterpreted. Many of the issues, if not all of the issues, including speed zones, those are issues contiguous to the municipality. Our school officers' first and foremost priority is the safety and security of the school staff and students in the building. So that is a priority. And we have school resource officers at every school as required by law. I just didn't want any parents to get the wrong impression that our schools are not covered. and when you get into municipal issues such as school zones and things of that nature those are not under the purview of schools in fact school crossing guards don't report to the school board we're not responsible for school signage uh in terms of speed zones that is not the purview of the school board so i just wanted to utilize this as an opportunity to both clarify and educate clarify misinterpretation, but also educate on what the protocols are. Won't get too much into the issues relative to school sites, but I don't want to speak for my colleague, but we have principals in our schools that are the ultimate responsible party for the day-to-day operations of our schools. Board members visit schools. My colleague visits schools more than anybody. I don't want to speak for her, but I just know for a fact she actually visits schools more than I do. but that's not our role and our responsibility. Our role and our responsibility is that of a policy maker. We're policy makers, and I'm mentioning this because you did mention that I was a principal, I was a principal for 10 years, and I understand the role of the board member and the role of the principal. The role of the principal is the day-to-day operations of the school, so that's the first point of communication, that's the first point of contact, then the region, then the superintendent, but as board members, we don't get into the day-to-day operations as it relates to the minutiae of what happens with the school from one day to the next, a student one day to the next. I just wanted to clarify that for those who may not be aware. So I want to use this as an opportunity to clarify and educate on that particular process. Thank you, Madam Chair.

Thank you very much, sir. Dr. Bendel's Minigold, ma'am, I'm going to recognize you at this time.

Thank you, Madam Chair, and thank you. Dr. Steve Gallen III, those of us who know him and love him dearly, he's Stevie. You cannot say that unless you love him dearly, okay? Thank you so much, Dr. Gallen, for your remarks. Mr. Brown, I don't think I know it's gonna be a great year for us.

Yes, ma'am.

And I appreciate you. attending to schools. We have a very, we had a very dear friend who probably would follow you around or you all would probably get together. I'm talking about Representative Roy Hardiman.

Yes, ma'am.

You all looked over and you know you're staying close to D2 schools. We need you. I've extended my trips, as Dr. Gallin said, to the perimeters. I can't do anything less. The schools that you mentioned are all in Liberty City.

Yes, ma'am.

And that's a place where if it's going to happen, it's going to happen there. So continue to do what you're doing. Stay in touch. We are... You can reach out almost and touch us. So just continue to do that. I was saying I have extended my visits to the perimeters, the periphery of the schools. And of course, I have to add this because they are listening. our religious or our faith-based organizations are out there with you.

Yes, ma'am.

So just keep doing it. And of course, you've already put it out there. You've already asked for a meeting with me.

Yes, ma'am.

And you know we're going to have that meeting. So just get ready and bring all of your information with you so we can do some of the things that you said you want to have done. Thank you, Mr. Brown. Thank you. Thank you, Madam Chair.

Thank you.

Thank you, Madam Chair. Thank you, Dr. Gallo.

Mr. Brown, you have one more, and that is E36. E36 is the approval of resolution number 25-056, authorizing the issuance of up to $400 million of general obligation school refunding bonds to refund all or a portion of the series of the 201 for a 215 and 216 general obligation school bonds. You are recognized, sir.

I will.

Thank you, Madam Chair. The concern that I had about that particular item, E35, was that certifications and the refund, are these funds actually allocated to these schools Items or these funds are allocated to?

Sir, could you please stop for a moment? Yes, ma'am. The clock is not running. And also, I'd like to make a correction, you referred to E35, this is E36, sir.

Yes, ma'am.

All right, is the clock okay now? Thank you, go ahead, go ahead, sir. Oh no, we're back again, okay, here we go.

Okay, thank you, Madam Chair. Again, on E36, the school refund bond to refund all appropriation to the series, are these items, 2014, 2015, 2016, general obligation to the school bonds, is this money actually is for the bonds for those particular items or for the particular schools?

We're not responding, sir, this is your opportunity to speak, that's it.

And that pretty much was my main concern on that agenda E36. Thank you. Thank you very much, sir. Thank you, thank you for letting me speak.

Thank you. Our next speaker is Mr. Antonio White. on H4, H4 is a proposed 2026 legislative program of the Greater Florida Consortium of School Boards. Good afternoon, sir.

Good afternoon, Madam Chair, and happy New Year to your board. Madam Chair, Vice Chair, members of the board, Mr. Superintendent, I am Antonio White, the President of the United Teachers of Dade, and I stand in support of H4 today, the Greater Florida Consortium of School Boards legislative agenda. UTD appreciates the work of the consortium. The 12 counties represent coastal South Florida from St. Lucie to Key West on the east coast and north to St. Petersburg on the west coast. It is important to note that these counties cover both ends of the political spectrum in the state. This diversity of politics and the fact that the consortium only adds issues to its legislative program that receive unanimous support from all 12 counties speaks to the importance of every issue included within. These items are not the priorities of one superintendent, one board member, or even one district. These are the identified and agreed upon priorities of all 12. Federal investment in public education is and should always be nonpartisan, high return investment in America's future. Predictable and adequate funding for IDEA, Title I through IV, infrastructure, mental health, connectivity, and cybersecurity, as well as disaster preparedness are all 2026 priorities that the consortium acts to be their main agenda. These things actually protect students, it strengthens our local budgets, and it creates resilient communities. UTD and our state and national affiliates are here to support the efforts of this board and the consortium in securing adequate and stable funding that positively impacts the work we do as an organization and the educational community we serve. Thank you.

Thank you, sir. Next speaker, Nancy Lother on H6. H6 is accelerating student achievement through above grade level learning opportunities in reading and mathematics. Good afternoon, ma'am.

Good afternoon and happy new year. As an MD CPS parent whose child graduated having already completed several college level math courses, shaving both time and expense from his undergraduate engineering studies, I strongly support this item. All children enrolled in all of our district schools deserve the same opportunity as he had to access content that engages and challenges them to the limit. The projected increase in level four or five scores will certainly afford the district additional bragging rights, but are secondary to the additional benefits to the students themselves. Let me pivot to the multi-measured criteria referenced in Recommend 3 to once again bring up the Emerging Scholars Program Johns Hopkins runs in Baltimore. This program offers special classes and tutoring to students who don't initially meet gifted testing requirements, but who show a special spark. with a third of these participants surpassing gifted level cut scores post-program. I can also cite the calculus project that Orange County implemented for several years, which offered extra mathematics support to all level three students. Unfortunately, it was just abandoned due to funding concerns. Funding and the supply of qualified teachers at the advanced level, particularly in mathematics, are the obstacles here. However, this initiative has major grant written all over it, and I urge the district to explore all avenues for program underwriting. One final note of caution, our students are more than test dummies. Data is useful, but not a whole shebang.

