School Board - Regular Meeting

Good morning and welcome to the August 11th, 2026 meeting of Miami-Dade County Public School Board. Please stand as our Vice Chair, Ms. Monica Colucci leads us in the Pledge of Allegiance. Please pause for a moment of silent meditation. You may be seated. Before I proceed, I wanna take a moment of personal privilege to introduce to everyone a brand new member of our team, and this is recognizing our newly elected student advisor, Alejandro Duran Jr., a senior, at the School for Advanced Studies in Homestead Campus, and he is now officially representing every single student in Miami-Dade County Public Schools. It's an absolute honor and pleasure to have him as part of our team, and I'll say a little bit more at the one o'clock meeting, but I do wanna recognize the fact that Alejandro is also very proud of having his family with us today. So mom, dad, grandpa, and brother, thank you for being here and being part of this very special moment for your family member. Let's give them all a round of applause at this time. Alejandro, you'll be speaking more at the other one, but I'll let you say just a few real brief words this time. You can do more extensive at the one o'clock. Is the mic on?

Yes. Thank you, Madam Chair, members of the board. And thank you, superintendent staff as well, for the work that you do every day in our community. And I look forward to joining that as a student advisor to the board, representing the 300,000, more than 300,000 students in our district, to really be your best choice. So I appreciate it, Madam Chair. Thank you.

Thank you so very much. And mom, yes, those tears are tears of joy. And as a mom, we all know how you feel. Very proud. Thank you, Alejandro. We look forward to working with you throughout this entire year. So at this time, pursuant to its policies proposed board members, resolutions will be presented at 11 a.m. The board will then reconvene the regular public meeting, including other hearings in accordance with policies of the board at 1 p.m. or soon thereafter. If there is anyone from the audience who would like to address the resolutions that are being presented today but has not signed up yet, please go to the lobby counter outside the auditorium where staff will be ready and happy to assist you. The board must approve all additional speakers by a majority vote. However, I do not have a quorum at this time. So therefore, if we get a quorum prior to the end of this portion of the meeting, we will vote then. If not, it will be done at the one o'clock meeting or soon thereafter. So as we proceed, okay. Pursuant to the board policy 0165, whenever practicable and as determined by the board chair, presentations that include students should occur prior to any other presentations during this portion of today's meeting. However, we do not have any students in this part of our meeting, so therefore, B3. is being presented. B3 is the request for approval of resolution number 26-037 of the School Board of Miami-Dade County, Florida, recognizing Mr. Britton Bonowski, Executive Director of the College Football Playoff Foundation. This is my item, so I am going to turn the gavel to our Vice Chair at this time. Thank you, Madam Chair.

We do not have any public speakers at this time, so please present your item, Madam Chair.

It is truly a tremendous honor for me to present this proclamation. I would like to ask Mr. Britton Bonowski to please join me at this time. Where you are, come on up. Absolutely. Right next to you.

Thank you.

Thank you. It is truly an honor for me to present this resolution. The School Board of Miami-Dade County, Florida is recognizing Mr. Britton Bonowski, Executive Director of the College Football Playoff Foundation. The College Football Playoff Foundation harnesses excitement and reach of college football to create meaningful educational opportunities for our students and teachers across the entire country. As a philanthropic arm of the college football playoff, the foundation invests in programs that support literacy, enhance classrooms, recognize educators, and improve learning environments in communities that host the CFP events. Through strategic partnerships and impactful initiatives, the foundation is committed to making a lasting difference beyond the game. How? Well, by getting students to succeed both in the classroom and in life. Mr. Britton Bonowski was named as the first Executive Director of the College Football Playoff, the CFP Foundation, in July of 2015. He leads the organization's philanthropic initiative, as well as its capstone project, Extra Yard for Teachers. Mr. Banowski's role includes coordinating all legacy investments in host cities, expanding positive impact for teachers year round, as well as directing long-term strategic plan for the CFP Foundation. Prior to his role with the CFP, Mr. Banowski served as Commissioner of the Conference, and this is Conference USA, for 13 years, and was a member of the CFP Board of Directors as well. A licensed attorney, Mr. Banowski was General Counsel for the Big 12 Conference for six years, from 1993 till 1996. He was commissioner of the Southland Conference. From 1990 to 1993, he served as the assistant commissioner of the Southwest Conference. During his time in college athletics, Mr. Banowski served on numerous national committees. He started his career practicing law in Dallas. Outside of the CFP Foundation, Mr. Bonowski has been involved with many public service programs in Dallas. He served on the Dallas Mayor's Task Force on Poverty, chaired the Metro Dallas Homeless Alliance, founded the nonprofit called The Heart of Dallas, and chaired the Dallas Mayor's Commission on Homelessness. Born in Los Angeles, he is a graduate of the University of Oklahoma, where he earned both a business and a law degree. Britton and his wife Cindy have three children, Kendall, Britt, and Wade, as well as four grandchildren, and that would be Cora, Win, Wade, and Lila. The School Board of Miami-Dade County, Florida expresses its sincere appreciation to Mr. Britton Bonowski for his exceptional leadership and unwavering commitment to supporting students, teachers, and schools throughout the College Football Playoff Foundation. Personally, I have had the honor and the absolute privilege to join him at, I don't even know, how many of our middle schools have we been at this year? I lost count. at least this year alone. And the magic that you see happening in those middle schools happened because of your leadership and teamwork, which is what makes the dream work. It is never about one person. It's always a team, a group of people committed, passionate, compassionate, and truly dedicated to the best investment anyone can make. And in my opinion, there is no greater return on investment than investing in our children, our future leaders of tomorrow. So I commend you, congratulate you, and on behalf of the 330,000 members that we represent, thank you, sir. and thank you team for doing what you do and for having made such a difference in our middle schools because it is truly something absolutely commendable what has transpired throughout these past years. Let's give him a major round of applause because he certainly deserves it.

Well, I'll be brief and I'll definitely update my bio on our website to make it more succinct going forward. But thank you for. having us here and thank you for recognizing us for the work here in South Florida and in particular in Miami-Dade County Public Schools. I can tell you it's been a joy working with Superintendent Dotris and team here. I see Dr. Boglos is in the house, so thank, you and all your team for being such amazing partners. And I can tell you, thank you, Chair Rojas, for coming out, showing up and for your leadership. It's remarkable. And so we're excited to not only have worked here for a decade, but to work here for another decade. And we have every expectation that we'll have another big championship game here in Miami and we'll be able to make even more amazing investments. One of the things we're most proud of is Miami loves teachers. And so Linda and Audrey are helping us carry that forward. So thank you and the Ed Fund. And then finally, last but not least, I want to thank my partners here, my colleagues at the Orange Bowl Committee. They are the real engine behind all of this work. They're here in the community. Their volunteers are here in the community. You'll see them with orange jackets showing up at these events. And so it doesn't really happen without an amazing partnership with the district, but also an amazing partnership with our friends here at the Orange Bowl Committee. And so I'd like to have Anna come up here and just say a few words on behalf of the Orange Bowl Committee, because these guys really are the ones that are making it.

Well, on behalf of the Orange Bowl Committee, we're just so honored to continue to work with the school district. I mean, as Britton said, it's been over a decade that we've been involved in these projects and we hope to continue them for a long time to come. And not just the projects that we've been working on the middle schools, but as Britton said, Miami loves teachers and anything else that comes up, we wanna just continue to support the district, the teachers, the students. And like I said, it's been our honor and our pleasure to work with everybody here at the district. So thank you very much.

Thank you, and yes, we look forward. We've done the middle schools. Let's go down to the elementary and K-8s for this upcoming year, I think. Also, one more thing. We've got, well, we'll have nine board members, and we have one brand new amazing student advisor as well. Maybe we could all have those orange jackets so we could walk down there with you today. Anyways, with that said, let's turn around to our board at this time.

Thank you, Madam Chair. Congratulations to you. And at this time, I want to open it up to my colleagues, Board Member Alonso,

Thank you so much, and thank you, Madam Chair, for recognizing this incredible organization. We all see Linda around there, around town, but it's really the Orange Bowl and the partners that come together to be able to support these great initiatives. I have personally been at several of our middle schools where we've been able to open up these centers, and it's so amazing to see the smiles in the children's face, right? And that to me is the number one thing when I walk into one of those events, where they can see all that innovation and the transformation of these spaces for them, where they can learn and grow and really become those students that we want to excel later on in life. And then you guys took it up a notch with the Miami Loves Teachers, right, and that initiative. I was actually somewhere this weekend and there was a gentleman walking by with me wearing one of the shirts. And I was like, well, that's one of those great initiatives. And, you know, being the brother of two sisters in our public school system, I know how much the teachers appreciate what you guys do for them. And it's through these partnerships that we continue to flourish as a school district. So thank you for everything that you do. And as the board chair said, we look forward to continuing the partnership and moving into more of our schools so that that way every student in Miami-Dade County can benefit from all the great work that you guys do. So thank you and God bless.

Dr. Bendris-Mendingall.

Yes, thank you, Madam Chair, Madam Vice Chair. Thank you for all that you do to celebrate all of our children and my seatmate, my colleague just said the words that I was going to mention, but I'm gonna mention them anyway. I wanna make sure that I'm more actively involved in what you do and look for you to spread this wealth this kindness to all of the schools. I don't know how many you've done in District 2, but I will speak with my team to make sure that you get there. And when you come, I'll be there to cheer you on. I used to be a cheerleader, so I know exactly how to do that. And thank you all. This is a great day. I was in a meeting, Madam Chair, So we don't start at 11 around here. We start when the community needs us to start. So thank you. It's my delight to always, this is probably the best part of what we do, to honor those who deserve honor, and you deserve honor. So thank you, Madam Chair, for bringing this to us. And this is one of those that, you know, as a, a child who had five brothers. I played sports. I might not look like it, but I did. And I think my chair played sports too because today she knocked it out of the park. Thank you. God bless you. See you on the journey.

Thank you. And I just want to say thank you so much for your service. Oh, would you like to say something? No? Okay. I just want to say thank you so much for your service to our schools and our district and to our students. Orange Bowl Committee and Miami Loves Teachers, it's just such great initiatives. What you do every day makes a difference, not only in our schools, but in the lives of children, because when they go into these spaces, I was just at one, couple of months ago at one of the schools in my district and you see the excitement in the students faces as they go into these innovation centers and these innovation spaces and it's an opportunity for them to create and be inspired so that is just so necessary and so so helpful to all of us and our students especially. So I want to thank all of you. I want to thank Madam Chair for bringing this item forward and congratulations on this and Dr. Lewis,

Thank you, Ms. Gallucci. Madam Chair, thank you for recognizing such a distinguished gentleman for an extraordinary partnership with Dade County Public Schools. This partnership has been going on for over five years now. And like you, I've been very fortunate that I've had an opportunity to be in many of those ribbon-cutting ceremonies as well. But it goes beyond that. You know, the College Football Foundation slash playoff has showed that their commitment to Dade County Public Schools goes way beyond just the football field itself. You know, he's actually shown us what true commitment from the earliest innovation space to the transformation through today's expand commitment demonstrate that his long-term investment in Miami-Dade County Public Schools It goes beyond our students and, of course, our teachers. And I know a lot have been said thus far, but I also just wanted to simply say thank you. We talk about the Miami Love teachers. The fact that through the Miami Love teachers, the College Football Playoff Foundation, Miami-Dade County Public Schools, and the Education Fund and the Miami Host Committee have committed to recognizing and supporting more than 18,000 educators. The Miami Love Teachers has provided meaningful recognition, classroom resources, appreciation opportunities, and the experience that remind our teachers that their work is valued by the community and, of course, by the students that they actually serve. I have a personal message from Dr. Dotris that he wanted me to read to Mr. Bonowski, and it goes like this. Championships are often measured by trophies, scores, and victories on the field. But here in Miami-Dade County, we measure our championship legacy differently. We measure by the students who discover a love for learning and a transformed innovation space. We measure it by the students who have built robots, explored new technologies, collaborate with classmates, or discover a talent they didn't know they had. We measure it by teachers who feels recognized, valued, and supported because of the Miami Love teachers. And we measure it by more than 18,000 educators who know that Miami truly loves teachers. Mr. Bernowski, you and the College Football Foundation have helped us prove that the greatest championship legacy isn't what happened on the field, it is what we leave behind in our schools. from the superintendent of the school, Dr. Jose Alvarez. I personally wanna thank you for your commitment to Dade County Public Schools, our students, our teachers, but more importantly, what you're doing is not just impacting the schools, it's really transforming our communities. So thank you, Madam Chair, for recognizing, once again, such a distinguished gentleman. And I look forward to being at the next ribbon-cutting ceremony. Thank you.

Thank you so much and congratulations to you and at this time we do not have a quorum so later on we will vote to approve the proclamation, thank you. So at this time, We're going to move on to item B4, which is request approval of resolution number 26-038 of the School Board of Miami-Dade County, Florida, recognizing Victor Benitez, president and owner of Gus Machado Fort. At this time, I do not have any public speakers signed up, so Mr. Alonso, please present your item.

Mic check. Thank you so much, Madam Vice Chair, for the opportunity to be here today in this very special moment for not just me, but for the entire Benitez family. Many people know if you live in Hialeah or Northwest Dade, the name Gus Machala Ford. But behind that name, there's a special person who's always there for our community and never wants to take credit for anything. and his name is Victor Benitez. And today I wanted to make sure that I recognize him for not just the work that he's done at Gus Machado, but the work that he's done in our community. So Victor, if you can come up with your family, The entire family, the Reinhart family too as well, join us, we all come together as one. So many don't know, but Victor Benitez was born on October 23rd, 1954 in Havana, Cuba, and immigrated, long time ago he says, it was just around the corner, and immigrated to the United States like so many Cuban exiles on January 23rd, 1969, embracing the opportunities of his adopted country through the perseverance, determination, and unwavering work ethic. After making Miami-Dade his home, Mr. Benitez pursued his education through Miami-Dade County Public Schools where he is a product of our great school system. graduating from Hialeah Junior High School in 1971 and Hialeah High School in 1973, before earning his associate's degree of arts degree from Miami Dade College in 1975. Before I move anything forward, we thought that today was gonna be a special day of not just getting a proclamation, but I'm gonna ask also the principal from Hialeah Senior High School to please come up because I wanted to make sure that you wore the proper jacket today as you stood here today and you got your 1973 T-Bird Letterman jacket. So in 1975, Mr. Benitez began a distinguished career in the automotive industry at Deal Ford in Coral Gables, where his dedication earned him a promotion to sales manager in 1978. His entrepreneurial vision and exceptional leadership led him to become part owner of Potamkin Used Car Center in 1983, vice president and general manager of Potamkin Toyota in 1986, and part owner and general manager of Gus Machala Ford in 1988, where he helped build one of South Florida's most respected automotive dealerships through integrity, innovation, and an unwavering commitment to customer service. And that customer service is truly one that I experienced. I have only owned Ford trucks ever since being a kid. And I remember back in 1998 when I graduated from high school, my dad took me to Gus Machala Ford where I picked up my first Ford Ranger. It was a manual stick shift Ford Ranger with manual windows. And it was quite the vehicle that I had there. And it was fantastic. greeted to me by Victor Benitez and the entire team there at Gus Michela Ford as they handed me the keys to my first car there at the dealership. Throughout his career, Mr. Benitez has earned the admiration and respect of colleagues, employees, customers, and business leaders by mentoring future leaders. Many of those are actually students of our schools that have gone through the dealer, creating opportunities for others and exemplifying integrity, humility, and a servant leader. recognizing the true success is measured by service to others. He has generously dedicated his time and talents to the community by serving as Vice President of the Hialeah Chamber of Commerce, as a member of the Board of Directors of the Ed Fund, which we just saw today and recognize, and as a member of the Board of Trustees for St. Thomas University. He's also been an active member at Hialeah Senior High School, where he's helped us with numerous projects. Mr. Benitez has been a steadfast supporter of our school system throughout his time at the dealership and beyond. Through an annual backpack drive that he would run at Gus Machala Ford, they would give out book bags to thousands of students throughout the city of Hialeah. also played a key role in supporting the establishment of the Automotive Training Center at Hialeah Senior High School, where last year we expanded our career and technical education opportunities for our students by preparing them for a successful future in the car industry. His efforts are part of his enduring commitment to strengthening education, business, workforce development, and civic life throughout Miami-Dade County. But at the center of Mr. Benitez's life is truly his family, which is standing here today next to him. And since 1975, he's been married to his wife, who he loves dearly, Idania Benitez, beginning a lifelong partnership rooted in his faith, his family, and service for others. Together they welcomed their son, Victor Benitez, Danny Benitez, who's Victor Danny Benitez. I always call him Danny. They threw me off with the Victor. And in 1978, and have since been blessed with three grandchildren, Jasmine, Jennifer, and Matthew. But they also are blessed to have an incredible daughter-in-law who just recently retired from from West High Elia Gardens Elementary after serving our school district for so many years, I won't say the years, and will now be dedicating her time to her family, but I know she'll still be having that educator at heart, but it's truly an honor to have you guys as a part of our district. So today, the school board of Miami-Dade County proudly honors Victor Benitez for his outstanding leadership, civic engagement, and profound contributions to the automotive industry, but more importantly, to public education in Miami-Dade County and beyond. Thank you, Victor. God bless you on your retirement, but in all the incredible work that you've done.

