HomeMy WebLinkAboutLegislationCity of Miami
Legislation
Resolution
City Hall
3500 Pan American
Drive
Miami, FL 33133
www.ci,miamLfLus
File Number: 06-00421
Final Action Date:
A RESOLUTION OF THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION, WITH ATTACHMENT(S),
URGING GOVERNOR JEB BUSH AND THE MEMBERS OF THE FLORIDA
LEGISLATURE TO SUPPORT THE MIAMI-DADE COUNTY PUBLIC SCHOOLS'
LEGISLATIVE INITIATIVES, AS STATED HEREIN, DURING THE 2006
LEGISLATIVE SESSION; DIRECTING THE CITY CLERK TO TRANSMIT A COPY
OF THIS RESOLUTION TO THE ELECTED OFFICIALS DESIGNATED HEREIN.
WHEREAS, the Florida Constitution provides that the education of children is a fundamental value
of the people of Florida and a paramount duty of the State of Florida ("State"); and
WHEREAS, the United States Constitution creates a clear mandate for a uniform and high quality
education system and for the State to make adequate provision for this purpose; and
WHEREAS, Florida is one of the leaders in the nation in mandating public school educational
accountability measures and The School Board of Miami -Dade County ("School Board") has improved
its overall grade from C to B in the State accountability system; and
WHEREAS, the number of schools in Miami -Dade County, Florida ("County"), receiving a letter
grade of A increased to 48%, the highest percentage ever, despite tougher State standards and the
number of schools receiving a repeat grade of F was reduced by 66% to 3%; and
WHEREAS, the number of third graders considered proficient readers in the County Public Schools
rose to 61 %, the highest percentage ever, and 1,814 fewer third graders are at risk of being held back
due to reading scores; and
WHEREAS, the School Board has reorganized its central office and eliminated more than 500
positions, freeing up $38 million for other educational needs; and
WHEREAS, the School Board has constructed 18,000 new student seats to address overcrowding,
using local funds, more than three times the number planned by prior administrations, although the
majority of State "Classrooms for Kids" allocations have gone to school districts without documented
capital outlay needs; and
WHEREAS, the School Board will need approximately $136 million in new monies above current
funding levels to continue these initiatives, but the recent change in District Cost Differential could
reduce the Miami-Dade's share of annual funding by as much as $78 million; and
WHEREAS, Florida employers consistently rank improving education and workforce development
as top concerns to the success of their business, and a highly qualified, trained workforce is critical to
strengthening the business climate; and
WHEREAS, the education system needs to respond to the workforce needs of Florida's employers,
including programs that expand career academies in high schools, aligning career education with
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File Number: 06-00421
industry standards and workforce demands, and expanding options for students to continue their
education and enter the workforce; and
WHEREAS, ensuring excellence in education and workforce is a top strategic priority to achieve
Enterprise Florida's vision of Florida as a global leader in knowledge -based jobs, leading -edge
technology and competitive enterprises in the 21st century; and
WHEREAS, the pre-K-20 educational system is a key foundation for Florida's future, that serves as
an economic engine by providing the talent base for economic diversification; and
WHEREAS, Florida should continue to move its educational system at all levels (pre-K-20), to the
top 25% of national standards regarding its educational quality, student rankings and graduation rates;
and
WHEREAS, the Miami City Commission believes that funding a high -quality education system is an
investment in the ability to compete nationally and globally in the marketplace; and
WHEREAS, the Miami City Commission believes that adequate funding is needed to achieve a
high- quality education system measured by student achievement;
NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, BY THE COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF MIAMI,
FLORIDA:
Section 1. The recitals and findings contained in the Preamble to this Resolution are adopted by
reference and incorporated as if fully set forth in this Section.
Section 2. The Miami City Commission supports the Dade County Public Schools' legislative
initiative and requests that the Florida Legislature:
appropriate adequate funding to raise Miami-Dade's per -pupil funding sufficient to provide a
rigorous, high quality educational experience for every student and continue initiatives that are
successfully raising student achievement in the District;
use non -recurring funds to mitigate 100% of the loss due to the modification to the District Cost
Differential;
amend the "Classrooms for Kids" allocation formula for capital outlay funding to reflect actual
capital outlay need.
Section 3. The City Clerk is directed to transmit a copy of this Resolution to Governor Jeb Bush,
Senate President Tom Lee, House Speaker Allan Bense and the members of the Florida Legislature.
Section 4. This Resolution shall become effective immediately upon its adoption and signature of
the Mayor.{1 }
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File Number: 06-00421
APPROVED AS TO FORM AND CORRECTNESS:
�DRGE r. FERNANDEZ
CITI( ATIO INEY
Footnotes:
{1} If the Mayor does not sign this Resolution, it shall become effective at the end of ten calendar
days from the date it was passed and adopted. If the Mayor vetoes this Resolution, it shall
become effective immediately upon override of the veto by the City Commission.
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