Thank you very much, thank you. Mindy Grimes-Festage? On H6, also accelerating student achievement through above grade level learning opportunities in reading and mathematics. Good afternoon.

Good afternoon, Madam Chair and members of the board. My name is Mindy Grimes-Feskey, Secretary-Treasurer of United Teachers of Dade, representing the educators who move student learning forward every day in our classrooms. First, I want to thank Vice Chair Colucci for bringing this item forward and for understanding that higher expectations only lead to real student gains when teachers have the time, support, and resources to meet them. Educators do not need more things added to their plates. They need additional resources and supports to get done all that they already are expected to do for students. Item H6 recognizes something that teachers have always known. Student success means not just meeting standards, but creating meaningful opportunities for students to reach their highest potential. Teachers know their students' needs. They are the professionals closest to the learning, and they must be seen and treated as such. To achieve meaningful outcomes for students, the right tools, staffing, protected planning time, and instructional supports must be in place so those desired outcomes are actually possible. Equity must remain central. Access to acceleration should not depend on a student's zip code or a school's ability to stretch already thin resources. As this plan moves forward, United Teachers of Day looks forward to continuing this dialogue so that implementation is thoughtful, equitable, and grounded in classroom realities. Thank you. Thank you.

Paola De Carolis, also on H6.

Good afternoon. Good afternoon, ma'am. Thank you for the opportunity to speak here and Happy New Year. I am here in support of H6, in full support and to request that when creating the rulemaking of accelerated programs after data is collected, the following is considered. That accelerated paths, especially at elementary schools, are not altered after mid-year without adequate justification, parental concern, and notification. That accelerated paths are fully staffed for continuance. That students cannot be rolled back to lower level end of the year test after a PM1 and a PM2 was offered at a certain grade level. This practice raises school grades, but it is detrimental to students. Students and teachers in accelerated programs are supported to excel with confidence. This item is personal to us and to 45 families at George Washington Carver Elementary whose children were two years in an accelerated math path. And this year, they're repeating fifth grade math that was taught the previous year. In our opinion, or in my opinion, it is a misuse of funds and resources. For the record, we relocated our daughter, and we are thankful for the opportunity and choice to move schools. She's now in Sunset Elementary, and I want to thank administration. I want to thank the excellent teachers that she has, the parents and the students who have made this transition seamless. Thank you.

Thank you very much, ma'am. I do not have any other speakers that are signed up for this portion, so the vote on the adoption of the consent agenda will now be taken. All in favor of approving the consent agenda, let it be known at this, thank you. Do I have a second? All in favor, say aye.

Aye.

Any opposed?

Nay, all right, motion passes. Ms. Yopis, can you read into the record and for the listening public items that were just voted on for the consent agenda? These items will not be discussed.

Through the chair, D19, D20, D21, D55, D68, E1, E35, E36, E-201, F-41, F-54, F-80, G-1, G-2, G-3, H-3, H-4, H-6, H-9, and H-10. Madam Chair, that concludes the items that pass on today's consent agenda.

Thank you very much. Now, Ms. Yopes, can you please read the agenda items that will be discussed in today's meeting?

Through the chair, A1, the superintendent's informational report, H5, H7, and H8. Madam chair, that concludes the items that will be discussed in today's regular board meeting. Thank you.

Thank you very much, Ms. Yopis. If your item passed under consent agenda and you did not address it prior to the vote, but you still wish to speak during the public hearing, please, again, go to the outside lobby counter where staff will be ready and happy to assist you. Do I hear a motion for approval of the board minutes of the regular school board meeting of December 17th, 2025? All in favor say aye. Aye. Any opposed nay? Seeing none, motion passes. We will now proceed with the agenda items reserved for 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 welcome and highly 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, citizen's remarks should be directed to the presiding officer or to 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 related to the business of the district. Speakers are prohibited from discussing their own pending court cases and filed claims or complaints against a district or district personnel. Speakers may not use any form of profanity or loud or abusive comments. No clapping, applauding, heckling, shouting comments from the audience or verbal outbursts in support or in opposition to a speaker, 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 have 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 turn off the microphone or resist the meeting if a speaker persists in addressing irrelevant topics or engaging in personal attacks. The chair has the authority after one warning to order the removal of a speaker 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 the 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 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 agenda item A1 to the floor.

Move it.

Do I have a second? Second. All in favor say aye. Aye. Any opposed, nay. Thank you, motion passes. We now proceed to A1. A1 is a superintendent's informational reports to the board on selected topics. This month, the superintendent will be addressing the following. highlighting innovative teachers as the first portion, and the second part will be addressing industry leaders in apprenticeships. Mr. Superintendent, sir, you are now recognized.

Thank you, Madam Chair, and before I start, I really want to thank you and the board for allowing A1 to kind of start the meeting up. It provides a lot of consistency. Today we have individuals that have contributed for the community, and so they're here. It's timely, and I truly do appreciate where you have positioned A1. Thank you, Madam Chair. Thank you, board members. Absolutely, so today we're starting.

Mr. Superintendent, sir, I do have a speaker that I see has signed up here before you go on, Mr. Kenny Brown, is he here?

Sir, are you speaking at this time or not?

Okay, then go ahead, sir, this is your opportunity.

Thank you again, Madam Chair, and to everyone. I don't wanna take up a whole lot of your time, but I appreciate everything that you all are doing here today. And again, I wish, like Dr. Bindrow said, that we have a great and super year this year at our schools, and let us all put our best feet forward for the teachers and the principals and the students that's in the school. And with that, I would say thank you to all.

Thank you. Mr. Superintendent, sir?

Thank you, Madam Chair. You know, we always say that our school district, we're trying really hard and really moving forward with innovation in our classrooms. And the ones that are making that happen are our teachers. And so what we would like to start doing is almost every month, presenting, introducing, and highlighting our innovative teachers across our school district. An innovative teacher is an educator who moves beyond traditional methods to facilitate a focus on problem solving and real world application. An innovative teacher focuses on how students think and challenges them to use modern tools and solve complex problems. This month we wanna start highlighting one of those teachers, who exemplifies and showcases what she does as a teacher in her class as a normal practice of helping students think forward and also it demonstrates the commitment of preparing students for a rapidly changing world. Today we have the distinct honor of celebrating an educator who defines what means to be a lifelong learner and a true innovator. I'll have the pleasure of handing this over now to Dr. Lewis and Mrs. Diaz to highlight our January innovative teacher. Mrs. Diaz.