Basically, just thank you, Robert, for this proclamation. Thank you to the school board. You know, growing in Miami and growing through the school system in Miami, it's what I am today. So for that, I thank you. To me, it's an honor to be able to receive this. to be here with my family and everybody else. So giving back to the community is all about, and that's basically what I have done pretty much all my life. So from the bottom of my heart, thank you.

Thank you, Board Member Alonso. And at this time, I would like to turn it over to my colleagues, if anybody would like to share something. Dr. Bendros-Mendingal. Thank you, Madam Vice Chair.

A good while ago, I was an administrator in Hialeah, James Bright, and J.W. Johnson. And I would pass what was 103rd Street and 49th Street, and I would see the sign, I don't think I ever met you. but I am glad that I get to meet you today, such an auspicious occasion. To my colleague, thank you for honoring those who deserve honor. Everything you said about this wonderful person, I know it's true because again, remember what I said a good while ago, I saw your work. I believe at the time, your dealership was right on the corner. I can't remember the avenue, but I do know it was 103rd Street, as I say it, 49th Street, and you had the car twirling in the air. So, see, I remember, but I have to always make a good funny out of whatever I say from this day, because it looks easy, but it's not. So, to my teammate, My seatmate, you have a chance to pay him for that car that your dad got for you so long ago. I know he didn't ask for any money then, but with the interest and everything, it's going to make a hefty sum. Thank you for helping my seatmate out, because he might not have made it if he didn't get that car. So thank you for all that you've done over all the years, and your family, because families have to... do what they can to make you successful. So I wanna thank you, your wife, your children, your grandchildren, and just know that Dade County Public Schools support everything that you all have done and will continue to do. It is our honor to honor you. God bless you, and I'll see you on the journey.

Thank you, Dr. Bendros-Mendingall. At this time, do I have anyone else that would like to speak?

Well I wasn't here so I missed it because I was outside with the other group but I just have to say thank you first to Board Member Alonso for recognizing such an amazing individual. And I know that your commitment and your love for what you do and the passion you've exhibited throughout all these years but most importantly the compassion that I have witnessed from you. I want to say thank you. Thank you so, so very much on behalf of everyone in Miami-Dade County Public Schools, particularly our students. And our principal over here, why aren't you standing over here with this amazing family, right? Someone who's very close to near and dear to your heart. Did we introduce him yet? Ah, okay, okay. So you just have a wonderful family, all of you that are here today honoring this gentleman. Thank you so very much, because he truly makes a difference, and if we had more people like him in the community, we would be shining even more than what we do today. Selfless acts of love, truly evident by someone like you. So I am so blessed to have known you. Your family member over here who's been quiet today, but he's never quiet. and the rest of the family and everyone involved with you. Thank you, thank you so very much. And that's all that I have. Now, Madam Chair, and I apologize for not having been here. I had to be outside with my other group. Thank you.

Thank you, and Board Member Blanco?

Thank you, Board Member Colucci. Board Member Alonso, thank you as always for bringing people that are so worthy of recognition. We have met, but we really haven't had an opportunity to talk much. However, as a Board of Director on the Ed Fund as well, I tend to see you on a little screen when we have our Zoom meetings. But truly, thank you for all that you do for this community. Like they've mentioned, it's because of people like you that this community can thrive. So thank you so much. But one of the things that has always struck me and has struck me even more today is your humility. with everything that you've done, with everything that you've accomplished, with this recognition that we are giving you today, you stand before us so humble, so soft-spoken, and that speaks volumes about your character and who you are. So thank you for being you, and thank you for all of the generosity that you've had with this county. Thank you.

And Board Member Alonso, I just wanna say thank you for bringing Mr. Machado to us. Mr. Machado, you encompass, I'm sorry? Benitez, I'm sorry. I am like Victor Benitez, yes. I just want to say that you encompass the American dream. Your story is that of so many that came to this country that faced trial and tribulation and triumphed and succeeded. And when you did, you gave back tenfold. So thank you for that. It does not go unnoticed. It goes well recognized by our community, by our school district. So I want to thank you so much for that. Your beautiful family is another testament to who you are. And the teacher, the daughter-in-law, right? The teacher, thank you for your service to Miami-Dade County Public Schools. Really much appreciated. And to all that you've done, I want to thank you. I want to congratulate you. I want to wish you all the best. And Dr. Lewis at this time.

Thank you, Madam Vice Chair, Board Member Alonso. First of all, thank you for recognizing someone that has been a permanent fabric within the Miami area. It's like whenever you think about Miami, you always hear Gus Machado, Gus Machado, right? And so to me, In my humble opinion, one of the greatest reward that one can ever receive is service to one's alma mater. And I know for a fact that not only is he a T-Brand, but I know for a fact that he contributes greatly to that high school with his automotive, like you said earlier. But just a matter of fact that having his involvement within our Dade County Public Schools, not only do our students benefit from it, but also our community also benefit from it. So thank you for highlighting such a distinguished career and a distinguished man in general. And we're happy to see that the principal of the school was able to bring a little token of appreciation just to let him know that he is a T-BREAD. So thank you for that as well.

Well, thank you so much. And if I could have Board Member Alonso come up so that we can officially vote on this. And at this time, may I have a motion for co-sponsors? Second. Second. All in favor? May I have a motion to move? Move it. Second? Aye. All in favor? Aye. Motion passes. Congratulations, Mr. Benitez. Have a wonderful, wonderful day. God bless you.

Thank you.

Mr. Alonso, don't leave just yet. We're gonna go back and we're gonna vote on the supplemental list of speakers to the resolutions. May I have a motion? Move it. Second. All in favor? Aye. Motion passes. And now we're gonna go back to item B3, request for approval of resolution number 2637 of the School Board of Miami-Dade County, Florida, recognizing Britton Bonowski, Executive Director of the College Football Playoff Foundation.

Madam Chair, co-sponsors? Yes, 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. All in favor? Aye. Motion passes. And at this time, I turn the gavel back over to Madam Chair. Thank you very much.

And B5 is a request for approval of resolution number 26-039 of the School Board of Miami-Dade County, Florida, recognizing Matthew A. Pigat for his outstanding contributions and dedication to the Miami-Dade County community. At this time, I do have some members that are here today that would like to speak, and so I'm going to call Melody Miller first. Good morning.

Good morning. Hello, everyone. What can I say about Matthew Pygott? There's a lot I could say after having the privilege of working alongside of him for more than 12 years. If I had to describe Matt, I would start with that he is compassionate, compassionate, dedicated, and visionary leader. Matt is someone who doesn't just have great ideas, he has the ability to see those ideas and what they can become. He can bring people together, surround those ideas and make them work and make them happen. I know that this through firsthand because I am one of the co-founders and his partner in the South Florida HBCU picnic. Matt had a vision of creating something that would bring historically black colleges and universities community together and here in South Florida. His vision went simply beyond having an event though. It wasn't just an event. He understood that he could use this platform to create opportunities for young people. We could use this opportunity to allow students from South Florida to continue their dreams. He could see that students needed help getting scholarships, and he is dedicated to helping them get scholarships. He also found that the community was disjointed, and he decided that having this South Florida HBCU picnic could bring alumni together from not just Miami-Dade County, Miami-Dade, Broward, Palm Beach County, and all over.

Thank you, ma'am, you're out of time. Thank you, though. Thank you.

Thank you.

Our next speaker, Mr. Eric Knowles.

Madam Chair, Board, first of all, congratulations to a new school year as we have our students enter those school rooms again on Thursday. This opportunity to sing praises of my friend, Mr. Matthew Pygott. I guess what I would say when I was at the Dolphins and he was a part of the 100 black men and he had dreads and glasses and growing up trying to become a young man. trying to understand what it means, what it needs to be to be a leader. And that is what he has become, a leader in our community. A leader that, as I was in the military, learned the word when I was in basic training, he has a can-do attitude. He makes it happen. When he puts his mind to it, he puts his knee down and he makes it happen. And he has been a leader at the chamber. When you hear the folks who talk about the grants, the hundreds of thousands, upwards of millions of dollars that he's helped secure in our business community, I want to salute him for the work he does each and every day in our community for our small businesses. To your family, that beautiful family that you're raising, Salute you. And on behalf of our team, as I say, I am the head bottle washer, but they make it happen. Thank you.

Thank you very much, sir. And I do not have any additional speakers that have signed up. So therefore, Dr. Bendrell's Meningo, ma'am, this is your item. You may present it at this time.

Good morning, everyone. Matt, this has been a long time coming. And I'm trying to remember where I was that I said, I've got to honor him. I was probably at your very first picnic. I am a graduate of an HBCU founded by Booker T. Washington. If you don't know, it's a place in Alabama. I am honored. to have been able to go to that, at that time, Tuskegee Institute. It's now Tuskegee University, where we had the wonderful fighting pilots, and we had that wonderful scientist, George Washington Carver. Someone always said, poor member, did you go to school with them? Not quite. So to all of you who thought it not robbery, to come out and honor Matt. If you have never been to an HBCU picnic, you're missing a treat. That's for everybody. Nowhere to park, nowhere to sit. And I wonder, and thank you, the co-founder, my daughter who works very, very hard with you all. She looks just like her mama, so you know who she is. She does not miss a meeting, but we had to spend time with DASA, Data Association of School Administrators. That's why we missed it. Otherwise, we would have been right there acting as if no one is there but Golden Tigers. So Matt, I'm going to give a little history. Again, as I said, it's a privilege to stand before all of you today as we recognize an individual whose life and work exemplify what it means to lead with purpose, serve with integrity, and invest in the success of others. Matt, I have to tell this story. I think I was coming out of Jackson Soul Food, as we usually do, getting a little snack. And I think this will be first met. And I saw the leadership in you. And I told you to run for office, but Eric saw the joy and the beauty in you. You're just where you need to be because we need you there. Continue the good work. Someone talked about you giving scholarships and all. It's so needed. Many of our children can get in college, but can they stay? And that's what you do. We talked about the HBCU picnic. We talked about, I heard someone mention the 100 black men of South Florida. You promote so many wonderful opportunities for not only children, but adults who mean well. So I want you to come up and stand here as I present to you a small token of my appreciation and all of those wonderful board members who appreciate you, and I'm gonna ask everyone who came here to honor this wonderful person to please come stand with him. Yes, you with the, Madam Chair. You see the short legs?

Yes, I see that, and boy, he should be the first one up there.

Where is he? First grade? Come on. Yes. That's who I work for. Those are my bosses. Come on. Everybody. Thank you. Okay. Yes, please.

Sir.

Madam Chair, board members, and to our queen of our community, school board member, Dr. Bendross-Mendigal, I'm honored to stand here today. I have a special relationship, Miami-Dade County Public Schools, actually my very first When, in terms of policy change, happened here, when I got back home, a young man from my community went to my church, was murdered, Trayvon Martin, while he was on out-of-school suspension. And I just came back, wanted to be a community organizer, and got with an organization called PAC, People Acting for Community Together. And we joined with a coalition to bring literally the 11 nation out of school suspension back in 2015 here at the school board. So I want to thank the school board members for champion with us and doing that. And that literally led for a life in public service, serving as commissioner and then mayor for the city of Opelika and founding the HBCU picnic. But I couldn't do that without these people you see here before you. From the 100 black men who literally took me from a young man with a 2.1 GPA facing felony charges in high school to graduate in magna cum laude from Morehouse. I wouldn't have done it without the leadership of the 100 black men. And to the HBCUs that made me who I am today. Morehouse made me who I am today. to all my alumni that continue to invest in our next generation, to the teachers that encourage students to go to college. Thank you for your service. Thank you for being a part of this community. and for joining us, and to my current team with the South Florida HBCU Picnic, Melody, I got Anthony here, Savannah State graduate, my brother, a dentist here, went to Morehouse too, and also to our current team, the Miami-Dade Chamber of Commerce, where we serve the community. Just thank you. We are all a part of this fabric of South Florida, and we appreciate being a part of this fabric to make a community where all of our children can thrive. So thank you, thank you, thank you. And I hope and continue to your leadership. I have three children in Miami-Dade County Public Schools. So I look to school board members to make sure they have the great programs and after school activities. So thank you very much. And thank you, Dr. Ben-Jos Menegal.

Thank you, what a pleasure to have you here with us this morning. So I'm gonna open it up first to my colleagues. I don't have anybody, okay. Board Member Alonso, sir, you're recognized.

Thank you so much, Madam Chair, and thank you so much, board member Dr. Dorothy Bendos-Mendigal for recognizing those that we do every time in our community, right? Those that are doing the special work. And especially when we see them with those young children, right? Those little legs, like you said, right? The short little legs. But those are powerful short little legs I can see right there. And he's looking up to you, Dad, and seeing all the work that you're doing up there. And you guys do incredible work. And together as a community, we'll become better. And through these partnerships, we continue to grow upon the work that Miami-Dade County Public Schools does. So thank you so much for all the work that you do. Know that it's recognized not just by your board member and your queen, but by this entire board and this entire community. So thank you all and God bless.

Thank you very much, Vice Chair Calucci.

Thank you, Madam Chair. Dr. Bendros-Mendingal, thank you. I wanna thank you for being here and for all you have done. I was looking over all of your accomplishments, all of your accolades, so impressive, but the most impressive part to me is that you decided to use all of that and give it back to your community, and that's what it's all about. It's always giving back, and now you're serving as a mentor, a role model to so many young people, and that is truly, truly something that as a board we value, as a community we need, and our children really are going to benefit from it because they're the leaders of tomorrow. So thank you for all you've done and will continue to do. God bless you. Thank you, Dr. Bendros-Mendigal.

Thank you, Vice Chair Colucci. Board Member Blanco, you're recognized, ma'am.

Thank you, Madam Chair. Board Member Bandros-Mendigo, you always find such elite people in your community that are doing such fantastic work. You know, one of the terms that's used often for someone like you in your position is public servant. But you truly, truly embody that with everything that you've done. As an educator, and now in my last role, hopefully, as an educator, I do a lot of college advising. And I've always said that every student can go to college if they want to. And every student can succeed. I'm never of the opinion that some aren't meant for college. It's if they want to. So what you are doing and what you are providing them to make them or allow them to see, this is a path for you and if you want it, I'm gonna help you get there, is just a testament to who you are and what it gives a child is that it opens so many doors as it did for you. And so as Board Member Colucci was saying, you are a role model and I think Board Member Alonso or someone said it, your role model begins at home, and I can see the admiration with which they look at you, and then you've been able to extend that across the community, and so I thank you for that, and may God continue to bless you.

