HomeMy WebLinkAboutM-79-0168DADE COUNTY PUBLIC SCHOOLS
1410 N. E. SECOND AVENUE
MIAMI, FLORIDA 33132
► 1
OFFICE OF THE SUPERINTENDENT
February 28, 1979
Mr. Joseph Grassie, City Manager
City of Miami
3500 Pan American Drive
Miami, Florida 33189
Dear Mr. Grassie:
This letter is to confirm my telephone conversation with you on
February 28, 1979 regarding five specific issues. ! feel that it would be helpful
to put our understandings in writing. These comments should provide an
update of the matters since you, Mayor Maurice Ferre, and I met on
January 12, 1979.
1. School Resource Officer Program
The school system budget could not include any funds to assist in
supporting this excellent program in 1978-79. From a mid -year review of
the budget and the low level of contingency funds available to the School
Board at this time, there is no possibility that any funds can be
appropriated for the SRO program through June 30, 1979.
Based upon our high opinion of the SRO program, however, it is my intent
to recommend to the Board that our 1979-80 budget include funds
necessary to assist in paying for this program. Needless to say, such
funds, while strongly recommended, may not be possible because of the
financial plight facing the School Board. Every effort will be made to
provide some funding for this program.
It is our hope that the City will be able to continue the operation of this
program through the remainder of the City's fiscal year.
2. Highland Park Elementary Site
The former elementary school on this site has been demolished and the
property is being maintained by the School Board. Public agencies,
including the City of Miami, will be kept informed of the Board's intended
use of the property, and if so determined, will be notified promptly of the
Board's intent to dispose of the property.
We are aware of the City's interest in this property and will keep you fully
informed of the Board's decision.
JFF
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79-/ f
Mr. Grassie
2 February 28, 1979
3. Latin Riverfront
This whole matter is dependent upon the Board's upcoming policy decision
regarding the future of Ada Merritt Junior High School. By the end of
March, 1979 this decision should be made. Subsequently, staff members
will be in touch with City representatives to determine what our next
course of action should be.
4. Community School Program Support
The school system needs to be informed immediately whether or not the
City will provide the $70,000 expected for the co-sponsorship of nine
community schools and program support for these nine and three additional
schools.
For your information, efforts have been instituted to bring about a more
cost effective operation and better administrative controls in the operation
of these programs. Also, it is possible that some further consolidation and
coordination of programs will take place for 1979-80. Such possible actions
would most likely occur at the beginning of the new school year on
July 1, 1979.
It would be my suggestion that your staff representatives immediately
contact Mrs. Judith Greene, Executive Director, Division of Operational
Support Services (350-3049) to resolve this issue. Mrs. Greene has the
immediate administrative responsibility for the activities and services
associated with the community school program.
5. After School Care Programs
It has just recently come to my attention that the city of Miami discontinued
its funding of after -school care programs effective December 1978. The
Dade County School System is not in a financial position to assume any
responsibility of funding the after -school care program. Unless the city of
Miami can allocate the expected $208,326 to operate the programs in three
schools through the end of the city's fiscal year ending
September 30, 1979, then the school system has no choice but to inform
the part-time staff and the parents involved that the city of Miami is
discontinuing the program.
If the Superintendent of Schools receives written notification by Thursday,
March 1, from the City Manager of his intent to recommend to the Miami
City Commission reimbursement for expenses incurred through March 2,
then the School Board will defer termination of the city's after -school care
program, until a determination is made by the Commission at its March 8
meeting regarding the decision to provide full funding. Otherwise,
Mr. Grassie
3 February 28, 1979
immediate steps must be taken to notify all program participants that the
city of Miami has discontinued the after -school care programs currently
housed at Silver Bluff Elementary, Little River Elementary and Carver
Junior High Schools.
It would be my desire to maintain our excellent cooperative efforts of the past,
and that we reach mutually satisfactory agreements regarding each of the above
issued.
Sincerely yours,
J. Jones
Superintendent of Schools
JLJ/bb
cc: School Board Members
Dr. Leonard Britton
Mr. Joseph Fernandez
Mr. Tee S. Greer, Jr.
Dr. J. L. DeChurch
Dr. Earl A. Wells
Mrs. Judith Greene
Dr. Henry Boekhoff
Dr. Louis Tasse