Thank you so much, Dr. Dodgers, and through the chair, please join me today in welcoming Ms. Lois Seaman from Hammocks Middle School. She's joined by her principal, Ms. Maritza Correa. Lois has been a cornerstone of Miami-Dade County Public Schools for 42 years. Let that sink in for a moment. 42 years, she has been at the forefront of education. And the last seven years at Hammocks Middle, she has turned her passion for innovation into a gateway for student success. Lois didn't just witness the digital revolution. She built a home for it. She opened the Verizon Innovative Learning Lab and the Apple Coding Magnet at Hammocks Middle, fueled by a deep belief that where technology can take our learners. But Lois' impact extends far beyond the walls of her classroom. She serves as a senior lab mentor for teachers across the nation through Arizona State University. She hosts VIP nights where the roles are reversed. Students become the teachers, showing their parents and neighbors how to use virtual reality, augmented reality, 3D printing, robotics, and more. She has actively completed a multitude of artificial intelligence certificate and micro-credentialing programs and is one of the leaders in its implementation into teaching and learning. Lois often tells her students, when you learn it, you know it. When you teach it, you own it. She lives this philosophy every day, whether it's Microsoft Mondays, Tech Tuesdays, or free app Fridays. She is a 24-7 educator. She even empowers her tech team students to act as buddies for staff members, fostering a culture where everyone is a student and everyone is a teacher. One of her ESC students recently told her, I never liked technology before, but now I'm going to go to high school to study it and make it my career. That is the Lois Seaman effect. So Dr. Doutras and board members, I present to you Ms. Lois Seaman from Hammocks Middle.

Thank you, Ms. Diaz. And Madam Vice Chair, if we could stand and take a picture. Is that possible? Absolutely. Thank you again, Madison Vice Chair. Now we want to move into recognizing industry leaders. And this is something that we are so proud of in this community that we have so many industry leaders that are connecting with us all for the sole purpose of providing additional pathways and experiences for our students. At the end of the day, We know that from Miami-Dade County Public Schools, it's not only the high school diploma, it's the high school diploma plus. And today, that is what we're highlighting, is industry leaders, particularly in the areas of transportation and automotive pathways, how they open their shops, their businesses, and create these incredible apprenticeship opportunities for our students. I have the pleasure now of handing over the gentleman that knows the ins and outs, the multiple partnerships that we have, but particularly this set of industry leaders. I'm handing it over now to Mr. Reginald Fox, who will highlight how we work and how these opportunities are fostered in our school district. Mr. Fox?

Through the chair, good afternoon school board members, and thank you, Mr. Superintendent. Today we honor the employer partners who are transforming Miami-Dade County's transportation and automotive section by elevating our diesel and automotive apprenticeship programs within the transportation and automotive sector. These partners do more than just hire apprenticeships. They provide shared training spaces, donate state-of-the-art equipment, and show up consistently year after year to support the Tech College Expos, recruitment events, advisory committees, student engagement activities, and more. Their commitment helps students see themselves in the workforce that our programs remain aligned with industry needs. We are proud to honor these leaders who exemplify excellence in apprenticeship workforce development and who serve as anchors of the transportation career cluster. At this time, I would like to call Deputy Superintendent Dr. Michael Lewis and Assistant Superintendent Mr. Renee Montilla to join us in recognizing our elite transportation industry partners. We begin this recognition by recognizing our diesel apprenticeship partners, who are leaders in heavy equipment, fleet services, and transportation, and who have fully embraced our diesel apprentices as part of their workforce teams. Our first recognition is Kelly Tractor Company, representatives Ernesto Guerra, trainer, and Tatiana Salazar, training manager. Next, we will recognize NextTran Truck Center, Representative Paul Boffman, Assistant Service Manager. From Transportation America, Representative Luis Pareda, Service Manager. From United Rentals, Representative Gregory Etchery, District Service Manager. And from Vermeer Southeast, Representative Mike Adams, Talent Acquisition. We will now move to recognize our automotive apprenticeship partners. These organizations are shaping the next generation of master technicians in the automotive service industry. From Warren Henry Automotive Group, Representative Dayron Gonzalez. From Bowman Automotive Group, Representative Juan Ellman, Corporate Service Director. It is a tremendous honor to recognize these elite group of partners. Their visionary leadership and commitment to our students and apprenticeship programs are truly shaping Miami-Dade's future workforce. Thank you for your profound difference that you make, and again, congratulations from Miami-Dade County Public Schools.

No clapping. Sorry, that's only for the student portion. Okay, thank you, Mr. Superintendent. Would you like to take a picture with everyone, sir?

Would we miss, right.

Absolutely.

Madam Chair, if we could stand. Thank you.

Yes, of course. Wait for Dr. Bendrels-Mendingel.

Come on, Dr. Bendrels-Mendingel. Thank you, Madam Chair.

Madam Chair, thank you very much for the support, and these industry leaders really are making a difference. I wanted, with your permission, to just provide two more updates to the board. Go ahead, sir. Really quickly.

Yes, go ahead.

Thank you, ma'am. So the first thing that I wanted to do was really thank the folks that worked so tirelessly to help us create three amazing expos. And what is amazing is that the expos from the South, the Central, and the North this year brought more participants than ever. It seems like every year we do this, we get better and we bring more community members, parents to our fairs. It is a huge endeavor. However, again, we have an incredible team at the district and at the schools, and it is truly a pleasure to let you know that we had over 7,000 registered participants, and our expos every year, they're getting better and better. I want to really thank our partner, Miami Dade College. I have to tell you, every time we do something at one of the sites, at one of the college campuses. They are incredibly supportive and this is what it's all about. It's creating partnerships also with other universities in order to be able to connect with our community and really allow our parents and community members throughout to come and see the innovative programs that we have in every school. The principals, special thank you to them, not only for showing up, really with some of them with their entire administrative team to reflect the good and the positive that is happening in every one of our schools. Just a recognition, and again, to recognize the success of our expos. And then next, As you know, see we have the slide coming up, but I'll start reading. The Florida Department of Education, here we go, they released the latest graduation rates, showing that MDCPS achieved a 1.3 percentage point increase, reaching a graduation rate of 93.1. Now, what's really, also really important for us is Not only that, MDCPS surpassed the statewide graduation rate overall and across all reported subgroups. And in our world, in our school district, we had increases in every single subgroup. But I must highlight three individual subgroups that had significant increases. First, our African American students increased their high school graduation rate by 1.9 percentage points. Economically disadvantaged, an increase of 1.9 percentage points. and our English language learners, an incredible increase of 3.9 percentage points. Now, the graduation rate of our district school remains above 95%, and we're very, very proud of that as well. Thank you, Madam Chair. This concludes A1 with our two formal presentations, and thank you for these added two pieces.