Thank you so very much, and they've spoken, so I will go ahead at this time. First and foremost, to my amazing colleague, Dr. Bendros-Meningo, you said I hit it out of the ballpark. You hit it out of the ballpark here right now as well. Congratulations. And thank you for bringing it forth. First and foremost, I know you're a man with tremendous love for your family, but I think you're a man with tremendous faith. And that's where it starts, putting God first. And you can see it in you, in every single aspect of what you have done throughout your life. Secondly, your family. There is nothing more important to me in that order, God and family. And I see your loving, supportive family here, The little man with the short legs with a big old smile on his face. Yes, he's so very, very proud. But you are indeed a role model for him and for so many other children. There is no greater investment than that in investing in education because the return on that investment, nothing is comparable to it. You're making a difference in the lives of those that will lead this country. And you are a tremendous role model. And seeing that you have the capacity and the passion to fulfill whatever your dreams are. And that's why you've been a commissioner, you've been a mayor, you've done so many things. But like Dr. Bendros Menengose, you are right where you need to be right now. Well, this school year, we are dealing with a portrait of a student. And in my opinion, a massive masterpiece has to come out at the end of the year for every single child that we serve, right? You are part of that creation and that masterpiece that ultimately will be the result of the hard work, the dedication, the love and the commitment of our teachers, which you recognized, I heard that, our principals, members of our workforce, but it's also the community. And as members of this community, you're stepping up. You don't just talk the talk, you walk the walk. So thank you so very much. Continue to make a difference. And with that, I heard. as a leader, from my friend, Eric Knowles, who said very clearly that you are someone, honestly, who does not just sit there with his hands folded and say we're gonna do this, we're gonna do that, you're a man of action. You are someone that will indeed continue to make a difference and I thank you on behalf of the 330,000 students that we represent. Thank you. Continue to getting scholarships for those kids and giving them opportunities as my colleagues have said so that they can too one day shine the way that you are shining today. Thank you and God bless you. Of course, yes sir?

Thank you, Madam Chair, and to Dr. Bendros-Mendigal. First of all, thank you for highlighting such a distinguished gentleman within our communities. You know, I see that we have a Morehouse man standing in front of us, but even beyond that, as I'm reading his bio, I see his contribution not only to Miami-Dade, but to the greater community in general. You know, what I'm taken aback by is more so when you spoke, when you made the comment about how when you were growing up, you know, you weren't always who you are today. And to me, that's a testament to all of our students, right? In the sense that their current situation is not going to dictate who they become later on in life. However, what I do see is the fact that you've learned from past mistakes. And as a result of that, you are who you are today. And so thank you for being such a positive role model within our community. for others can look up to. Also, thank you for contributing to our FTE, having three of your kids in Dade County Public Schools. Just for the record, we can use a whole lot more, so feel free to contribute more to it as well. But all jokes aside, I personally feel as if that our students and our communities need to see more positive people standing in front of them. Hopefully they can emulate from that. Thank you for what you do, and thank you for what you continue to do. And once again, Dr. Bendros-Mendigal, thank you for highlighting such an individual that we can all learn from.

Thank you very much, sir. And with that, do I hear a motion for co-sponsors? Do I have a second? All in favor, say aye. Any opposed, nay. Thank you. Motion passes. Now I would like to hear a motion for the item to be approved as amended. Do I have a second? All in favor, say aye. Any opposed, nay. Oh, I am so sorry. You've gotta come back up here. I have to redo it. You must be on the dais. I didn't even realize she was.

I am sorry.

Thank you.

All right, do I hear a motion for co-sponsors?

Do I have a second? All in favor, say aye. Any opposed, nay. Seeing none, motion passes. Do I have a motion now to approve the item as amended? Do I have a second? All in favor, aye. Any opposed, nay. Motion passes. Congratulations to all of you. Now, we do have to take care of just a little bit of business here. We have one more approval that has to be made because we did not have all five members on the dais at the time. So we have three board member resolutions on today's agenda. Do I hear a motion to move agenda item B3, B4, and B5 to the floor? All right, all in favor say aye. Any opposed, nay. All right, motion passes. And now, do I hear a motion to approve these items?

Second?

All in favor, say aye.

Any opposed, nay. Motion passes, thank you.

And at this time, we are concluding the board member resolutions. May I have a motion to adjourn? Do I have a second? All in favor say aye. Aye. All right, we pass, and I would like to let everyone know that the regular meeting will begin promptly at 1 p.m. this afternoon. Thank you.

Good afternoon and welcome as we reconvene the August 11th, 2026 meeting of the Miami-Dade County School Board. The time is 1 p.m. and I would like to officially call this meeting to order. Please stand as our new student advisor 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. You may be seated. At this time, it is my absolute pleasure to introduce and to welcome our new student advisor to the school board for the year 2026-2027, and that is Mr. Alejandro Durán Jr. from the School of Advanced Studies in Homestead. Mr. Duran has been selected to serve as a student voice and representative on the school board for this school year. In this important role, he will have the opportunity to share perspectives, experiences, and ideas of students throughout our school district while also gaining valuable insight into the educational leadership and decision making process that our board goes through every time we meet. We are excited to welcome Mr. Durang to the school board and look forward to his contributions as he will be making many during the 26-27 school year. His participation represents an important commitment to ensuring that student voices are heard and that they are valued as we continue working together and cohesively to strengthen our schools and support our student success. At this time, In this portion of the meeting, we cannot clap, but join me in welcoming our new student representative, and I would like to give you a moment to say a few words.

Thank you, Madam Chair, and good morning board members, Dr. Lewis, members of the audience. I want to start off by saying this. It's an honor. It's an honor to serve as a student advisor to the school board and represent over 300,000 students to the school board. It really is. I'm honored, I'm humbled, and I'm grateful for the students that chose me for this position and believed in me. And I look forward to making sure that their voices, their dreams, and their concerns are always heard on this board. And to be honest, it would be an understatement to say that this is a dream come true. It really is to be able to serve my community in this capacity. Not only speaking on the board, but in the community. And I also just want to say this. It's an understatement and a dream, not only because of the seat that I've been given, but because what I believe this seat means. not only a commitment to children, but a commitment to excellence for those students and for those children and for the stakeholders of Miami-Dade County. And I intend to uphold this commitment alongside all of the other amazing school board members. And I, in this moment, also want to thank my mentors that have allowed me this position, have allowed me this opportunity. I also want to thank my family that's in the crowd today. And with that, I'm looking forward, excited, and ready to get started. Thank you, Madam Chair.

Thank you, we are so very proud of you. And this is another reason why Miami-Dade County Public Schools is indeed your best choice. This is a portrait of a student that we have right in front of us and the masterpiece that will be finalized by the end of this school year. So welcome, and again, congratulations, and we are extremely proud of you. And to your family that is here to support you, mom, dad, brother, and grandpa, thank you for being here, and thank you for sharing your wonderful son with all of us. So with that, 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 be heard at the public hearing, please go to the lobby counter outside the auditorium where staff will be ready and happy to assist you. The board must approve additional speakers by a majority vote. Are there any added items today, Ms. Yopi?

Through the chair, yes ma'am. We have G5, H2, and H14.

Thank you. I find good cause to vary from the established agenda pursuant to the reasons stated in the agenda items. Are there any withdrawn, Ms. Yopis, any items?

Through the chair, no, there are no withdrawn items for this board meeting, Madam Chair.

Thank you. At this time, I would also like any board members who need to abstain from voting due to a conflict of interest to please publicly announce the conflict and we will note your abstention for the record. I don't have anyone as it appears. Mr. General Counsel, sir, to the board, are all agenda items properly before this assembly and in compliance with our board policy, state statutes, and all other legal requirements under which this school board operates?

Yes, Madam Chair.

Thank you very much, sir. We will now go through the consent agenda. This is the time that board members advise me of those items that they wish to address. Items for which the board has signed up to speak will not be placed on the consent agenda. All those items not reserved for separate consideration will then be approved under the consent agenda. The board members will be provided with the additional speakers once sign up has been completed. I cannot have any votes at this time, Mr. General Counsel, sir, because I do not have a quorum.

That's correct.

Okay, so I will come back to the voting. In light of the adoption of Chapter 286.0114 of the Florida Statutes, and board policy 0169.1, citizens who have signed up to speak to an item that is on the consent agenda, that is items not identified by board members for discussion, may either speak at this time prior to the vote on the consent agenda, or you may elect to speak after the board has voted on them during the public hearing. However, speakers who wish to address a consent agenda item may not speak to the item both times. The public hearing will begin no later than 6.30 PM. The chair or vice chair may begin calling the 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 of the speakers signed up to speak are present and have been given an opportunity to do so. Before I proceed to call board members regarding the items that they would like to discuss on today's agenda, please note the following co-sponsorship requests that have been received. Myself, I have requested to be added as a co-sponsor to H14. Board member Alonso has requested to be added as a co-sponsor to item H8, H9, H10, H11, and H14. Board member Bendrels-Mendingal has requested to be added as a co-sponsor to items H3, H4, H6, H7, H8, H9, H10, H11, H12, and H13. Board Member Geller has requested to be added as a co-sponsor to H3, H4, H5, H6, H7, H8, H9, H10, H11, and H14. I would need a motion to approve the board members that were just identified, but again, I do not have a quorum, so this will have to occur later in the meeting. I will now go through those items that board members wish to address. So I will begin with Dr. Bendros-Mendingal, and I do not have any items listed for her. Board Member Geller, I do not have any board items listed for him. Board Member Alonso, I have H7, sir, yes, okay. Board Member Espino, I have none for him. Myself, I am down for H2, H5, H6, and H12. I have Board Member Blanco, none. Is that correct, ma'am, yes? Thank you. Board Member Colucci, I have you down for H12 and H14, ma'am, is that correct? That's correct, Madam Chair. Thank you. Board Member Santos is not here today, and Student Advisor, I have you down for H5, is that correct?

That is correct, Madam Chair.

Thank you very much. Before the vote on the consent agenda is taken, again, I will call those persons who have signed up to speak to the items that are part of the consent agenda to address them. Therefore, at this time, I'm going to begin by calling persons who have signed up to speak to the items addressed to the board at this time. First person that is being called is Danielle Boyer-Smith. I have her down again. Danielle Boyer-Smith. These are all the speakers that I have signed up. Ms. Yopes, is that correct, ma'am?

Through the chair, yes ma'am, those are the two speakers that signed up for the consent agenda.

Thank you, so Ms. Yopis, can you please read into the record, and for the listening public, the items that were just, well, we haven't voted, but were just discussed, the items that will not be discussed today.

Through the chair, with pleasure. The items that will be discussed are H2, H5, H6, H7, H12, and H14. For the listening public, there is no A item.

Thank you. Ms. Yopes, can you please read for the record the items that will not be discussed today?

Through the chair, with pleasure.

Thank you.

C1, C2, D20, D21, D64, E86, E87, E88, E89, F1, F2, F3, F4, F5, F26, F80, G1, G2, G3, G4, G5, H3, H4, H8, H9, H10, H11, and H13. Madam Chair, honorable board members, that concludes the items that would be passed on today's consent agenda upon the vote. Thank you.

Thank you. If your item passed under the consent agenda and you did not address it, prior to the vote, but still wish to speak during the public hearing, again, please go to the lobby counter outside the auditorium where staff will be ready to advise you and assist you. Again, I have a motion for approval, but I cannot do that. I do not have a quorum at this time, so this will have to happen later on in the meeting. We will now proceed with the agenda items which have been reserved for consideration by board members. A high level of civics involvement in civic life is crucial to the well-being of any democracy. And as such, participation by the public in school board meetings is welcomed and always encouraged by all who sit on this dais. As always, this board seeks public input and participation in our meetings. However, the public purpose is not served when citizens become disorderly or disrupt meetings. Accordingly, and also pursuant to board policy 0169.1, citizens' remarks should be directed to the presiding officer or the board as a whole and not to individual board members. Speakers making comments on agenda items shall confine their comments solely to the agenda item being discussed. During this meeting, speakers must limit their remarks to matters that are related to the business of the district. Speakers are prohibited from discussing their own pending court cases, file claims, or complaints against the district or district personnel. Speakers may not use any form of profanity or loud and abusive comments. No clapping, applauding, heckling, shouting, Any comments from the audience or any verbal outbursts in support or in opposition to a speaker or his or her remarks shall be permitted. Persons making exits from the board meeting shall do so quietly. The chair may notify and warn speakers that their comments have gone beyond the subject matter for which they had signed up to address. Matters that are not related to the business of the school district or constitute personal attacks on individuals or otherwise violate this policy. The chair may turn off the microphone or recess 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 the speakers from the meeting. 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 agenda items to the floor, I would like to remind the public speakers that pursuant again to board policy 0169.1, individuals are allowed no more than two minutes to address the agenda item and no more than a total of 10 minutes during the board meeting. including speaking time during the public hearing, regardless of the number of agenda items to be addressed. The green light at the speaker's podium signals two minutes, the yellow light signals 30 seconds remaining, and the red light signals that speakers have exhausted their time. Speakers making comments on agenda items shall confine their comments solely to the agenda item which is being discussed. The board policy also states that the total time allotted for the public hearing shall not exceed 90 minutes. Please be advised that the 90 minute limit will be observed for public hearings. I believe I do have a quorum at this time, so now I have to go back. Do I hear a motion for approval of speakers to agenda items and to public hearing topics not previously signed up to speak? Do I have a second? Second. All in favor say aye. Aye. Any opposed, nay. Seeing none, motion passes. Okay, then we'll move to the next one. I need a motion to approve the board members that were identified earlier with the co-sponsorships along with items specified to be listed again as co-sponsors on the items announced. Do I have a motion? So moved. Do I have a second? All in favor say aye. Any opposed nay.

Motion passes.

Do I hear a motion to approve the items as amended? So moved. All in favor say aye.

Aye.

Any opposed, nay. Motion passes. And I believe that those are all the areas that we're pending. Is that correct, sir?

Yes, I just double-checked with the recording secretary.

Through the chair, those are the votes from the beginning of the meeting. We are still pending bid opening list, the minutes from the board meeting, and the consent agenda, of course.

Do I have a motion on the minutes from the previous board meetings? And we will have to go back to the dates on those. Ms. Yopes, can you please go through the dates on the two previous board meetings that we're voting on, ma'am?

Through the chair, the motion would be the special board meeting of July 21st, 2026, the regular school board meeting of July 22nd, 2026, the special board meeting of July 29th, 2026, and the first budget public hearing meeting of July 29th, 2026.

Thank you very much. Do I have a motion?

So moved.

Do I have a second? All in favor say aye. Aye. Any opposed, nay. Seeing none, motion passes. And now do I have a motion for the approval of the bid opening list for July 2nd and July 9th, 2026? So moved. Do I have a second? Second, all in favor say aye. Aye. Any opposed, nay. Seeing none, motion passes. We are now going to proceed to the H items. May I have a motion to move the H items to the floor? So moved. Do I have a second? All in favor say aye. Aye. Any opposed, nay. Seeing none, motion passes. The first item that we have today is H2. H2 is that Miami-Dade County Public Schools humanitarian relief efforts for victims of the recent earthquake of Columbia. I do not have any speakers that signed up for this item. This is my item. And once again, sadly, tragedy hits. We just recently had the situation in Venezuela and this board immediately as we have done all the time in the past when there is a very sad situation. which affects other countries, and especially when it affects our children, we always are there to stay present. This agenda item, sadly, once again, is addressing very similar situations to what happened in Venezuela and how many of our students are now left in a very difficult situation. Not our students, their students, but they're our children regardless. And so my item is stating the following. To provide any assistance, any support, or humanitarian aid to schools as needed and as deemed appropriate for the educational, social, and psychological needs of affected and displaced students due to the devastation of the recent earthquake in Colombia. Number two. Request the assistance of the Florida Commissioner of Education in exploring whether the state can provide additional educational support and resources which may help address the needs of affected schools and students, ensuring that students have access to educational resources and services which are necessary to support their academic continuity and long-term success. Number three, affected cities, such as Cali, also to receive the support that is necessary. Do I hear a motion for any co-sponsors to this board item? Second. All in favor say aye. Aye. Any opposed, nay. Thank you, motion passes. Do I hear a, do you wanna speak? Oh, oh yes. Yes, I did not, you wanted to speak, sir, so go ahead, Mr. Espino.

Yes, sir.

The space just today, oh, a little hot.

Yes, now I can hear you.

I appreciate your leadership in this space. Just today, we held meetings at GEM, Global Empowerment Mission, as well as a press conference to identify the kind of support that we can provide the Colombian community state of Colombia, the country of Colombia, the various areas of Colombia, the communities in Colombia, because unlike Venezuela that had so much devastation in one area, this was much more diffused throughout the country. And Colombia is in a much different position from a government perspective to actually mobilize assistance for themselves. So what they're looking for is monetary donations and to concentrate their services through GEM, again, the same people that helped mobilize people in Venezuela. GEM is already working with the first lady of Colombia, to channel that and get them to the aid to the right people on the ground that can diffuse it directly to the public. So like with Venezuela, of course, they're going to need volunteers, they're going to need financial donations, and they're going to tell the public the types of donations that they're going to need so that these things don't sit on a shelf unnecessarily or don't make it to the right hands. But this is a very timely thing, and I'm looking forward to support it.