Thank you, Mr. Superintendent, for bringing us the items that you have brought to us today, very, very significant to highlight those that are making such a difference in Miami-Dade County Public Schools.

Madam Chair, I can't clap for that, those graduation rates, really.

Excuse me, sir.

I said I can't clap for those graduation rates, really.

Okay, let me continue. Let me continue. Mr. Superintendent, in addition to thanking you for the eight items that you brought, the accolades in reference to the performance exhibited by all of our students came to the table. to fruition because of a plethora of different reasons. But there are many people behind the scenes that have made that happen. And so on behalf of our entire board, I want to take this opportunity to thank every single member of our Miami-Dade County family. for making a difference. Our teachers, our paraprofessionals, our administrators, principals, assistant principals, region personnel, district personnel, bus drivers, food service department, transportation, you name it, every single department played a role in making this become reality. But I do wanna thank you for being at the helm and having led our district together with the board who has provided also many initiatives that our policy that were implemented to also hopefully played a small role in making a difference there too. And so I just wanna take this opportunity to commend everyone for this outstanding report that you have just given us and we look forward to our grades when they come out and hopefully God willing and with a lot of hard work, dedication and commitment, from all those in this district to get another A-rated school district for the seventh year this year. And so we hope for that as well. But thank you so much, sir, because you are the person at the helm. So we appreciate your leadership and your vision as well. and Lourdes Diaz and her team, thank you so very much, and everyone else, Dr. Lewis, it's a team, and Mr. Bueno, Jason, everybody, I'm gonna miss somebody and someone's gonna get upset, so every single member that is part of the superintendent's leadership team, thank you so much, because this board does appreciate what you all do every day, but most importantly, on behalf of the children, They're the true winners here. Thank you. So with that said, I am going to now proceed to the meeting of the School Board Foundation, Inc. And so therefore, I'm going to need a motion to temporarily recess the regular session of our meeting today. And that's in order to convene a meeting of the Board of Directors of the Miami-Dade County School Board Foundation, Inc.

So moved.

All in favor say aye.

Aye.

Any opposed nay? Thank you very much. Motion passes. So I call now the Miami-Dade County School Board Foundation meeting to order.

Motion passes. I need a motion now to reconvene the regular session of the board meeting.

So moved.

Do I have a second? Second. All in favor, say aye. Aye. Any opposed, nay. All right, I would like to at this time move to the next items, which are gonna be our H items to the floor.

So let me just put this here.

Okay.

The first item that is going to be discussed today is item H5. H5 is the recognition and support of Dr. Dorothy Bendros-Meningel's No More Broken Hearts Domestic Violence Workshop in Miami-Dade County Public Schools. This item has been co-sponsored by myself, by Vice Chair Colucci, by Board Member Alonso, by Mary Blanco, by Dan Espino, by Dr. Steve Gallen III, by Mr. Geller, by Luisa Santos. And I have one speaker that signed up. I don't know if he is here. That's Mr. Kenny Brown. I don't see him.

He's not here.

Mr. Brown. All right. He is not here. So therefore, Dr. Bendros-Meningo, this is your item, ma'am. You can go ahead and bring it forth at this time.

Thank you so much, Madam Chair, and this is an item near and dear to my heart. I think you all know it's been a good number of years that we, as a society, have tried to stop what we consider domestic violence. and sometimes it surges, but we are going to do our best to slow it down. Thank you so much, Madam Chair, and your staff, I should say. We're never missing a meeting, never missing a workshop, and we do have one of our security monitors who is our disc jockey and we have a good time even though the occasion is not always happy so I want to just thank you all my colleagues for helping me get this talked about over and over and over again and we did have this morning madam chair we might go to that before we leave, but our state attorney, Catherine Fernandez Rondo was here this morning and it was all about trafficking, human trafficking. And it sometimes starts with the domestic violence. So this is definitely an opportunity for us to talk about at least 25, 26 years of doing this workshop. There are moments in public service when a board item transcends policy, transcends procedure, and becomes something far more profound. And today is one of those moments. So for more than 26 years, the No More Broken Hearts Domestic Violence Workshop has stood as a cornerstone of compassion, advocacy, and healing in Miami-Dade County. Long before conversations about trauma-informed care, wraparound services, or survivor-centric practices became a part of our professional vocabulary, this workshop was already doing the work quietly, faithfully, and courageously. I'm going to digress for just a moment. This came to my attention because I was a principal in one of the toughest neighborhoods that there would be in Dade County Public Schools. And my children would come to school and they would act out. So in order for me to find out what was causing this behavior, I took a walk across the street to the homes of my children. And at that time there were not very many principals doing that or maybe none other than me and maybe they had no real need. But when you see an issue as we, as educators and others who love children, we take it to heart. So when I found out that much of this was going on in the homes of my children, I had to put a stop to it. And we did that in that center. that we called Lilly Carmichael Evans Elementary School. There were times when we had to hand in reports and we had to discuss why we had so many children fighting in our schools. Well, when they got to my report, I had a big fat zero. We were not having fights in that school. Why? Because the parents knew at that time, Madam Chair, that if children fought, it was an automatic 10 days. So when I talked to the parents as I visited their homes, they would say to me, well, I can't have them home for 10 days. Well, I didn't want them home. I wanted them in school so we could teach them. So I offered them I said, well, what you can do is come to the school for 10 days and help us teach our children. So the parents said, well, I can do that. I'll take that. And that turned into about 40 plus parents who were hired at that school. Some volunteered. Most of them were paid. Don't ask me how I did it, but we did. So when that all settled, we have parents now who are retiring from Dade County Public Schools. Why? Because they didn't have the opportunity to sit home and watch the soap operas as they did. Well, that was okay because I like soap operas too, so I would only go to visit them. when the soap operas were on, and we became very, very close. I'm still going to retirement celebrations because I decided to do something about domestic violence. So thank you, Madam Chair, for allowing me to tell that story, and the next time you see it, it'll be in my book, but you'll have to pay for it. Thank you very much, Madam Chair.

Thank you. That must be in the book called See You in the Journey. You're too much. Okay. Yes, and I have Mr. Geller who would like to speak first. Go ahead, sir.

Just very briefly. I just want to say two things, which is, first of all, I know you know, week in, week out, month in, month out, if I miss something important in the community that's going on that I'm not aware of, that I can rely on my esteemed colleague, former representative, to call it to my attention and our attention and make sure things don't get missed. So thank you as always. Board Member Bendross-Mendingall for being right on top of what's going on in our community and making sure that we know as a board and that we can recognize things appropriately. And I just want to add to that, thank you very much for this particular item, a very important item. And if you'll forgive me for extemping a little bit here, no more broken hearts. No more broken bones. No more broken dreams. Thank you.

Thank you, very inspirational, sir. Yes. All right, so Dr. Bendros-Meningo, I have to tell you, I have been going to your event year in and year out for many, many years, and I encourage anyone and everyone who has a little bit of time available to attend, you won't be sorry. It is truly an amazing event, It touches everybody's hearts, everybody's souls, brings tears to everybody's eyes. When you hear the stories that I've heard at your events, And how so many, mainly women, it happens to men too, but mainly women were trapped for years. Trapped, trapped. And did not know, didn't have the courage or the valor or the belief in themselves that they could get out of something like that. And it's understandable because of the stories we heard. They're controlled by certain individuals. who threaten their lives and the lives of their loved ones. And when I heard the stories where you were talking about someone 15 years of their life being trapped in a situation as horrific as the one that I'm not gonna describe here, but that is described when you go to the event that Dr. Bendros Mendingo holds. you just say we gotta do something because this is just simply not acceptable. So I just thank you because you are so committed and dedicated. I mean we all care so much about this subject matter but you have been for years, for years. I know Robert Alonso has as well a very big interest in this and so many of my colleagues here on the board. So I just wanted to say thank you. And by the way, you will see her making some dance moves up there that will surprise you tremendously. I was very impressed with that too. You're telling everything. Yeah, I am. Anyway, do I hear a motion to approve the item? Is there a second? All in favor say aye. Aye. Any opposed nay? Motion passes. We now proceed, of course, to H7. H7 is Dating Violence Awareness in Miami-Dade County Public Schools. and this item was co-sponsored by myself, Vice Chair Calucci, Board Member Roberto Alonso, Board Member Mari Blanco, Board Member Danielle Espino, Board Member Steve Gallin III, Board Member Joseph Geller, and Board Member Luisa Santos. I do not have any public speakers that are signed up for this one, so Dr. Bendros-Mendigo, you may go ahead and present your item.

Thank you, Madam Chair. We won't prolong this. Please take an opportunity to take a good look at what this item proposes to do. And of course, you can see that this could lead into domestic violence. Growing up, as you know, we all did. And if the guy... you know, sort of pushed you around. Well, not me, because I'm from Liberty City, so that wasn't happening. Want you to know, that is not love. Love doesn't hurt. Thank you, Madam Chair and colleagues. Thank you for sponsoring, co-sponsoring this item. Thank you, Madam Chair.

Thank you very much, and yes, you're absolutely right, and many times that does lead to the other scenario that sadly exists.

Do I hear a motion to approve the item?

Is there a second?

All in favor say aye.

Aye. Any opposed nay? Thank you very much. Motion passes. We now are going to proceed to H8. H8 is the Miami-Dade County School Board of Florida recognizes February 2026 as National Black History Month to be celebrated in all Miami-Dade County public schools. And again, this was co-sponsored by myself, Vice Chair Calucci, Board Member Alonso, Board Member Blanco, Board Member Espino, Board Member Gallin, Board Member Geller, and Board Member Santos. I do not have any public speakers that have signed up, so Dr. Bendros-Meningal, this is your item. Ma'am, you may want to present it at this time.

Yes, Madam Chair, thank you. This is an item that is, as we celebrated this morning, the Holocaust. And Miriam, who's been doing it, I guess, for over 30 plus years, and we are friends never again as she and I would talk about what happened there. This Black History Month celebration, it's a kinship. So let's just say quickly, not that we're making light of what happened, African American history is about, because we already know, but we don't have, we should never shortchange anyone and everyone as we talk about the history of African Americans and other black individuals who are cousins, sisters, brothers of African Americans. So this board item recognizes Black History Month not only as a reflection of where we have been, but as a declaration of where we're going. It acknowledges progress made, barriers overcome, and voices elevated while affirming that the work of equity, access, and opportunity is ongoing. Be reminded, be reminded, if we don't speak up for all of us, there will come a time where there will be none of us. Thank you very much, Madam Chair, and to my colleagues, thank you for your support.

Yes, thank you very much. And at this time, before anyone else speaks, Danielle Boye, go ahead, ma'am.

Good afternoon, superintendent and board members. I am Danielle Boye, first vice president of United Teachers of Dade. Thank you, board member, Dr. Ben Drosman-Nagal, for bringing this item forward. The official theme for Black History Month 2026 is a century of black history commemorations. and chosen by the Association for the Study of African American Life and History. The father of black history, Dr. Carter G. Woodson, was an American historian, author, journalist, and a founder who earned his PhD in history from Harvard University in 1912, making him the second African-American after W.E.B. Dubois to receive a doctorate from Harvard and the first person of enslaved parentage to get a Ph.D. in history. The centennial celebration marking 100 years since the first National Black History Week in 1926 celebrates the ongoing recognition of black life, history, and culture, and focuses on the enduring legacy and evolution of black history celebrations, honoring the struggles, achievements, and continuing contributions of African Americans over the past century in the fields of music, literature, film, fashion, visual and performing arts, folklore, language, architecture, and other forms of cultural expression deeply rooted in the fusion of African, Caribbean, and black American lived experiences. Black history is American history. Thank you.

Board Member Geller?

Yes, sir.