Thank you very much, sir, and absolutely. And lots of prayers for all of the families that have been so sadly affected by this earthquake. Do I hear a motion to approve the item as amended? Second. Thank you. All in favor say aye. Aye. Any opposed, nay. Thank you, our motion passed. We are now going to move to H5. H5 is also mine and it is the school board endorsement of the month of September 2026 as National Suicide Prevention Awareness Month in Miami-Dade County Public Schools. This item had been previously co-sponsored by Vice Chair Monica Colucci, Board Member Roberto Alonso, Board Member Mari Blanco, Board Member Danny Espino, Board Member Joseph Geller was also added. And at this time, I would like to just briefly state that this is an item that sadly I bring forth because it is affecting more and more members of our community, but especially our youth. The health and the safety and the well-being of all of our children remain among the highest priorities that this school board has. as students face increasing academic, social, and emotional challenges. It is absolutely essential that schools foster supportive environments where mental health is prioritized, where individuals feel connected, where they feel that they are heard, and every student's know that if they are in need of help, of assistance, that it is available to them. Raising awareness about suicide prevention is a critical component of promoting student wellness, reducing stigma, and encouraging open conversations regarding mental health. Each September, communities across this nation observe National Suicide Prevention Awareness Month, and this is in order to be able to educate the public to promote prevention strategies and also to be able to reinforce the importance of recognizing the warning signs of emotional distress. Miami-Dade County Public Schools is committed to providing students, our families, and our employees with the resources, the education, and the support which is necessary to be able to promote resilience and be able to encourage early intervention and connect those in need with the appropriate services. This agenda item endorses the observance of September 2026 as National Suicide Prevention Awareness Month in Miami-Dade County Public Schools and reaffirms the district's commitment to fostering a culture of compassion extremely important of hope and of awareness. Through education, collaboration, and of course, access to mental health resources, the district continues to strengthen its efforts and to support the well-being of every student and ensure that no one has to face life's challenges alone. And that's not just for the students, but also for our workforce. And so with that said, board members, that is my item. I do have our student advisor who did sign up to speak on this item. So you are recognized at this time, sir.

Thank you, Madam Chair, and I chose this item to be one of the first that I will speak on in my capacity as student advisor for a big reason, to express my gratitude and support. Thank you, Madam Chair, and thank you to all members of the board for continuing to support this item year after year. In the conversation that I've had with students from across the district, something always comes up, mental health. Myself and students from across the district care about mental health and supporting our students in our capacity as a district. I truly believe that this item does just that, putting our district in the right direction by raising awareness for a crisis that we cannot ignore. Because through a small act of kindness, by a small event of support, and by having a difficult conversation throughout the month, we can truly save lives. Thank you, Madam Chair.

Thank you so very much, and from the voice of a student who's out in the trenches and knows the needs, thank you for speaking on behalf of all those that you represent. This is indeed very important.

I have Dr. Bendros-Mendingal, ma'am, you are recognized. Thank you, Madam Chair, and I know that there are those in the audience who would want me to just congratulate you now that I know who you are. They'll tell you later what I said that they probably have told you. I know you will serve not only the students but us well. I can tell all of us really will be watching you and taking a little bit of your knowledge from you to do what we can for children. I wish we had, and Madam Chair just thought about this, might be a day where we just cover the dais with children. I don't know how it would work, you know, legally the attorney will tell us, but it gives us a chance to hear from them and what they think. Member Blanco is smiling because I know she knows that what we say about children up here is not always what they would say. So maybe we could think about how to put that together. and have them a day at the school board. Something will come up with it and we'll sit out there and see what we look like in their eyes. So let's think about that. And Madam Chair, I'll go on and admit it. Usually I'm on top of things because I'm a teacher by trade, but today they got me good. I was just congratulating a young man in the corridor for being the voice of the children in Dade County Schools and, again, how I'm going to enjoy working with him. And I just saw everybody in that family just smiling, Madam Chair. I was talking to the twin. So I owe you one, okay? They're out there and they were just laughing. And I'm thinking, what did I What did I say? Madam Chair, did you know that he, identical?

I found out this morning when he walked in and saw him, and I said, you two are identical.

Yes, so I just wanted to share that because that's my story. I don't know what they're gonna say, but they got me good. Thank you, Madam Chair, thank you, sir. I look forward to working with you. Thank you so much. Thank you.

All right, I don't have anyone else that signed up to speak, so do I hear a motion to approve the item? Is there a second? All in favor say aye. Any opposed, nay. Seeing none, motion passes. We proceed to H6. H6 is the Miami-Dade County School Board endorsement and celebration of October 2026 as National Principals Month. This is also my item. And it was co-sponsored by our Vice Chair Monica Colucci, our Board Member Roberto Alonso, Board Member Mari Blanco, Board Member Danny Espino, Board Member Dr. Dorothy Bendros-Miningo, and Board Member Mr. Joseph Geller. Thank you so much for your co-sponsorships. And this is also an item that I proudly bring. each and every single year to the board, having been a former principal myself for many, many years, as Dr. Bendros-Meningo has been as well. Having been there, done that, we know the critical role that those principals play because they are the ones at the helm of our schools. They are the ones that set the tone for others to emulate. They are the ones that are the movers and shakers and will make a difference in the education that our children get at our schools. So it is an absolute honor for me to be able to bring this agenda item, recognizing and celebrating our National Principals Month, which is every year during October. Principals, again, play a vital role in shaping the culture, they shape the climate, and the academic success of our schools. As the instructional leaders of those sites, they inspire excellence, support teachers, They support staff, they foster positive learning environments at all times, and they work tirelessly to ensure that every single student has the opportunity to succeed. Their leadership, their dedication, their commitment, their passion, that is everything that is essential, absolutely crucial to the advancement of the mission. And that mission of Miami-Dade County Public Schools is to give our children the world and to make sure that they meet the diverse needs of the students and of the families as well of the communities which they serve. This agenda item recognizes the observance of National Principals Month and honors the outstanding contributions of school principals throughout Miami-Dade County Public Schools. It provides the opportunity for the school board of Miami-Dade County, Florida, the educational community, parents, students, and the public to express its sincere appreciation for the professionalism, the resilience, and the unwavering commitment of our principals, whose leadership continues to be the strength of our schools and positively impact the lives of our children every single day. So to all principals, those that may be listening, those that are not, Hopefully you will get the message that this board, this superintendent, and this entire Miami-Dade County Public School families appreciates your hard work, your commitment, again, your dedication, your passion, and compassion. And most importantly, for the love of the profession that you have chosen, the investment, in the future by investing in our children. Again, I repeat for the third time today, there is no greater investment than investing in the educational arena for the leaders of tomorrow. So with that, my colleagues, that is my item. And I do not have any speakers that have signed up, so do I hear a motion to approve the item? All in favor say aye.

Aye.

Any opposed, nay. Seeing none, motion passes. So now we're going to proceed to H7. H7 is a management and use of revenue generated from district-owned property. From last week's meeting, we have the following board members who co-sponsored this item. Myself as chair, Vice Chair Monica Colucci, Board Member Marty Blanco, Board Member Danny Espino, Board Member Dorothy Bendros-Meningo, Board Member Joseph S. Geller. I don't have any public speakers that have signed up for this item, so Mr. Alonso, sir, this is your item and you are recognized at this time.

Thank you so much, Madam Chair, and thank you to my colleagues for your support on this critically important board item that we know is so important. As Miami-Dade County Public Schools, our superintendent in this board is entrusted with one of the largest portfolio of educational facilities and real property in the state of Florida. These are public assets that belong to the taxpayers and ultimately exist to serve our students. And that's one message that we have united in delivering every time we discuss one of these properties. So as we continue evaluating all these underutilized properties and opportunities for leases, partnerships, shared use agreements, and when appropriate, property sales, it is important that we also establish clear expectations for how any revenues generated from these assets are managed. Today, as we know, every different transaction comes back to this board for approval, but we do not have a comprehensive board policy that establishes the guiding principles for how staff will work with these revenues, how they should be managed, how they should be reported to the board, and reinvested over a long term. This item is about governance. It's about ensuring transparency, accountability, consistency, and responsible stewardship of taxpayer resources. The primary purpose of this is to look at district-owned properties and to see how they support all the educational opportunities for our students and always being student-focused. Any revenues generated from any of these public assets should ultimately be reinvested in ways that improve student achievement, modernize our schools, strengthen campus security, expand educational opportunities, and preserve the long-term value of our facilities. This proposal helps ensure that these assets continue to serve the students long after the transaction has occurred. The policy is to focus on five key pillars. Identify the properties that have been sold or leased, report on all revenues received, show how the revenues have been spent and are being used throughout the lifespan of those leases, show the remaining balances, and any future plan uses of any taxpayer dollars. Taxpayers deserve to know how public assets are generating value and how these dollars are being reinvested into our schools to benefit our students. Every dollar generated from these assets should advance priorities such as student achievement, safety and modernization of the learning environments, operational excellence, fiscal stewardship, In closing, this item is about protecting public assets, strengthening the public's confidence, promoting responsible financial stewardship, and ensuring that revenues generated from taxpayer-owned properties continue to create lasting educational benefits for future generations of students in Miami-Dade County Public Schools. I thank everybody on this board for your continued leadership on all these investments that we're doing and the ways in which we're using these properties to continue to invest in the future of our students. Thank you, Madam Chair, and that is my board item.

Thank you very much, sir. I do not have anyone that signed up for this item, so do I hear a motion to approve the item? Is there a second? All in favor say aye.

Aye.

Any opposed, nay. Seeing none, motion passes. We now proceed to H12. H12 is the review and evaluation of the district's use of synthetic turf and artificial grass. And from last week, there is one board member who co-sponsored the item, and that is Dr. Dorothy Bendros-Meningo. I do have speakers that have signed up.

One speaker, Marcel Borges. Marcel Borges.

I don't have any other speakers, so board member Geller, sir, you may present your item at this time.

Thank you, Madam Chair. And hi, colleagues. I'm sorry I missed you guys when this was talked about last week at committee, but I was away, as you know. Glad to be here. I want to be clear on a couple things about this item. Most importantly, I think, is what it does not do, because I'm led to believe there were some questions. This certainly doesn't ban artificial turf. It doesn't require the district to remove one field or one portion of a field. It doesn't require the district to replace synthetic turf with grass. It doesn't even ask us to decide today that there's a problem with artificial turf. It doesn't do any of those things. What it does ask is that we take a look. In my time here, I've heard many times that we try to make decisions that are evidence-based, and we go to sometimes some great lengths to be sure that we have evidence so that we can make appropriate decisions. I think this is in line with what that policy has been. There have been questions raised about not just health but environmental issues and some financial issues. I don't know that we I think there's been more attention to the cost of installation than there has been to the life cycle of artificial turf, when and how often it has been or should be replaced, what those costs are, and whether in the life cycle of these, they are the most economically efficient. Because of course, we shouldn't be looking at decisions that only impact us today. Some of the questions that have been raised not only involve surface temperatures, and we know there have been some incidents where extreme heat has had some adverse impacts on some of our students. But there are some questions about, I mean, we use this term artificial turf as if it describes one particular thing, but that's not true. There are different products, there are different manufacturing methods, and there are different chemical compositions. So some of the materials, chemical component issues are questions that have been asked. There's kind of a new thing that I guess we're all coming to terms with called microplastics that are showing up in our oceans and in our brains. And whether these are the source of microplastics is an issue, and whether there's environmental impact related to that. I don't want to be alarmist. So far, research funded by the federal government has not identified definitively any particular problem, but that research is ongoing. There are a lot of questions regarding, for instance, the different turf systems. Is there one that's better than others? Not only these materials, the scenarios, but the long-term effects. So what we're asking in this item is please look at the evidence and tell the board. The board needs evidence. This is commended to the superintendent. Among other things, we want to be sure about the long-term financial costs. Is this an appropriate use? Is there a better, more effective way to approach installation, maintenance, and replacement? We're not asking for a moratorium, not even on any project. We're not allocating any money whatsoever to any new capital project. We're not saying that this should stop. If there's an ongoing project, we don't want to halt anything in the middle. That's obviously not a fiscally wise decision. I mean, absent some something that the superintendent brings back to us. We're not asking any removal whatsoever, but we are asking the superintendent while not disrupting the schools, not disrupting any ongoing academic program, we are asking the superintendent, who's given discretion as to how this is to be conducted, by the way, and who's gonna do it, but to come back with a feasibility study for us that combines both any issues related to student and staff health and safety and long-term sustainability of use and the value. So specifically, looking at the recommends, the first one is a comprehensive review of our use of synthetic turf and artificial grass. Looking at student health, environmental, life cycle, operational benefits and limitations, and alternatives, and consider whether we should have a temporary moratorium on future installations until a more thorough review is completed. If the superintendent comes back and says, no, that's not necessary, that the limited number of new installations that are ongoing should be continued, then that's fine too, but at least somebody should look at that. The second recommend is to convene an advisory panel chosen by the superintendent, considering stakeholders, including public health experts, environmentalists, students, representatives of the PTAs, our own administration, and really anybody else that the superintendent thinks is better able to evaluate scientific evidence and by better able, I mean better able than us, quite frankly, and to give some recommendations to the superintendent. And it asks that that be presented for the facilities and construction meeting on October 7th, unless, of course, the superintendent says, well, I need a little more time to get this done right. So I think that it is a very limited opportunity very appropriate and both fiscally and from a health perspective, wise decision for us to take a look. have the superintendent convene some people, talk about it, and come back to us. And if the answer is, there's not a problem here, I'm fine with that as long as we take a look. If the answer is, you know, there are some things that bear a really deeper investigation, I'd like to hear that. And if the answer is, Well, actually it turns out there's a real problem. I don't think that it's an urgent problem, but what do I know? So I ask you today to support taking a look at this so that we can all say we've done our due diligence on this issue and make sure that among the many responsibilities that the superintendent of this district has, that this be one that at least be considered. That's the item.

Thank you very much, sir. I signed up for this item. Someone else did as well, but they're no longer speaking, so I'm going to go ahead and speak at this time. First and foremost, I truly appreciate the intent of what you're trying to do here. There's no question our schools have to provide safe and healthy and even appropriate athletic facilities for our students. I do have some areas that I have concerns regarding the potential consequences, however, that this might also bring. In my view, there are four primary areas of consideration that the board really needs to look at and evaluate before moving forward. And again, I thank you for everything you've just said, and I'll go back to something you said a moment towards the latter part of my comments. The health and the environmental and the safety considerations would be the first one. we must appropriately make sure that the place, the health and the safety of our students and of our entire student population is at the forefront of every single facility's decision which we make, no doubt about that. But at the same time, the evaluation should consider the full range of environmental and safety trade-offs that are associated with both the synthetic and the natural surfaces. So in South Florida's climate, maintaining natural grass fields at a consistently safe and playable standard can require substantial irrigation, fertilizers, pesticides, and ongoing maintenance. Also, during periods of heavy rainfall, which we've had several times, and high usage, natural grass can also deteriorate pretty rapidly, and creating a muddy or even an uneven condition that may increase the risk of injury to our children. and may also limit access to the actual field. The board should also consider the body of research and regulatory review that has examined both the modern synthetic turf materials and the natural. Existing evaluations by the federal and state health and environmental agencies have not identified elevated health or safety risks which are associated with the materials used in the modern synthetic turf when properly installed and maintained. I also called members of our staff, because I wanted to know how many reports have come in of students getting hurt. The response that was given to me was none, but I'm going to ask that question at this time. Again, if someone from staff could please provide, if we have reports from students who are players who have gotten hurt, I would like to know the number, because the last number I received was that there were none. Mr. Pettis, sir?

Good afternoon, Boren, board member Chair Rojas. Yes, so information that we received is injuries related to the assumptions of the heat that these artificial surfaces have. We have none reported. There are normal athletic injuries that happens, and that happens both on natural and artificial turf. But as it relates to the actual heat that an artificial turf, the studies show that it is a little bit higher than natural grass. There is no reported injuries on that matter. And just to add to that, we conducted We got a lot of feedback a few years ago. Our criteria was to continue. Back then, we had natural turf as part of our design standards. And in much feedback and research that we did with our principals, with our regions, we decided to change our criteria and move towards the artificial synthetic turf. It actually, according to them, and what we've seen is that improves the condition. One of the main concerns is that our schools have a very small footprint when it comes to play fields, so they get used and pretty much chewed up every day. And so these fields provide for a much resilient type of surface that the school can use and has been requested pretty much by every high school. We do have a few high schools in the pipeline. We've just completed a few other high schools. We've just completed Traz Powell Stadium, which is artificial turf, which had their media event yesterday. And so one more thing I would add, I know Board Member Geller wanted the study, the recommendations back due in October. I will tell you, reading the recommends, we would have to convene a panel of experts sometimes SCHEDULING THAT THIS TIME OF YEAR IS A LITTLE BIT DIFFICULT AND IDENTIFYING THOSE INDIVIDUALS ALSO. SO I WOULD KINDLY ASK THAT MAYBE WE CAN EXTEND THIS AN EXTRA 30 OR 60 DAYS TO THE NOVEMBER FACILITIES COMMITTEE OR THE DECEMBER FACILITIES COMMITTEE.

Thank you and I appreciate that response. I have a relief knowing that our children are not getting hurt out there because that would be a huge red flag for me. And I do know that many principals that I know personally from the district I represent want not only the principals but members of the communities want to have that place in their schools in lieu of the regular grass. So thank you for the response. I'm gonna follow up accordingly. The other portion that I was concerned about, sir, and again, I thank you because I know you really care about the children and about their safety, and so do I, and their well-being, but I need to address these issues. Maybe we can get further clarity. The financial and the project timeline implications, As I just said, I've had a lot of principals that have been waiting to get this done and are looking forward to it. So when I read on the recommend, and I always look at the recommend because the body is not really what is relevant. What truly counts is what is on the recommend. and I saw that possibly a temporary moratorium could create, you know, could occur, well that would create then significant financial and scheduling disruptions, especially for those projects that are already planned, and we have several underway. It could also delay projects from taking place and it could result in an expiration of the vendor quotes that we've already received. It could have increased construction and material costs and also additional delays in delivering the improved athletic facilities for our children. So that's another area that did concern me. And it's also important that we consider the total value of usability in these fields. So not simply their initial installation cost, but the total value. So although synthetic turf definitely may carry a higher upfront cost, there's no question, it can also provide, and I did a lot of research on this, more than 2,000 playable hours per year compared with approximately 600 to 800 hours for natural grass. So when evaluated, again this would be on a cost per use basis, the synthetic turf may be comparable to or more cost effective than the natural grass over the useful lifespan of that field. Another area that I looked at was the administrative redundancy and responsible use of district resources. So I was concerned that establishing a new local advisory panel could possibly also duplicate research and evaluations that have been conducted by again, the established federal, state, and independent organizations where a lot of this information has come from. So, if as referenced in item H-12, the existing studies have found exposure levels to below the levels of concern, then we should carefully consider what additional information a new panel would provide and whether that information would justify the associated expenditures of staff time and district resources. I know that our staff has very significant operational responsibilities. The opening of school is taking place right now and there's a lot that has to be done. So we need to be deliberate about directing resources towards initiatives, again, that are gonna provide meaningful additional value to the schools and to the students. And then last was the equity access and modern mitigation measures. On that one, we finally, I think, have to consider the issue of equity. A moratorium could create or even deepen, in my opinion, the disparities amongst our schools by allowing campuses that already have upgraded their year-round playable athletic fields to continue, and yet the students would benefit from that in those facilities, but others would remain pending and open for advancements for them. So again, this is another area that I did have concerns about. Our students really, I think, should have equitable access to safe, functional, and consistent playable athletic facilities at all of the schools that they attend, not just some. So with the issue of recognizing that the synthetic turf, the technology has continued to evolve, we get that. Modern products and mitigation strategies, including the newer infill technologies, I understand it's called Cool Play, and these are specifically designed now to address concerns such as the surface temperatures with supposedly, from what I've been able to research, reported reductions of more than 35 degrees Fahrenheit under certain conditions. So as a board, I have to bring some of the concerns that I have forward. I completely concur with you. Anything to ensure the safety and the well-being of all those that we represent is critically important. I also understand that staff time is crucial, and we just heard now from Mr. Perez that the October deadline that was placed here would be a lot for them to be able to follow through. So I want to be supportive with certain areas that I would like to make sure, if it follows the initial statements that you make, Um, I was looking at, and I always like to say, you know, we're together on this as much as possible and everything that we can. And so we can fly, you know, this plane and bring it in for a landing that, um, everyone could be content with, uh, would be great. And I don't know, but I'm going to give you, uh, just for, uh, consideration, friendly that the School Board of Miami-Dade County, Florida direct the superintendent to conduct a comprehensive review of the district's use of synthetic turf and artificial grass, including student health considerations, environmental impacts, life cycle costs, operational benefits, and limitations, and available alternatives. The number two, consult with appropriate community stakeholders as appropriate and feasible to seek additional information deemed appropriate to complete the report, and three, present the findings and any recommendations at the facility and construction committee scheduled on January 2027. would be my friendly recommendation for your consideration, sir. And of course, the issue of a moratorium for me would be a no-go because of the reasons that I have related to.

So let me say, Madam Chair, that I'm certainly amenable to amendments to what I've proposed. Absolutely. I like the idea that our board generally moves by consensus, and I'd like to do that. With that said, let me try to respond not to the points, because the points, you obviously have done a great deal of personal research on it. And I appreciate that, and I commend you for doing that. I'm not sure, well, I can only speak for myself. I know I have not done that deep a dive. I was hoping that would be something staff would do. So kudos to you for that. I was going to suggest the following based on what you said, slightly different. But first of all, let's strike any language about moratorium, temporary moratorium or anything. I was going to change recommend one. in the following manner, and evaluate the feasibility of implementing, and I strike the words, a temporary moratorium on future installations. Strike those words. And substitute, so we'd evaluate the feasibility of implementing the new language would be future policy adjustments And then while there's a while there, strike that. So let's substitute the word when. So it would read, and evaluate the feasibility of implementing future policy adjustments when such review is completed. I didn't see the problem really with number two. I don't know the difference between consulting stakeholders. I think there is benefit in having people sit in a room and discuss things together instead of just be consulted. So an advisory panel didn't strike me as a problem. I was going to say just after hearing Mr. Perez that October 7th was a little too soon. In my notes, I wrote November. You wanted January. Can we split it and say December? Would that work?

Whatever the December meeting is. Absolutely, sir. I would not have a problem with that.

I can live with that, certainly. So two amendments based on your specific suggestions, Madam Chair. At the bottom, at the end of recommend one, it would read strike the language there about a temporary moratorium on future installations while... and substitute and evaluate the feasibility of implementing new language future policy adjustments when such review is completed. Of course, when the review is completed, really, it's entirely up to the superintendent. That's not, I mean, we're gonna have a report, but how long the review goes and how deep it needs to go and whether there is new information about microplastics that our staff has not yet fully evaluated, I don't know, but that's up to the superintendent. And then number three, it would see the facilities and construction meeting of December whatever the date scheduled for committee meetings is, in December of 2026. And I accept, if those are friendly amendments to me,

Yes, thank you very much, sir, and I'm good with what you've just stated. The only one is where you talked about future possible adjustments when, and I would say if, and if deemed appropriate, because we don't know what it's gonna be.

Consider the future policy adjustments when such review is completed, and we'll put a comma if deemed appropriate. That's absolutely advisable.

Thank you very much, sir. With those changes, then on my behalf, other colleagues as well, they may have different ideas. But for me, I could definitely see this going in for a landing. Thank you, ma'am. Thank you, sir. Yes, sir.

Thank you, Madam Chair. First and foremost, thank you for bringing this item forward. Anything that we can do to improve our facilities while taking a look at what we're installing them, what we're constructing on them, especially when there's health and environmental implications, I think it's important. And Madam Chair, I appreciate the extensive contributions. I know that my wife, as a former parks professional that designs and constructs parks, she would be very impressed if she was watching. I hope she's not watching. But no, seriously, with four young boys at home that are constantly on turf fields, and with my wife doing what she's done in the past, we talk about turf fields quite a bit. And while I welcome the full analysis, there's two particular elements that I'm most key on. ONE WE TOUCHED ON IS USING MOST MODERN MATERIALS BECAUSE THEIR FIELDS ARE GOING TO PERFORM DIFFERENTLY IN TERMS OF THEIR LONGEVITY AS WELL AS HOW THEY FEEL AND HOW THEY RESPOND TO PERFORMANCE ON THEM AND TO HEAT WITH MORE MODERN MATERIALS. THERE'S BEEN A TREMENDOUS PROGRESSION. I KNOW AT THE BEGINNING IT ALMOST FELT LIKE THEY WERE USING TIRE RUBBLE AND THAT WAS GETTING INCREDIBLY HOT. SO MODERN MATERIALS ARE PERFORMING BETTER AND I THINK MR. PEREZ MENTIONED THAT IN HIS COMMENTS. SECONDLY, IN RECOMMENDED ACTION NUMBER ONE WE SAY OPERATIONAL BENEFITS. But are we looking at our operational standards? I can't speak for the school district because I honestly haven't dove into this issue, but I can tell you that there are many municipalities that I've seen that aren't necessarily using best practices when they're using the fields. There's even indications with certain materials that you're supposed to spray it down. And if you watched the World Cup, throughout the World Cup, even on grass to keep the temperature down, they were spraying it in between halves of the game. And I know that a lot of people weren't or aren't doing that. I don't know if we're not. But so I would I would just humble suggestion is say operational standards and benefits so that we can say we are using it as directed by the manufacturer of it, because that's going to lead to how it the lifecycle and and certainly how it's used. But other than that, I'm supportive, especially with the amendments.

Through the chair, I'd like to accept the suggestion that was made by Board Member Spino as a friendly amendment. Thank you, sir. And insert the words where it says operational benefits, insert the word standards and. So it's operational standards and benefits, is that? Okay, I'd like to accept that as a friendly amendment as well, through the chair.

Okay, sir, thank you very much, sir. I don't have anyone else who signed up to speak, so. Oh, you have a hand, though. Oh, Board Member Alonso, sir, go ahead.

Thank you so much, Madam Chair, and thank you, Board Member Geller, for bringing this up. As my fellow board members said, anything that's for the safety of our students is always a top priority, and I appreciate Board Member Espino bringing up the fact on the maintenance and how we maintain these fields. We know that we're installing a lot of these fields, I'm not sure that every school understands the standards that need to be followed after the installation occurs. And these are very expensive fields that are being installed on our football field and our track fields. So as we look at your conducting of a comprehensive review, I would like to see the final language because I think at the end you had said for the superintendent to have the ability to implement some changes if need be or to have that review. But if you're not, I was gonna give you an idea that we can add there some language on should, as we go through this review, to have something developed that will then follow these installations so that it shows principals and athletic directors what the ongoing support should be. And even for our district maintenance department, uh we know what what it's like to cut grass and spray it and all the fertilizers and pesticides that go in it but sometimes we don't know what's needed after these fields are installed and whether it's you know adding sand to it or any of the other materials they put onto it i think it's important that as we go through this review that we take the opportunity to prepare some ongoing standards that we know once we install these fields through a capital project, maintenance and the school athletic director and staff know how to properly maintain this and that the proper equipment is being delivered with the installation of that field because it does take that. So not sure if we can encapsulate that wording into there to have that as part of this.

Through the chair? Yes, sir. I'd welcome any language, Board Member Alonso. I think Maybe that Board Member Espino's insertion of the language operational standards as well as benefits. May go to that, but your concern is, I think, is well taken. And that's why, I mean, even if maintenance is low, is not expensive on the artificial turf, knowing how long it should last and when it's gonna be replaced, if it's low maintenance and it'll go 20 years, That's fantastic. If it's low maintenance but expensive to install and it needs to be replaced in six to eight years, we maybe have a different math on it. So any language that you have, I mean, listen, Look, honestly, I apologize to the board because this would have been a better discussion last week at committee if I was here than here at the meeting. So that said, I'm more than happy to incorporate, I wanted to bring this item for our consideration, but if you have any particular thoughts of what we should say about, I guess it would go, at the end of one where it talks about the review is completed and if deemed appropriate, we could add something specific after if deemed appropriate. If you have some language, I'm happy to do it. Remember, we're not authorizing the superintendent to change policy. We're authorizing the superintendent to bring a review back to us so we can set an appropriate policy where all of us are as informed as the chair seems to be on this issue. And that way, I'm certain we could consider it then, but I'm happy to, if you have something that you think should go now, I'm certainly happy to consider it, Board Member.

Board Member Alonso?

As a follow-up, Madam Chair, I don't have the exact language. I'm actually trying to look up here and look through your board item. But I think as we go through the review of it, if we can come back and the request of just having a review of the maintenance and upkeep of these fields, we can then make future recommendations. And really, it's up to our maintenance department and our facilities teams, which are the experts on it. I know our board chair has become somewhat of an expert over the last probably week researching this. And board member Espino has a home expert at his own home on this. But I think it's important that staff take this opportunity as we do this review to look at those standards when it comes to the maintenance and upkeep of these fields and come back with those recommendations as well at this. So maybe at the, in your recommend one, where we're conducting the comprehensive review of districts use of synthetic turf and artificial grass, including student health consideration, environmental impacts, lifestyle costs, operational standards and benefits, and limitations, and available alternatives, and evaluate the feasibility of implementing a future policy adjustment when such review is completed, if deemed appropriate.

Through the chair, let me tell you what I wrote down listening to you and see if it meets what you're looking for. It's just, again, we can work on it.

And, Board Member Geller, just for your knowledge, I've been communicating with Madam Secretary, who's been writing down everything that's been said, and I've also requested that she bring to us what's been said thus far. She's going to give it to you right now. She's right behind you, sir.

Okay. the change i just heard suggested and where it might go would uh from board member alonso i wrote i wrote down the following and again we can change it board member but in um in what's now being passed out uh it says of implementing and here's new language um the were actually the word a should come out implementing future policy adjustments And what I wrote was putting a comma after that and adding language that says, including maintenance and replacement costs as well as safety concerns, and then picks back up with when such review is completed if deemed appropriate. So we explicitly make those things, maintenance and replacement costs, of course as well as safety concerns, as part of the review that the superintendent is gonna bring to us and just make sure that extra attention is given to the issues you just raised. Does that work?

So Mr. Alonso, I know you gave the last one. It works for my portion, but I don't know, Board Member Alonso, is there anything else you'd like to say? Are you satisfied with your last comments and what has just been read, sir?

No, Madam Chair, through the Chair, I appreciate that, and I would just like for language to be added, and we can add this right after your lifecycle costs, to put lifecycle costs, operational standards, maintenance and upkeep practices of Existing turf fields and then leave your additional language there So what we're doing is we're just adding that the operational standards as well as the maintenance of upkeep practices of existing turf fields Language is added into this what staff knows that that is something that we want also coming back from this comprehensive review Thank you, sir.

Are you good with that?

I'm good with the language. Here's where I would put it It currently with the amendment it reads operational standards and benefits and limitations. And I would put what you just read after the word limitations, and if you would repeat it, including, say it again through the chair one more time, Board Member Alonso.

Yeah, Board Member Alonso, will you start with maintenance and operational standards? He would like to see it instead of what you had said initially. He would like to see it after the word limitations.

The words were okay if you just repeat them through the chat.

Yeah, in that portion.

Definitely so through the chair. Yes. So in what I had shared right after lifecycle costs, it then went to operational standards, maintenance and upkeep practice of existing fields, benefits and limitations and available alternatives. So it was still left in there. But if you want to change the order, I'm OK with it.

That's fine, including maintenance and upkeep. What was the next word?

Through the chair, please.

Of existing turf fields. Of existing facilities.

Through the chair, sir.

Through the chair.

Thank you. All right, would our recording secretary please revise one more time based on what has just been discussed?

Through the chair, give me one second as I quantify everything and put it in, and then I'll pass it around. Thank you, appreciate that.

And so with that said, I don't know if Board Member Bendos-Meningo, did you wanna say anything, ma'am, or not? Okay, ma'am. I think that's a good move. All right, so she's going to bring it down now. We will read it one more time before our final approval to move it forward. Let's just give her one moment.