Thank you. Obviously, I'd like to thank Board Member Bantros-Mendigal again, again, again, for bringing this. I want to acknowledge Ms. Boye's remarks and thank you for particularly for highlighting Dr. Carter-Woodson. I mean, a wonderful example for all of us to look at. Still ironic that the first celebration of black history in this country was 300 plus years after that history started. And I guess better late than never. But thank you for raising that example. I just want to echo something I was going to say, but Ms. Boye made me do it. Black history is American history. And American history is not complete without black or African-American history, because it's like looking at a puzzle with pieces missing. You cannot understand what it is unless you look at everything. Some people wonder why we separately single this out. And again, it's because for over 300 years and many times since, this history was unacknowledged. in the story of America, not in textbooks, not discussed, you know, covered up like the Tulsa race massacre was covered up. So better late than never. Better that we're doing it than that we're not. But as was said this morning by one of my colleagues, and I want to just shout it out, I said it to her, but as Vice Chair Colucci said this morning, and I thank you for it, and I said it to you, but publicly it touched my heart. We must teach the truth. We have to teach the truth. As a history major, that's very important to me, and I want to shout out a community leader who I've admired for years and who's been doing that, teaching our teachers. That's Dr. Marvin Dunn, who's been working with the United Teachers of Data, I might add, to take teachers on tours of places in Florida like Ocoee, where things happen that people need to know about. So that's an important work. I thank UTD for cooperating with them. I thank Dr. Dunn. This is everyone's history matters, but that doesn't mean that we cannot recognize individuals and groups, particularly those who have been left out of the story so many times. So, your words, Dr. Bendros-Mendigo, about the commonality of Black History Month with Holocaust remembrance, and here, in our 250th anniversary of independence of this country, let's be sure we celebrate this great country, this wonderful country that's done so much and been for so long such a beacon, but let's be sure that when we do that, we look at the whole story, we elevate everyone's history, and that's what Black History Month is about to me. It's about elevating part of our history so we can look at all of our history and celebrate where this great country is trying to get to. You know, we may not have made it there, but at least we're working on that journey, and that makes me very proud, and that's why Black History Month makes me proud. Thank you.

Thank you very much, sir. All right. Do I hear a motion to approve the item? Do I have a second? All in favor say aye.

Aye.

Any opposed, nay. Thank you, motion passes. So we have concluded this portion. I am now going to be going to the announcements. Board Member Santos.

I believe Board Member Santos signed up for announcements. She's not here, no, okay.

All right, then I also signed up for announcements, so I'm going to go ahead and do that at this time. I would like to begin my announcements today by announcing that this coming Monday, January 19th, that's when we are going to be observing a national holiday as we honor the enduring legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., a visionary leader whose courage, whose faith, and whose unwavering commitment to justice transformed the course of our history and is still transforming it today. Through his powerful words and nonviolent actions, Dr. King challenged a nation to confront inequality and to strive towards a more just, compassionate, and united society. we reflect not only on his profound contributions to civil rights, but also on our shared responsibility to carry forward his dream of equality, of dignity, and of peace for all. Many of us will be attending the 33rd Annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Scholarship Breakfast on Monday morning, an event that I go to every year and I look forward to attending again this year. And I would like to announce at this time, that our very own superintendent of schools, Dr. Jose L. Dodris, has been selected as an honoree and role model by the 5,000 Role Models of Excellence Foundation, an invitation being extended by Congresswoman Frederica Wilson, and he is going to be recognized this upcoming year. so we are very, very proud of you, Mr. Superintendent, and I thought it's important that everybody knows that you're one of those that was selected to be honored this year. And as we observe and we enjoy so many of the incredible events and all the festivities that we have here in Miami, it is also fitting, very important, fitting to conclude this day by witnessing the College Football National Playoff Championship which is being played right here in Miami-Dade County, a Florida county rich in football history and tradition. This moment at Hard Rock Stadium is made even more special this year by the presence of the University of Miami's head coach, Mario Cristobal, a proud native Christopher Columbus High School graduate and University of Miami alumnus who once played during the Hurricanes championship era. This celebration also comes to us full circle with the return home of the reigning 2025 Heisman Trophy winner, Fernando Mendoza, from Indiana University, a proud Miami native and graduate also of Christopher Columbus High School, now playing in his own backyard in the 305. Fernando represents the very best of this community, a remarkable young man devoted to his faith his family, his heritage, and his loved ones. So at this very important championship, it is a moment very meaningful shared by all of us, and I wanted to take this opportunity to thank everyone for making it possible.

Thank you so much, Madam Chair, and thank you for your comments. We are all very excited about the many announcements you had. My announcements will be brief. One, I wanted to thank the city of Florida City. They hosted an incredible celebration this past weekend in honor of Martin Luther King Jr. Day, and it was beautiful to have a celebration where our principals were the parade marshals, And I got to march with our 5,000 role models from Laura C. Saunders and Florida City Elementary. And it was quite a fun day and a battle of the bands to close us out. And bands from all over Miami-Dade County were in Florida City for quite an amazing event. And I have others coming up in Homestead and other corners of my district. I also wanted to make sure I put on everyone's radar that our District 9 annual Night in D9, the biggest event that my district puts on every year, is going to be taking place on February 28th, starting at 2 p.m. at Coral Reef Senior High School. 101-01 Southwest, 152nd Street. So please make sure that you join us. It is a free family event. Many, many of our departments, over 100 organizations come out for a resource fair. We have well over 30 performances inside and out of the auditorium. And it's a really exciting time. So please make sure, February 28th, we will see you at Corrie Senior High. That was all. Thank you, Madame Beicher.

Thank you, Board Member Santos. And on that note, I just have to give a shout out to the Canes. Go Canes. My daughter is an alum from there, so I am rooting for the Canes. I will be very transparent. And I really wish both teams the best, but my heart is with the Canes. All right, so on that note, we have now concluded all the business of the board according to the published agenda for today's regular school board meeting. Pursuant to our published agenda, we will begin calling speakers who are present immediately following the conclusion of the regular agenda. It is now 3.10 p.m. Mr. Harvey, are we okay to start calling public speakers?

Yes, Madam Vice Chair.

Okay, we will begin public hearing. I would like to remind everyone that the public hearing shall not conclude before 4.30 p.m. unless all of the speakers who have signed up to speak are present and have been given the opportunity to address the school board. Mr. Harvey, will you please summarize procedures governing this portion of the meeting?

Thank you, Madam Vice Chair. 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 rights of the majority to decide, and to protect the right of the minority to be heard, and also 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 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. 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. Although the purpose of the public hearing is solely to receive public comment and participation, The purpose is not served when citizens become disorderly or disruptive. Accordingly, speaker's remarks should be directed to the chair or the board as a whole. In accordance with board policy, the public hearing is not for resolving individual grievances or disputes. As such, speakers are prohibited from discussing their own pending court cases, legal claims, complaints filed against the district or district personnel, or any disciplinary matters related to any individual school board employee, as there are other more appropriate forms established for these purposes. In accordance with board policy, substitution for scheduled speakers will not be allowed except in exceptional circumstances. And 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. Campaigning and electioneering on public radio and television are strictly prohibited. Any speaker who persists in violating the board's decorum policies may be asked to yield the podium. We'll 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 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's time has exhausted. 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 Vice Chair, this summarizes the procedures for the conduct of the public hearing.

Thank you, Mr. Harvey. And at this time, I will begin calling public speakers. First public speaker is Dr. Nancy Lothar.