While we have a momentary break, Madam Chair, I arrived a little bit late and I would like to be recorded as voting in favor of the consent agenda.

Thank you. Yes, both of you.

Thank you.

Thank you.

Madam Chair.

Do we have to take a vote on that, sir, now?

Yeah, if you don't mind.

I will. All those in favor? Well, I have a motion, do I have a second? All in favor?

Aye.

Any opposed, nay? Seeing none, motion passes, and that would be both for Board Member Geller and Board Member Espino. Thank you.

Thank you, Madam Chair.

Yes, sir. Okay. Give it one more minute. And then we have one more board item. And announcements.

Through the chair, as I was typing that out, I just wanna confirm, we reconsidered the consent agenda and the final vote's 7-0, correct? Yes. Thank you. Absolutely.

Okay, she is coming down with the documents now. Thank you very much. We'll give it a minute. Board Member Geller, sir, for the record, if you could please read the action proposed.

Yes, ma'am. The School Board of Miami-Dade County, Florida directs the superintendent to number one. conduct a comprehensive review of the district's use of synthetic turf and artificial grass, including student health considerations, environmental impacts, lifecycle costs, operational standards, maintenance, and upkeep practices of existing turf fields, BENEFITS AND LIMITATIONS AND AVAILABLE ALTERNATIVES AND EVALUATE THE FEASIBILITY OF IMPLEMENTING THE WORD A IS SURPLUSSAGE AND SHOULD BE STRICKEN. IT SHOULD READ OF IMPLEMENTING FUTURE POLICY ADJUSTMENTS INCLUDING MAINTENANCE AND REPLACEMENT COSTS, SHOULD BE PLURAL, AS WELL AS SAFETY CONCERNS WHEN SUCH REVIEW IS COMPLETED, IF DEEMED APPROPRIATE. Number two, convene an advisory panel comprised of relevant community stakeholders to assist in the review, including, as appropriate, public health experts, environmental professional students, representative PTAs, school administrators, and other subject matter experts to evaluate evidence and provide input and recommendations to the superintendent. And three, present the findings and any recommendations at the facilities and construction meeting of December 2026. I would ask that the secretary be authorized to insert the date of that meeting when we have a chance to review after passage. And that is the item. I think I noted two. very minor typos that were here deleting the word a and making costs plural so it's costs and i accept all of those as friendly amendments and and that is the item so thank you very much do i hear a motion to approve the item is there a second all in favor say aye aye any opposed nay may i have a motion to approve the item as amended

Do I have a second? Thank you. All in favor, say aye. Aye. Any opposed, nay. I think the plane has landed successfully. Thank you, board.

Thank you, Madam Chair. Thank you, board.

All right, thank you very much. And now we are going to proceed to H14. H-14 is the review of the impact of Florida school grading scale adjustment and development of a strategic response for the 2026-2027 school year. Co-sponsors for the item were myself, Board Member Alonso, and Board Member Geller. I also, at this time, do not have anyone who has signed up to speak, so Vice Chair Colucci, this is your item, ma'am. You're recognized at this time.

Thank you, Madam Chair and colleagues. I'm bringing forth this item because it's an important one. and it gives us an opportunity to be proactive and to have that responsibility as board members and as a district to be responsible to our students and to our community. The Florida schools grading scale is changing for the 2026-27 school year. I want to state for the record that I fully support rigorous standards, accountability, and continuous improvement. In fact, this change is occurring because 75% or more of schools in Florida have reached an A or B rating. Under Florida law, and the specific statute is 1008.34, when that threshold is reached, the State Board of Education is required to adjust the grading scale upward. This is known as the escalator clause. So for the 2026-27 school year, the bar is being raised, and that presents an opportunity for us to rise to the challenge. What does that mean? For elementary schools, and if you look at the item, the chart has clearly on there what the thresholds, the new thresholds are that are on the item, but for the record, they're 62% moving up to 65% for elementary schools for an A rating. For a middle school, an A rating moves from a 64 to a 65%, but the most significant change for our high schools, combination schools, and the district itself is that for an A, we move from a 65% to a 75%, which is a five-point increase. These percentages represent the total available points across the accountability components that apply to a school, including achievement, learning gains, acceleration, graduation and college and career readiness. And this matters, because next year, a change in a school's letter grade will not necessarily mean that the school's academic performance declined. For example, a school earning 67% of its available points would have earned an A in the 25-26 school year, but under the new scale, the exact same 67% would result in a B. The students did not suddenly perform worse. The school did not suddenly become a lower performing school. That change was based upon a standard required to earn that letter grade which was raised. That distinction is extremely for this board, our principals, and our teachers, and particularly for our parents and community to understand. But this item is much more than explaining that change. The item has, the Miami-Dade has been rated an A school district for the past seven years. We have our final 20, 25, 20, 26 data and we know what the new thresholds will be. So it is imperative that we now, now that we understand the impact of those thresholds and what they will be on our schools, this item asks the superintendent to apply the new 2026-27 thresholds to our existing school data. That will give us a baseline and allows us to identify where we both have challenges and opportunities. The five point window in the recommend of the item gives us a place to start. The item asks the administration to identify schools that are within five percentage points above or below one of the new grade thresholds. But the purpose is not simply to identify which schools might move from one letter grade to another. It gives us a way to identify schools where there may be an opportunity to make a meaningful difference for students. Some schools may need additional support to sustain the progress they have already made. Others may be showing positive momentum that we can build upon. Every school is different. Every student population is different and the support that works for one school may not be what another school needs. This is not about teaching to a test or chasing points for a formula. It is about using the information we already have to understand where our students are succeeding, where they need additional support and how we can help our schools respond. What may mean identifying instructional practices that are producing strong, that may mean identifying instructional practices that are producing strong results. providing additional support where students are struggling, and learning from schools that are succeeding with similar student populations. The goal is simply not a better letter grade. The goal is better outcomes for our students. And when we improve student outcomes, stronger school performance follows. And that is the essence of this item. The item asks the superintendent to use this analysis as a strategic planning and performance monitoring tool throughout the school year. It directs the superintendent to use achievement, learning gains, and progress monitoring data as they become available throughout the school year, differentiate support based on the needs of our schools, make timely adjustments when the data indicates that something is not working, and identify successful practices within our own district that can be replicated in similarly situated schools. We have tremendous expertise within Miami-Dade County Public Schools. We should be leveraging that expertise across our entire district. This is why I brought the item forward now. The administration can begin with the final 2025-26 data and refine the analysis as 2026-2027 progress monitoring data becomes available. That gives our principals, regions, and district leadership an opportunity to target instructional strategies that will most positively affect student outcomes. We don't need to have this conversation after the school grades are released. At that point, we are explaining what happened. I would rather us use the information now and ask, what can we proactively do to positively influence what happens across our district? Finally, this is also about transparency. When the 2026-27 school grades are released, parents and the public need to understand that Florida changed the thresholds. If a school moves from an A to a B, we should be able to tell our community whether academic performance declined or whether the school maintained or even improved its performance while being measured against a higher standard. Again, I am in full support of high standards, accountability, and continuous improvement. Those are very different circumstances and our community deserves that context. Colleagues, the bar has been raised. Miami-Dade County Public Schools always rises to the occasion. Our response must be to prepare our schools to meet that challenge and that opportunity. We know the new thresholds, we have the data, and we have exceptional educators and school leaders throughout this district. This item asks us to use that information proactively, identify opportunities, provide targeted support, monitor progress and adjust when necessary, and replicate what works. And colleagues, I respectfully ask for your support of H-14. Thank you, madam chair, and thank you to my colleagues.

Thank you so much, Vice Chair Colucci. I don't have anyone who signed up for this item, but I want to let you know that as an educator, a lifetime educator, as others, Dr. Bendros-Meningo as well, and others on the board member Blanco, we know how critically the timing of this item is. It is here, and we must be proactive instead of being reactive. So I thank you for bringing this item, especially for our high schools. Because a percentage point that's going up in high school might seem minute to some people, but I am telling you that those percentage points are very challenging. We have students that do not speak and do not have command of the English language like others in other areas of our state. We have the ESE population. We have a lot of different scenarios that we are confronted with. The timing of the item, what has been addressed in the item, everything on point, thank you for bringing it forth, being proactive, and the continuous monitoring, critically important as well. So I already co-sponsored the item, but again, thank you for bringing it forth at this time. Thank you, Madam Chair. Madam Chair. Yes, I would like, yes, I will call you in a moment.

All right, Dr. Bendros-Mendigo, ma'am? Yes, thank you, Madam Chair, and I wanna thank My seatmate and my vice chair for bringing this item, it makes me very, very anxious. It seems as if when we get some children, and I didn't speak last time, so don't interrupt me, madam. Chair, tell the people on that end, don't interrupt me, okay?

I didn't speak at the last item.

I want you to know that I am honored that you brought this item. I was reading, we have a few plans that we're putting in place for District 2, and you know District 2. And it's as if you were reading my mind. I spoke to some of my high school principals, Madam Chair, yesterday at Trask Powell Stadium. And all of the stuff that you all mentioned about the turf and the grass and everything, I was out there. So I could have talked as long as some of you, but I know how we are. I want you to know that we stand ready. I spoke with some, again, some of my high school principals, and most of them are young men. They are so anxious. Board member, you've got to come here, and you've got to hear this. I said, just teach the children. It is hard work. When they get to high school. If they don't have it, it's hard. You know it's hard to give it to them. So thank you for getting a step ahead, as you said, being proactive. I see you. I feel you. We stand ready. If we have to go out again and roll up our sleeves and help to teach, the children need us. Make no mistake about it. I was in a meeting earlier today. It's Tardy again. I was in a meeting earlier and they were talking about and asking me, what are we gonna do? Because we've got a lot of changes, a lot of moving items in some of the schools and districts to the closing of the schools and the this and the that. And they have questions, Madam Chair. But this is why we have to get involved and get in the trenches with the children. This is awesome. Glad you gave us our numbers. This is where they're moving. But as you said, Madam Chair, to some, it's minute, but it is not minute. Some of the schools and some of the principals, they don't know what to do. But those of us who have been in the trenches, We'll just get in there and help them. And I promise you, I'll share all of this with everyone that I can think of. I love it. You say it's a good cause. It really is. So make certain that the listeners, and I know they are listening to us. Please understand, listeners and viewers, we are on the same team. We understand what our vice chair has brought to us. What we say, we understand the assignment. Understand that we understand the assignment. We have work to do and we are prepared. We'll be in our fatigues and we will work it out. I know whatever everyone said on this day is important, but bottom line, we're talking about children and be good to them, be kind to them. Why? Because they've got the work to do. We've got the answers, but we've got to give those answers to the children. Thank you so much for bringing this item. You're right on target. God bless you, and I'll close out with this. I'll see you on the journey.

Board Member Geller, sir.

Thank you, Madam Chair. And Vice Chair, I also appreciate the item. I think it's Very important that people in the community try to understand, but really more important that the district devote its efforts to being proactive in the way that you've outlined. I mean, everything here is great, but number three, recommend three is just so spot on to see what we can do. I'll confess, I've never liked the idea of school grades. I think they're misleading and that they don't provide a fair picture. And district grades, I like even less. I'm glad that we're an A-rated district and have been, but The problem I have with grades is that it's such an average that it doesn't recognize that there are areas where students are blessed socioeconomically with every advantage, which will do well because of that, again, on an average. And it doesn't recognize that often we have particular populations, not necessarily geographically, often socioeconomically, but not only, that are being missed, that are being somehow left behind or not having their needs addressed. So again, I'm not a fan of the entire concept, but it's reality and to the extent that it is, your item three is so targeted to addressing my concerns to make sure that we find those individual populations of students down to the level of a student. But where there are groups that this instructs us how to remedy the issues I have with it. So I'm very much in support of the item. I think the ability to strike early and get it before. was it, I forget if it was you who said it, or if it was the chair, but that we're not just explaining, we're averting. So I'm all for that, and I think that's great. I have one, I guess, little suggestion, and it doesn't necessarily particularly go to the item, but no matter what we say people are not gonna understand when the quote, new grades come out, if you were at a point above the line to be an A before, and because of the new standards, and I'm not as familiar with them as you are, obviously, Vice Chair, but if you end up one point short, all they're gonna see is how come we dropped from an A to a B, what went wrong? Now, operationally, you're trying to make sure that doesn't happen, and that's great. I think we should think about some kind of a branding for it, something that means that every time we mention it, okay, like, you know, your best choice, your best choice. Something like that, that every time we talk about the... the new grading that we let people know that it's not the old grading. So if we say that the district or this school or something is now earning a new grade B or a new system B, I'm not sure where that is. But every time we talk about the grade, we need to make some reference or brand so the public understands that it's not necessarily student performance or success that has changed. It is the grading system. And I would ask if perhaps staff can work something up like that that is as good as your best choice so that every time we say, well, this school got a new grade B or a new grade C and try to couple that with saying and its academic performance on average increased and make sure that at least when we communicate that the public has some way of understanding that it's not the same as it was before, that it's, you know, maybe it's the new standard B or elevated standard, something like that. Anyway, that's my thought, but it's a great item.

All right, I have Board Member Blanco, then Board Member Espino.

Thank you, Madam Chair. Yes. Madam Vice Chair, I wanna congratulate you on the item. It's spectacular, really. Thank you. So when I think of all of the items that you've brought forth throughout your years that we've been on the board together, you are an advocate when it comes to the academic piece, which is truly what we're here for, right? To ensure that our students learn from bringing items recently to let's focus not just on those students that need help to become proficient, but those that are proficient, how do we raise them to an even higher level, right? So you're always searching for that. The competitor in me says, raise the bar, we're going to do it, right? So I know and I'm confident that we can do it, but I think it's so appropriate that you have outlined, let's make everybody aware, let's make our principals aware, where do they need to be, and let's have that progress tool and monitoring. I think as a district, and we did it again this year, but last year was spectacular. The team that Dr. Tri-Dig's heads with our ETO schools and ensuring that those schools that maybe weren't an A or B, that they got that assistance and so many of them jumped and became A and B schools that it might be, given that this is a year where they're raising the bar, that we consider when we get these results, we might need a dedicated team for those schools that you mentioned when we get those results that are in that bubble, right? And I'm not sure that that's really in the recommends and perhaps it is, but I think it's definitely something that we need to pay particular attention because board member Geller to your point, sadly, I feel like no matter what we say, what we do, how we try to explain it, it's not gonna be understood and the perception is just gonna be that school levels dropped or the district dropped and we can't afford that, right? So failure is not an option. We're just gonna meet the new expectation. So thank you and I have not co-sponsored so at the appropriate time, I would like to co-sponsor.

Yes, Board Member Espino, please.

Thank you, Madam Chair. Vice Chair Colucci, thank you again for the item. It's a wonderful item, and I think it's important for us to always have our North Star and to know where we're headed. One of the things that I find challenging, I, like you, always want to push for improved standards. I mean, I push my kids all the time. You got a B, could you have gotten an A? What could you have done differently? Et cetera, et cetera. And I'm also for pushing our district to do better and our schools to do better. But at the end of the day, Mike, I have a concern, not with your item, but just sort of the whole paradigm, which is that our students are not a sales force. And we're not trying to hit a particular sales number at the end of a quarter, at the end of a year, to hit a bonus. And we all have schools where trying to reach that next level becomes a mission of that entire school. It becomes a campaign, and the kids get behind it. And I can't help but feel that those schools that are on the cusp of good to great, or a C to a B, WON'T FEEL LIKE IF THEY DON'T MAKE IT A LITTLE BIT LIKE CHARLIE BROWN GETTING THE FOOTBALL PULLED AWAY FROM THEM BY LUCY, RIGHT? SO TO THE POINT OF HOW WE MARKET IT, I REALLY DO THINK THAT THAT'S INCREDIBLY IMPORTANT FOR THE MENTAL WELL-BEING OF OUR KIDS SO THEY CAN CONTINUE TO STRIVE SO THEY DON'T FEEL LIKE THEY HAVE FAILED IN THEIR SCHOOL MISSION AND PERSONAL MISSION THEY FAILED TO ACHIEVE. OF COURSE WE'RE GOING TO PUSH THEM TO DO BETTER AND BETTER AND BETTER. but this is not hitting a sales quota. This is about kids and making sure that they continue to be energized and inspired to move forward. So I think that's gonna be part of the conversation invariably, because I know I have some schools that are on the cusp and they're already, I talked to the principals, these new standards, I don't know if we're gonna get from that B to the A. And talking about high school kids, they may not care so much, but when you've got these elementary schools and middle schools that are forming a campaign, I feel for potentially if they don't make it. Thank you.

Thank you.

All right, Vice Chair Calucci. Thank you, thank you Madam Chair and thank you Board Member Espino for that comment because I hear what you're saying and I specifically made sure that we're focusing on student outcomes, not chasing a formula or a letter grade because that's not what it's about. When we have solid instruction, Students will do well, school performance will follow. So that's critical. I'm always about educating the whole child, and as a matter of fact, you hear that stress in third grade, when the students hear, oh, I'm not gonna pass the test, I'm not gonna go to third grade, and it's very stressful. So as a teacher, when I was in the classroom, I never said that. I said, we all know how to read. We're going to do this. You don't have to worry about that, even though I might have concerns about some of them. But it's an undue stress. It's resolved with good quality instruction, solid quality instruction. and going beyond teaching to a test because that's not what education is about. So thank you for bringing that and you're absolutely right. But at the same time, we have to face the reality of where we're at and the accountability and the stress and pressures that our principals and our teachers feel. without transmitting that to our students. So I think that that's a key point. Thank you, Board Member Espino. And thank you, colleagues, for your comments. I really appreciate it. And I know that we will always do what's right by children. So thank you. Thank you for your support.

Thank you, Vice Chair Calucci, and I can assure you our principals are talking about this because I have a whole group of principals that last week we talked about exactly this, and especially your high school principals. So I know they appreciate the item just as much as we do because everybody is very cognizant of the changes that are coming our way, but this is not the first time this has happened to us. We've gone through this. Those of us that have been around quite a while have seen this happen. Again and again every time we get to a certain level then of course the bar has to go up and The challenges are there, but we always rise to the occasion so again, thank you for The item and if you don't want to say anything else or do you okay? So I have some co-sponsors already, but do I hear a motion for any additional co-sponsors? Do I have a second? All right, all in favor say aye. Aye. Any opposed, nay. Seeing none, motion passes. Do I hear a motion for the item as amended? Do I have a second? All in favor say aye. Aye. Any opposed, nay. Thank you, motion passes. Well, I am now going to go to announcements. I don't have anyone that signed up for announcements unless someone would like to make some, yes sir.

Less of an announcement than a question. Apparently, while I was gone, we seem to have scheduled a workshop for Wednesday. I don't remember, excuse me, for Monday. I remember when we scheduled Wednesday, I was pretty sure that was the only thing we had that week.

I'll answer that question for you, sir. That is, board member Santos had requested a workshop on the evaluation of the assessment of the superintendent. You were polled, you were given two options. Every board member chose which option was in their best interest, and the one that had the highest number was the upcoming meeting that we will have prior to the 19th. And that is a request.

I'm a little unclear about what we're trying to accomplish two days before we're.

Through the chair, through the chair. Through the chair, I'm asking the chair. This is, sir, a request that was made by Board Member Santos quite some time ago for a workshop in reference to the evaluation process for a superintendent of schools. So it was a while back. I don't have the information in front of me. Does, Mr. General Counsel, do you happen to have that? Or Madam Secretary, the exact date? Through the chair, can you repeat the question, Madam Chair? Yes, board member Santos had requested to have a workshop to address the issue related to the evaluation of the superintendent. There were two dates that were given to our board as we pulled them. and the majority of the board chose the date prior to the 19th. Do we have the date there? If not, you can call Yvette, she will have that information. Through the chair, I'm actively calling Yvette to confirm the polling dates. Thank you, that's what I thought. We'll give you the response to the actual date, but that is why we're having that workshop, sir.

But my question is what, where we've named someone and we're two days away from trying to finalize a contract, I'm unclear, what is the purpose of the workshop? What is it to address?

Sir, I can't answer the question of what is in the mind of Board Member Santos. I just know she wanted to have a workshop based on the evaluation status. of the superintendent. She has ideas, and we all may have different ideas, or the same, I don't know, but that's what the workshop is going to be about.

Through the chair, sir. Outgoing, through the chair. Through the chair. I'm addressing the chair, so I don't know if it's through the chair. Yes, through the chair. When I'm not speaking to someone else, it's you I'm speaking to. But, of the... outgoing superintendent of the incoming superintendent?

No, sir, it's for the incoming superintendent, and it doesn't mean anything is going to occur, it's just a workshop. The outgoing superintendent, or any superintendent for that matter, has to collaborate with the board on an evaluation tool that is used. It cannot be one way or another, but we are going to have a workshop to address issues that Board Member Santos wanted to have addressed at the workshop. We will all have our comments and then we will proceed from there. You don't vote, you don't do anything during a workshop except having that workshop, listening to the information that is provided and then we take it from there. and when we have the upcoming meeting, which is on the 19th, that one is to see, I am negotiating contractual stipulations right now, and that is unrelated at this moment, because the evaluation process has to be a joint process. This is something she's been wanting for a while, again, to address her thoughts on how the evaluation process, based on her recommendations, I gather, should be. But I don't wanna speak for Board Member Santo. She is not present, and so therefore, if you have any further questions or anything you'd like related to that, you'd have to go through our general counsel because, again, that upcoming workshop is gonna happen in just a couple of days.

Well first of all let me just say for the record Madam Chair unfortunately I'm unavailable on Monday will not be able to attend. I know it's just a workshop and we're not voting but nonetheless I'm sorry and I express my regrets that I'm unable to but I have a pre-existing business commitment which I took into account when we scheduled for the 19th but not for this late breaking. I just And I guess I'll address it further through the general counsel with deference. I appreciate whatever it is that board member Santos wants to do, but if it's regarding the next superintendent, I feel like we ought to at least have actually hired someone to be the next superintendent before we start telling them what to do.

through your answer to that question. I fully concur with that, but that's not the purpose. She wants to address what she thinks should be addressed. That doesn't mean we're gonna do anything. There is no action taken in a workshop. And you don't even have to attend the workshop. That's up to your prerogative if you want to attend or not. It's up to each board member. The workshop is being offered. I need to have at least six people who respond yes so that I can schedule that workshop for her. And then at the actual workshop, you don't need to have six people. You're going to have three. You're going to have two, whatever. I appreciate your indulgence, Madam Chair. Trust me, I have reviewed it very carefully. But thank you on understood. You cannot make it. And again, sometimes that happens. I'm sure Board Member Santos understands that and understands that it's a workshop. Through the chair? Yes, ma'am. Through the chair?

Yes, ma'am. The two dates that were polled were August 17th, which is Monday, along with Thursday, August 20th. to board member Geller's for information, sir. That item that Ms. Santos brought was from June 17th from the board meeting.

And it was H6. Thank you. That's what I could not remember the item number. So we're moving forth and we're fulfilling what we voted on. We as a board, the majority of this board, approve that board item. So the workshop is a follow up to the board item. Mr. General Counsel, sir, I'll give you a moment as well.

Yes, Madam Chair, and the item was approved at the June meeting, and it said the school board workshop no later than August 13th of 2026 to collaborate on an assessment process and guiding tool for the MDCPS superintendent of schools that is aligned with the 2026 through 2031 strategic plan and other agreed upon performance areas. And that was an item that was approved by the board. Thank you very much.

Thank you, sir, and that was to set up the workshop.

Correct.

Thank you. All right, so with that said, I have now a moment for announcements. Vice Chair Calucci, ma'am, you're recognized.

Thank you, Madam Chair, and I just wanna wish everyone, the listening public, our community, our teachers, our administrators, and our families, our parents, and our students a wonderful, wonderful start of the school year. I know it promises to be one filled with much success, much excitement, and much learning. So I want everyone to have a great first day of school on Thursday.

Thank you, Madam Chair. Thank you, ma'am, and I don't have anyone else, so I too have the same message for our teachers, our parents, our students, the members of our workforce, and all of our stakeholders. It's gonna be another superb year. and even though we have challenges ahead of us, I'm confident that this school district will definitely rise to the occasion and I'm looking forward again to much success and much joy for the students who are coming back from summer break and being able to go to schools where they are welcome, they are valued, and they are heard. So congratulations to everyone, to those teachers that have been working tirelessly on preparing your classrooms. Thank you so, so very much, and those principals who have been working on scheduling with the assistant principals and the members of your teams. Thank you to the bus drivers who are the faces that the children are gonna see for the first time tomorrow, and the last faces they're gonna see when they get dropped off in the afternoon Thank you so very much for keeping our children safe. To our law enforcement officers who are assigned to each and every one of our schools to again ensure the safety and the well-being of all those that attend Miami-Dade County Public Schools, thank you. Cafeteria employees, I can go on and on. Thank you to everyone who is making a difference. To my colleagues on the board, thank you for coming up with policy that is going to ensure that Miami-Dade County Public Schools continues to shine more so than any other district in the entire country, as well as to our superintendent of schools and his entire team for your hard work and your dedication as well. And to our region personnel, i know you're working tirelessly out there ensuring that the schools are ready to go for day one on thursday thank you and congratulations to um everyone and with that we have concluded our announcements uh mr uh mr general counsel sir are all the items before us properly uh completed sir yes madam chair thank you so much So therefore, we have now concluded all business of the board according to the published agenda for today's regular school board meeting. And pursuant to our published agenda, we will begin calling speakers who are present immediately following the conclusion of the regular meeting. The time is now 3.05 p.m. and the public hearing will begin at this time. I would like to remind everyone that the public hearing shall not conclude prior to 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 board. Mr. Harvey, sir, will you please summarize the procedures governing this portion of the meeting?

Yes, thank you, Madam 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 right of the majority to decide, and to protect the right of the minority to be heard, as well as to preserve the spirit and harmony within the board and those appearing before the board. The policy and procedures governing today's public hearing are as follows. Pursuant to school board policy 0169.1, the purpose of the public hearing portion of the board meeting is to allow the public to address matters directly related to school board business in a manner appropriate for a K-12 audience. Although the purpose of the public hearing is solely to receive public comment and participation concerning this purpose, This purpose is not served when citizens become disorderly or disruptive. Accordingly, a speaker's remarks should be directed to the chair or the board as a whole. The time allotted for the public hearing under school board policy is 90 minutes. The board will not take any official action on any public hearing presentation. but staff may be requested, if appropriate, to take a speaker aside and respond to his or her concerns. As such, speakers are prohibited from discussing their own pending court cases, legal claims, complaints filed against the district or district personnel, or disciplinary matters involving any individual school board employee, as there are other more appropriate forums established for these purposes. In accordance with school board policy, substitutions for scheduled speakers will not be allowed except in exceptional circumstances. Campaigning and electioneering on public radio and television are strictly prohibited. While clapping and applauding is typically allowed and expected for resolutions, honors, and awards, it is prohibited at the public hearing since it disrupts and delays the orderly presentation and efficiency of the public hearing. Speakers may not use any form of profanity, loud or abusive comments, intentionally disruptive noises, heckling, or verbal outbursts in support or opposition of a speaker's remarks. Speakers whose comments are not related to the business of the school district or who make personal attacks or impertinent or slanderous remarks or otherwise engages in boisterous behavior which creates a disturbance or disruption may be ruled out of order and be warned that they must confine their comments to matters related to the school district or be prohibited from speaking further. ANY SPEAKER WHO PERSISTS IN VIOLATING THE BOARD'S DECORUM POLICIES MAY BE ASKED TO YIELD A PODIUM AND WILL HAVE THE MICROPHONE TURNED OFF AND WILL NOT BE PERMITTED TO CONTINUE TO ADDRESS THE BOARD FOR THE BALANCE OF THE MEETING. FINALLY, I WOULD LIKE TO REMIND PUBLIC SPEAKERS THAT PURSUANT TO SCHOOL BOARD POLICY 0169.1, EACH SPEAKER WILL BE LIMITED TO THREE MINUTES TO ADDRESS THE BOARD DURING THE PUBLIC HEARING AND NO MORE THAN A TOTAL OF TEN MINUTES DURING THE ENTIRE SCHOOL BOARD MEETING. The green light at the speaker's podium signals three minutes, the yellow light signals 30 seconds remaining, and the red light signals that the speaker has exhausted his or her time. Speakers may not refuse to yield a podium when the chair has advised that their time has expired. Any speaker who desires to provide additional comments beyond the time allotted may provide those written comments to the board clerk for inclusion of the record of this meeting. Madam Chair, this summarizes the procedures for the conduct of the public hearing.

Thank you very much, sir, and I will begin calling now speakers that have signed up. Antonio White, good afternoon, sir.

Good afternoon Madam Chair, members of the board. I am Antonio White, president of the United Teachers of Dade. Our 23,000 plus employees that fall under the UTD umbrella are the backbone of this district. They are working long days and late nights to ensure a successful school year for our students. But the state's approach to compensation is failing the people who make our schools work, and this district must step up. UTD and the district met the July 31 statutory deadline, reached a tentative agreement on the TSI, or the Teacher Salary Increase Allocation Funds. That prevented us from leaving state dollars on the table. But TISA alone is not a victory. It is actually a warning. The state added TISA funds while imposed rules that exclude many other categories of teachers and leave out education staff professionals our schools rely on every day. In Miami-Dade, more than half of the employees we represent will receive no increase from these dollars, even as vacancy and shortages affect classrooms and student services. A classroom teacher with 10 plus years may receive a modest adjustment, while all other certified teachers receive nothing. Counselors, paraprofessionals, speech pathologists, psychologists, social workers, and many other professionals were excluded entirely from these funds. And for those who qualify, the increase still is not nearly enough. That does not meet the reality of living and working in Miami-Dade County. Housing, insurance, and everyday costs continue to rise. Too many of our employees are struggling to afford to live in the communities in which they serve. The bills do not disappear because they have less experience for a state formula or because the job title does not fit a statutory category. When compensation fails to reflect those realities, recruitment suffers, vacancies grow, and experienced educators leave this district. UTD is clear. TESA cannot be the ceiling for compensation. It is the floor and a crack floor at best. We are calling on this board to make a firm public commitment to three things. Use local dollars for meaningful across the board salary increases for all bargaining unit members. Establish a clear timeline this fall for bargaining, a comprehensive compensation package that reflects Miami-Dade's cost of living. And three, treat competitive pay for every education professional as a central investment in student success, recruitment, and retention. We met the July 31st deadline, but now the real work begins. UTD is ready to stay at the table, bring the data, and fight for a compensation plan that respects the employees who makes this district work. So on behalf of the 23,000 plus members of our bargaining unit, TSLA's limits cannot be our limits. We need this board to act now and to invest local dollars in good people. Thank you.

Thank you very much, sir. Madam Chair, is a quick comment permissible?

We usually don't comment here at this time, but if you want to make one today, I'll let you make a quick one, but normally we don't speak at this time.

I appreciate that, Madam Chair, and thank you. And thank you for the comments, Mr. White. I note, as I'm sure everyone does, the three things that you're specifically recommending, but we'll await the outcome of our bargaining with the union to get there. I really just wanted to comment about your remark about having met the July 31st deadline, and I want to congratulate you and your union. I want to congratulate district staff. And frankly, I want to congratulate my colleagues on the board. We all had to bend over backwards kind of to get done that kind of ridiculous new state order to get something done with no time to do it, and yet we did. So I just wanted to note that and to thank my colleagues for proceeding. We had to have a special meeting to get it done, but I want to congratulate you as well, Mr. White and the UTD and the district staff. We had a very difficult situation. Everyone came together in the best interests of educating our children, and I just don't think that should go unremarked. Thank you, Madam Chair. Thank you. Appreciate it.