Thank you, Madam Vice Chair. I regularly listen to school board committee meetings that precede these regular meetings by a week. Discussions are more in depth and therefore more enlightening as to the mindset of individual board members, their priorities, and their concerns as they work to forge consensus. Let me expand upon remarks that several board members made during last week's meeting relating to Schools of Hope. Board members correctly noted that Schools of Hope legislation is not new. In fact, 12 Schools of Hope, four in Miami-Dade County alone, existed statewide at the end of the last school year. Nor is co-location new. MDCPS has entered into previous voluntary arrangements to share facilities under mutually agreeable terms. What board members did not fully address in committee were the pernicious provisions added to Schools of Hope statutes in the final hours of last year's legislative session. One, a revised definition applied retroactively that branded 30 of our schools as persistently low performing compared to zero such schools the previous year. Two, forced co-location with any district school with sufficient space regardless of that school's student performance records, the wishes of the parents of currently enrolled students, or the will of elected board members. Three, a mandate for the district to underwrite the operational costs of co-located schools of Hope. Thankfully, board members are vocally pushing back against that third provision. I urge them to be equally vocal with respect to the other policy changes. School personnel who worked assiduously and successfully to notch their school's first A have seen their efforts torpedoed by a retroactive, low-performing label. Parents who have voluntarily chosen to move near a hidden gem school now targeted for co-location are now actively considering their options rather than subject their student and that student's younger siblings to an involuntary occupation. These stakeholders need to know that board members have their back. Next year's enrollment figures, teacher vacancy rates, and taxpayer support depend on it. Thank you.

Thank you. Antonio White.

Good afternoon once again, Madam Chair, Vice Chair, members of the board. I am Antonio White, president of the United Teachers of Dade. As we ramp up in 2026, we know that we have a lot of work to do both as a district and as a union representing more than 22,000 employees in this district. We must strive forward together in order to accomplish our mutual goals. The legislative session started yesterday. We saw the normal pomp and circumstances at the start of session, but we also witnessed some pettiness. In our efforts to secure adequate funding, for student programs, employee raises, and employee health insurance, we do not really have room for additional pendingness coming out of Tallahassee. UTD agrees with the funding requests in this board's legislative agenda. We agree with the funding requests in the consortium's legislative agenda, and we will be there to support your efforts to secure the much needed additional funding. UTD is also fully supportive of the efforts of this board and the consortium to expand options to utilize school district real estate to help provide workforce and affordable housing for employees and families in our communities. Miami's affordability crisis is far worse than the rest of Florida. Pay has not increased enough to allow employees and families to buy, or in a lot of cases, even rent homes in the area. Prices are driving families and students out of our schools, and the financial pressure on employees continues to negatively impact our ability to recruit and retain high quality staff. In addition to working together to secure funding from Tallahassee, we look forward to working with this board to once again renew the local referendum that funds significant pay enhancements and instructional and security personnel. UTD is once again ready to fully engage our people and our resources to run a successful campaign for this renewal. We must continue to implement all available options to increase pay and reduce the cost of housing for our employees. Thank you.

Thank you. Danielle Boyer.

Good afternoon, superintendent, chair, vice chair, and board members. I am Danielle Boye, first vice president of United Teachers of Dade. I want to speak to you today about what educators and school employees are experiencing right now inside Miami Dade schools. When we talk about state funding, This isn't about spreadsheets or projections. It's about whether schools have enough people, time, and support to meet the needs in front of them every day. In Miami-Dade, underfunding shows up as vacancies that stay open too long. It shows up as workloads that keep growing. It shows up when staff are asked to cover more, stretch further, and solve problems without the resources to do it well. Underfunding also shows up as insufficient pay raises and significant increases to health care costs. This isn't because this district isn't trying. It's because the funding system doesn't reflect reality. What makes this especially clear is that districts across Florida, very different districts, are saying the same thing. Even large counties that don't agree on much else have reached the same conclusion about funding. When that level of agreement exists, it's not political, it's just obvious. Honestly, when funding isn't there, saying thank you doesn't fix the problem. The people in our schools still have the same number of students, the same vacancies, and the same experiences and expectations. Our employees just have fewer resources to meet these expectations while also struggling to pay their rent and afford their healthcare. This board has more influence than most. Miami-Dade is the largest school district in Florida. When you speak clearly and consistently about what's missing, it matters. What educators and school employees need is not praise. They need funding that keeps pace with real costs, expectations that come with resources attached, and leadership that is willing to say when the system isn't being funded properly by the state, our members need and need your support and show up every day. and do their part. The district does its part. It's time for the state to do the same. We need this board to continue pushing that message with clarity and consistency. Thank you. Thank you.

Mindy Grimes-Festage.

Good afternoon, Chair, Vice Chair, members of the board. My name is Mindy Grimes-Feske, Secretary-Treasurer of United Teachers of Dade. I'm here to speak about state underfunding and why this board must act with clarity and urgency. Miami-Dade is not alone in facing this funding challenge. School boards across Florida, representing communities with very different political and economic realities, are saying the same thing. The state's funding model does not match the real cost of educating students, and state funding has not kept up with increasing costs. What makes this moment especially significant is that even the Greater Florida Consortium of School Boards, made up of multiple large districts, has reached agreement on these funding priorities. This agreement is not symbolic. Nothing advances in the consortium unless every participating county agrees. So unanimity is required. That means districts with different leadership, different tax bases, and different challenges all arrived at the same conclusion. Public schools are being underfunded, costs are rising faster than revenue, and districts are being asked to absorb gaps the state refuses to acknowledge. These districts, blue, red, and every shade in between, agree that state funding must be improved. Here in Miami-Dade, the impact is immediate and real. When funding fails to keep pace with inflation, transportation, insurance, staffing, and student needs, the consequences land here on this board, which has no additional means of raising revenue. Students and employees feel the pain of this underfunding. I also want to say this with respect. When the state's efforts fall short, our response matters. Offering praise in moments of inadequacy, however well intended, risks signaling that the current level of support is acceptable when it is not. And Miami-Dade should not have to express gratitude for funding that fails to meet their needs. This board agreed that funding must be improved. If it is not, this board must be willing to say that the state did not do what was needed. We must speak with clarity and urgency about funding and hold our elected officials to account if they fail to deliver. What this board can do and must continue with urgency is lead. Miami-Dade is the largest school district in Florida, and when this board speaks clearly and collectively, it carries weight in Tallahassee. That means continuing to support legislative priorities that protect classroom funding, insisting that new mandates come with real dollars attached, and pushing back on policies that drain district resources without accountability. It also means continuing to be transparent with the public about why even well-managed districts are stretched thin. This is not a partisan issue. When school boards across Florida reach unanimous agreement, this message is unmistakable. The system is not being funded as required. The state has a constitutional obligation to adequately fund public education, and this board has both the standing and the responsibility to insist that the state meet that obligation clearly, publicly, and with urgency. Thank you.

Thank you.

Lixin Nelson.

Lixin Nelson. Sophia Jagjijir. Sophia, okay. At this time, I... We'll go ahead, thank you.

Thank you very much, Madam Vice Chair. We have two speakers, Mr. General Counsel, sir. One was here, but apparently is not here at the moment. They're trying to find him. And the other speaker has not arrived yet. We have now exhausted all of the business before the board today, and the time... at this point is 325, 326. So, sir, do I convene again later and adjourn at this point? Because we do have two speakers that have not arrived. I guess let me check with Madam Secretary again. Madam Secretary, could you give me the status of the two pending speakers, ma'am?

Through the chair, Lixon Nelson actually signed in to the board meeting and was here in the auditorium. I'm trying to get in contact with him to see if he left and still had the intent of speaking. My next person is to call the final speaker.

So the last speaker is Sophia

George Dejan, is Sophia here? No. We'll give it a minute and see if you get in touch with them. If not, I'm going to have to then reconvene the meeting. Give it a minute.

Thank you.

Madam Chair, I'm not getting, through the Chair, I'm not getting a response from either two. Okay, thank you, all right.

So therefore, we are going to reconvene at 4.30 p.m. We still have two pending speakers that are not present, and we do have to give them the opportunity to speak. They have previously signed up. So Mr. General Counsel, sir?

Yes, Madam Chair, a motion, you can entertain a motion to recess the meeting until 4.30.

Yes, that's exactly what I'm going to do. So may I have a motion? All right, that's to entertain, again, reopening the meeting at 4.30 p.m. today. Do I have a second?

Second.

All in favor say aye.

Any opposed, nay.

I will see everyone, God willing, back here at 4.30 p.m.

Good afternoon, I am going to reconvene our public portion of our meeting because we ended an hour ago at 3.30 and we are reconvening again at 4.30 p.m. due to the fact that all of the speakers that had signed up were not present. At this time, I'm going to go ahead and call the names of the two speakers that were not present so that they can address the board at this time. The first speaker is Lyson Nelson. Not present. Mr. Nelson? Okay. The second speaker is Sophia Jadjar. Is Sophia present? Sophia Yagdijar. Mr. General Counsel, sir, these are the only two speakers that did not have their opportunity to speak, and I've called them twice. They are not present, and I know, I believe Dr. Bendos-Meningo wants to ask a question as well, but I just wanted to make sure that since they are not present, it is 4.30, we have followed the policy which we have currently in place. And so therefore, if they are not present, I may conclude the meeting as soon as.

Yes, Madam Chair, that's correct. You may adjourn the meeting at this time if you would.

Thank you very much, sir. I will give now the opportunity, Dr. Bendros-Mendingo, you wanted to say something, ma'am?

I do, thank you, Madam Chair. There's a young lady in the audience who has been lifting the community for years and she's one of our sisters that's Haitian American. She has been a teacher without getting paid for, I don't know, maybe 40 years or more. And she wants to present something but I told her I had to wait and speak with you because I don't think she signed up for anything. How can we address that?

It's all right. I am going to go ahead and allow you to make a motion so that, I'm sorry, I'll make the motion and you can second it. And hopefully, do I have, I don't have a quorum.

Yes, Madam Chair, you don't have a quorum, but if there are no objections from the assembly, then you can permit the speaker to speak.

Okay, so I'm gonna make the motion to allow her to speak. Do I have a second? Second. All right, and although I don't have a full quorum to vote, then if there is no objection from anyone, I will go ahead. Is there any objection to allowing the speaker? Then seeing none, ma'am, this is your opportunity to speak. You have three minutes. Thank you.

Good afternoon, Madam Chair and members of the Miami-Dade County School Board, and thank you for the opportunity to speak with you today. My name is Colleen Paul, 1140 Northwest 155 Lane, and I represent the Haitian National Teachers Association, HNTA, an organization committed to advancing opportunity, equity, and academic success for educators, students, parents, and community members across our public schools. Our mission is to advance the academic and civil cause of public education by supporting and empowering educators, students, parents, and the community in which they work, study, and live. We strive to foster inclusive environment, ensure equitable access to resources, and uplift families who have historically faced barriers to full participation in the educational system. At NTA, at HNTA, we envision a school system where every student feel welcome, supported and empowered to success. Where families are truly partners in education and where educators have the tools to meet the cultural and academic needs of each child in our diverse community. Before I speak to the issue affecting our community, I want to acknowledge school board member Mendigwa, HNTA was honored to recognize her for her outstanding leadership in contribution to multiple communities across Miami-Dade. Her commitment to equity, student success, and community engagement has made a meaningful difference in the lives of many families we serve. Today, I raise an urgent concern that directly impact our students' ability to learn and thrive attendance. Across Florida, student absenteeism remained elevated long after the pandemic, with statewide data showing a persistent pattern of chronic absenteeism. In Miami-Dade especially, the district has experienced a significant decline in enrollment, with the last data reflecting more than 13,000 fewer students enrolled this year compared to last year. Part of this trend is tied to demographic and systematic shift, but another part stemmed from fear and anxiety within immigrant families. Many parents are seeking, taking their children out of school. Thank you, ma'am, thank you.

Your three minutes are up, but thank you so much for sharing.

You're welcome, and I wanna let this. Thank you.

Yeah, ma'am, we gave you the additional time. We have something.

Thank you very much.

That's it, thank you.

Thank you for allowing me to speak.

Of course, ma'am, thank you. Have a great afternoon. You too. And with that said, Mr. General Counsel, sir, we now have exhausted all of the speakers that signed up to speak, so therefore, I am going to adjourn this portion of the meeting.

Madam Chair, I'm sorry. Yes. I think a gentleman walked in. I'm not sure if he signed up to speak.

Who's the gentleman? I'm sorry, I cannot hear. What is the name of the gentleman? Yes, sir, but you're not signed up here to speak. Okay, thank you very much, sir. Thank you. No, that's it. We have now exhausted all of the speakers. So I'd like a motion to adjourn the meeting, please. Second? All in favor? Well, actually, Actually, I don't have a quorum, so I made a decision. This meeting is now adjourned. Thank you. Good evening, everyone, and happy 2026.