Danielle Boye Smith,

Good afternoon, board. Good afternoon. I am Danielle Boye-Smith, first vice president of United Teachers of the Day. First, I want to welcome back all our Miami-Dade County public school employees as we begin another school year. Second, I want to focus on something that is sometimes overlooked when we talk about collective bargaining, working conditions, Teachers' working conditions are our students' learning conditions. When people hear bargaining, the first things that come to mind are salaries and healthcare. Those issues are incredibly important but are not the only reasons we bargain. Our contract determines what the workday looks like for the people serving our students. It also protects planning time, addresses workload and responsibilities, establishes fair procedures and expectations, and gives employees a voice when decisions are made that affect their ability to do their jobs. It also protects something that we hear educators ask for repeatedly, respect for their professionalism and autonomy. Teachers are trained professionals. They know their students when a lesson needs to be adjusted, when a student needs additional support, and when something is not working. They bring years of education, training, experience, knowledge into their classrooms every day. We should trust that expertise. Teacher autonomy does not mean a lack of accountability. It means allowing professionals to use their knowledge and judgment to meet established standards while responding to the actual students sitting in front of them. No two classrooms are the same, and our educators should have the ability to teach the students they have, not simply follow one size fits all model or approach. Working conditions also affect whether people choose to stay in this profession and in Miami Dade. Compensation and health care matters, but so does whether you feel respected at work, have adequate time to plan, and a manageable workload. So does knowing that your professional judgment and voice is valued at your workplace. These are issues we bring to the bargaining table in addition to health care and compensation. This is why having a strong collective bargaining agreement matters. It provides consistency and protections that should not depend on which school you work at or who your supervisor is. As we begin another school year, our educators have returned ready to serve their students and their communities. UTD is ready to bargain and sit across the table from the district to have difficult conversations, find solutions, and negotiate a contract that respects the people doing this work. Your employees are ready to do their part. We are asking the district to come ready to do theirs. Thank you. Thank you.

Mindy Grimes-Vestige.

Good afternoon, Madam Chair, board members, Mr. Superintendent. My name is Mindy Grimes-Feske, the Secretary-Treasurer of United Teachers of Dade. First, I want to welcome back all our Miami-Dade County Public Schools employees as we begin another school year. To our teachers, paraprofessionals, security monitors, office staff, and everyone who works each day to serve our students and keep our schools running, we wish you a successful and rewarding year. As we begin this school year, I want to address something that impacts every employee in our bargaining unit and their families, healthcare. We appreciate the work that has gone into our healthcare procurement process. Now we need to move with urgency to get that agreement finalized and signed. Our employees deserve stability and certainty when it comes to their healthcare. They need to know what their coverage will look like, what changes are coming, and what resources are available to help them and their families. And once the agreement is finalized, our work is not finished. In many ways, that is when another important part of our work begins, education. There are important changes our bargaining unit needs to understand, including the expansion of Sure-Fit statewide. We need time to explain what that change means, how it may benefit employees and their families, and how they can take advantage of it. We also want to continue educating employees about resources, including Wellway, Care ATC, Valence Blue Book, Joint Academy, and Lantern. These programs can help employees access care, better understand their healthcare choices, compare costs, and identify opportunities to reduce their out-of-pocket expenses while receiving the highest quality care. At a time when employees are paying more for housing, groceries, insurance, transportation, and almost every other household expense, helping them understand how to maximize their health care benefits and save money is important. But simply providing a benefit is not enough. Employees have to know it exists, understand what it offers, and then know how to use it. UTD is ready to do that work. In fact, we have already started by creating our healthcare ambassador program for our work sites. Our goal is to have healthcare ambassadors at work sites throughout the district who can share information, connect employees with resources, answer basic questions, and help our bargaining unit better understand the healthcare benefits available to them. We want employees to have access to reliable information to plan and prepare, not just when it's time to make a healthcare decision. That is why getting this contract signed is urgent. Our employees need time to learn about these changes, ask questions, understand their options, and make informed decisions for themselves and their families. We are preparing to do our part. We ask the district to finalize and sign the healthcare contract so that together we can give the employees we represent the stability, information, and support they deserve. Thank you.

Thank you. Heather Knickerbocker? Good afternoon, ma'am.

Good afternoon. My name is Heather Knickerbocker. Since the last board meeting when I stood before you, I have had many people reach out to me. Former coworkers thanked me for speaking up, including department chairs who have now transferred from that school site since I spoke. Parents of students I have served over the years have reached out with words of support. But the people I expected to hear from, I never did. After my last speech, two of the board members had their assistants approach me. They took my contact information and told me these board members wanted to speak with me and learn about the concerns I had raised. Weeks have passed and I have not heard from either. One parent's message especially stood out for me. This was the parent of a student whose mental health emergency I discussed at my last appearance. I had been told that the district spoke with her and that she had no concerns about how the situation was handled. After seeing me speak, she contacted me herself. She thanked me for speaking up for her child. She told me she had called the district asking for someone to contact her and her call was never returned. I have since also continued to email both the region and the district to ask one simple question. Will there be a meaningful investigation into the concerns I have reported? Again, no response to my email. I finally received a call late yesterday afternoon from an assistant superintendent to get more details about each issue. During that call, however, I was told several of the issues I reported could no longer be investigated because they had occurred so long ago. Other concerns could now be investigated a little further. If only someone would have investigated when I reported them. Since the July board meeting, I have also seen an attempted shift of attention by some school staff. A staff member from the leadership team at school contacted and questioned former students who had graduated for sharing the public video on social media. The spouse of a current administrator also went online after my board appearance using foul and disparaging language about me, attacking my character, and trying to undermine my credibility. That should worry anyone who believes that employees should be able to report concerns. For more than 20 years, I proudly served this district, and that is why I gave MDCPS every opportunity to address these concerns internally. I did not begin with state complaints, I began with you. Before I close, I want this board to know that I have now drafted state complaints regarding every single one of the IDEA violations for every single student that I personally witnessed or have proof of. I had hoped these complaints would never need to be filed. I wanted this district to investigate its own schools and correct the problems. But if this district chooses not to act, I will ask the Department of Education to review these matters instead. Not because I want additional conflict, but because after more than 20 years of loyalty to the district, my loyalty is to the students.

Thank you. Jose Carrillo.

Good afternoon, Madam Chair, and hello, board members. Thank you for the time today. You know, for two generations, we have enjoyed the fine service of this school system. Everything you talk about in your news conferences for the past few days, we've been a part of. We've benefited from that until my special needs grandson, which I won't address. what happened with him, because this is not the right forum here today, but it will be addressed. Suffice to say that the last time and the only time he was tested for his IEP was seven years ago. Let that sink in. Seven years ago. The results of what the school system didn't do are in his records. You can look them up. Again, today is not the day. We're going to fix that. I have no doubt because there's been a change here, much needed change here. And I know that personally from my former life, which again, I will not get in here today. What I want is this school system to help my grandkid. That's all I want. That's all anybody wants. How do you repair his self-esteem? How do you take back all of the times that he was not allowed to go out on weekends because you made him a bad kid because you didn't treat his condition? I'm only here to put it on the record that it's been seven years. Most of you know me that are up there, but you don't know me as a grandfather. And you know what I do for things that I stand up for. And this is my grandson. I want to thank Ms. Colucci, who I reached out to, because the high school that did this to my grandson and the principal and the teachers that did this to my grandson is in her district. And she's been the only one to reach out with concern. Now I'll let you know, and I want you to know that I'm going to sit back and watch what you do. Again, you have a wonderful school system, wonderful that we've engaged, but you failed my family. Thank you.

Thank you very much, sir. Carl Bay? Is Carl Bay here? Okay. And Stephanie Rupp. Ms. Rupp? Good afternoon.

Before I even begin, I just want to say I feel really bad for this gentleman because I was going to thank everybody because now my two little birdies who went to Southwest High School and were in the gifted program are away at college now. And I am very happy but very sad. It's hard for me. I think that the school choice has become a major failure in many ways. There are very few pluses in having numerous empty seats in public schools because charter and parochial schools have taken away many of our students. It amazes me that the school board members have allowed this to happen and not fought harder to keep your jobs. I want to read some things that I've gotten out of the Miami Herald over the months. The first one is Miami-Dade Public Schools lost roughly 13,000 students last year and are projected to lose another 8,000. And we know that's, you know, budget cuts too. Then I'm reading private schools that have received vouchers and public dollars do not even have minimum standards for public qualifications, teacher qualifications, curriculum or transparency. They have no obligation to provide honest information to parents. These variations and requirements raise a simple question. Is it the same taxpayer money? Shouldn't there be the same expectations from these charter schools? I don't get it. When funding is intentionally diverted away from public schools, while their responsibilities remain the same, as you know, the system becomes strained. This year, it's estimated that private school vouchers could potentially siphon $4.5 billion from public school funding, according to the Florida Senate budget proposals. A strong public school system is one of the most important drivers for a strong economy. It builds the workforce that employers depend on. It supports higher wages, and we know that the Florida teachers are number 50. In the country, I don't get it. 50 in the country, and we have a very high cost of living. We also have, I'm off script now.

Thank you, but your time is up. Thank you, though. Thank you very much. I have been apprised that all of our speakers who had signed up to speak have had an opportunity, and the one gentleman that is not present was contacted and stated that he was not going to be attending. So therefore, we have now exhausted all of the public speakers, and this public hearing portion has concluded, and the time is 3.29 p.m. I also see that our superintendent of schools, Dr. Jose L. Dutris is here. Mr. Superintendent, before we conclude with this board meeting, would you like to say anything, sir?

Yes, Madam Chair, and I'm sorry for my delay. I did not think that the meeting would be this quickly. So that was a good thing. But anyhow, we're excited and ready for the opening of school. It is Thursday, the board should have every confidence that our schools are well prepared, our leaders are ready, set in place, our teachers, and we are just very optimistic that this year is going to be one incredible, positive year as well. We have to open our doors, making sure that our parents know that the programs that we offer here in our school district are not choice, but they're quality choice programs. And so we're prepared, we're ready. We've done test drives on transportations. We've communicated a lot regarding our meal program for breakfast and lunch, which is a new element for the school year. So we are charged up and ready to go. And as we spoke at the opening of schools, it's going to be all about building a positive experience with our students, with our parents, with our community members, and that will be the great differential for us moving forward. Thank you, Madam Chair.

Thank you very much, sir, and we certainly do look forward for a wonderful Thursday and great reports to come our way, we're sure of that. I have now Dr. Bendros-Meningo who wanted to say something else.

Thank you, Madam Chair, and thank you, Mr. Superintendent, for getting here. I want to ask you, if you will, I hate to, but I need to. You mentioned our food program. Could you quickly talk to the public? They're listening and they're watching how we're doing that, because... I'm getting calls, and I want them to, when I see them, I want the superintendent to explain to you how we're feeding our children, if you will. Thank you, Madam Chair. Yes, ma'am.

Mr. Superintendent, sir, you're recognized.

Yes, thank you, Madam Chair. Yes, Bendris-Mendingall. So number one, it's really important to delineate that no student will go without a meal, without a meal. The difference this year versus in the past, because of course the federal funding is not there, is let's start by saying that free breakfast will be provided for all elementary and K-8 schools. Breakfast for all elementary schools and all K-8 schools will be provided free of charge. In order for children to be eligible for free or reduced lunch, there is an application process that will have to take place. There are 121 schools already identified that they will be receiving free lunch and free breakfast. The others, through the application process, they will be, if they're eligible, they will be eligible for free and reduced lunch. This is something that we did years ago. And then with COVID and with the additional federal dollars, we were able to identify all of our schools as certified, and therefore everyone received free breakfast and lunch. This year it has changed. We're not the only school district that is going through this, but I have to tell you in Miami-Dade County, Again, I have to repeat it. All of our elementary students, all of our students in K-8s, they will have free breakfast. And that's something that we really were worried about the younger students. And so this is where we're at. We have sent out a lot of notices to parents. They will have a period of time where they will be asked to complete the applications. So When I was a principal, that was the first thing you did. You made sure that you had enough contact with the parents so that they would apply, and I do not think this will be an issue again. If we have students that for some reason have difficulty, there's always a way of helping them, but in the event, there will always be a good alternative nutritious meal for those students that are not on free or reduced lunch in case they have a need. Thank you, Madam Chair, thank you.

Yes, thank you, is that all, ma'am? Member Geller?

Thank you, Madam Chair. And just very briefly, first on this issue, and I applaud what you're doing, Dr. Dotris. I just think it should be noted that this is a different circumstance. And for people who think and have said, well, there's really nothing that's happened at the federal level that impacts us, And here's the evidence that that's not the case. There are students at schools that will be missed. They won't get the same meals. They may be getting what's defined as nutritious. Students know the difference between what you're getting. And that's a problem. And like a lot of the things that we do that are outreach, We're governed in some cases by self-application, and there are students who don't have the best of guardians, who are attentive for whatever reason, sometimes because they're working multiple jobs, but people are gonna get lost in the shuffle. Students are gonna get lost in the shuffle because the requirements and rigors of self-application leave them behind and there is a difference. It's not the same as last year and let no one think that there is no impact to some of the changes that have come from the federal level that are being presented to us and we deal with them as best we can. I just wanted to briefly comment because I heard from two constituents who were active participants. One just spoke, Stephanie Rupp, and one contacted me by email, Holly Zwirling. They're different sides of the same coin, and they asked that some note be taken. So I do note what Ms. Rupp had to say. In particular, I'm one who thinks that charter schools are different, but private schools, My daughter, for a brief time, was in a private school. We paid for that. I have an issue with the dollars that go from public funds to private schools. But I don't think that that's as much of the problem in our declining enrollment as you might think, Ms. Rupp. The concern that was raised to me, though, by Ms. Werling had to do with the discontinuance of TPS for Haitian students, for Haitian Americans in general, but as it affects our students. I don't want it to go unremarked by this board as if we don't think it's a problem. There are limitations to what we can do. The federal government has rights and prerogatives. I don't agree with the decision that was made regarding Haitian Americans. We have very close family friends who are Venezuelans. The impact on them has been a little different. not a lot less nerve-wracking in terms of the concern. And I want to note that we have concern for all of our students. We have concerns for those who are afraid to go to school or whose parents are afraid to send them to school because of the current environment with, and I will name it, ICE. And that, in my estimation, One of the problems we've had with declining enrollment has been because of increased enforcement against long-time law-abiding, tax-paying residents of this country who are not criminals and who have not been difficult and have contributed to our fabric. And I wish there was more. that we could do as a district to help protect these students and their families. And I'm open to ideas if anybody wants to send things in. I'm not advocating that the federal government does not have certain priorities. I am saying that they may be misplaced. And I'm sure that everyone on this board has concern for students and their families whose lives are being disrupted. Let no one think that our respect for the law is a lack of concern on the part of anyone on the Miami-Dade County School Board. Thank you for giving me that moment, Madam Chair.

Thank you. Mr. Superintendent, sir?

Yes, Madam Chair. And thank you so much, Board Member Geller. So just as I was arriving today on the plane, I get a call from the mayor of North Miami seeking assistance for some of the students. and some of the options that we will have for them. So sometimes the only options that we think, right, the school, the personal, we are looking at all their options. So immediately I have Mr. Ulivari calling and assisting. So we're looking for options, we're looking for resources. Last time, Dr. Bendris-Mendigal mentioned easily that there are a lot of resources that we can provide to these families. So what we're doing is we're creating like a resource center so that we know which entities and which community agencies we can connect to. Because at the end of the day, we have to be a source of resource for parents and families. And that is what we're doing. But just one example today with the mayor. And right away, I think we will be able to help that family as we sort out all the different options, and I just wanted to mention that. And in addition to that, Madam Chair, if I may, you may have recognized him already, but I have to tell you, in the opening of schools, our student advisor to the board was exceptional. Exceptional, I want to thank you, Alejandro, for an amazing job that you did. You are so formal, you carry yourself in such a distinctive manner, so really, really pleased that you're part of the board as well.

Thank you, Mr. Superintendent, but yep, you're late in the ballgame. We recognized him at the meeting on the opening day. We recognized him at 11 o'clock this morning, and we recognized him again at one, but he deserves it, and his family is all here with us, too. And by the way, in case you don't know this, he seems to have a twin brother sitting right up front, and they actually fooled our colleague on the board, Dr. Bendrels-Meningo, who thought she was talking to the student advisor, and it was really the twin. Are you twins? Of course. Absolutely. They're identical. So anyway, it's a pleasure. And he's spoken. He spoke. And beautifully, may I add. And so we're very fortunate to have him. And this is his first meeting. Did you like it? Did you learn from it?

Yes, Madam Chair.

Thank you. All right. So anyways, it's a pleasure. Good luck to everyone. Have a great opening of schools. And we look forward to seeing you again at our next board meeting. Thank you. And this meeting has now concluded. Thank you, ma'am.