HomeMy WebLinkAboutLegislationCity of Miami
Legislation
Resolution
City Hall
3500 Pan American
Drive
Miami, FL 33133
www.miamigov.com
File Number: 06-02305
Final Action Date:
A RESOLUTION OF THE MIAM1 CITY COMMISSION, WITH ATTACHMENT(S),
URGING GOVERNOR CHARLIE GRIST AND THE MEMBERS OF THE FLORIDA
LEGISLATURE TO SUPPORT THE MIAMI-DADE COUNTY PUBLIC SCHOOLS'
LEGISLATIVE INITIATIVES, AS STATED HEREIN, DURING THE 2007
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 earned a
second straight grade of B in the State accountability system, falling just seven points short of the
cutoff score for a grade of A; and
WHEREAS, the number of schools in Miami -Dade County, Florida ("County"), receiving a letter
grade of A increased to 53%, the highest percentage ever, despite tougher State standards; and
WHEREAS, the School Board has constructed an additional 20,000 new student seats to address
overcrowding, using local funds; and
WHEREAS, the School Board will need approximately $180 million in new monies above current
funding levels to continue program enhancements; 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 industry standards and workforce demands, and expanding options for students to
continue their education and enter the workforce; and
WHEREAS, the pre-K-20 educational system is a key foundation for Florida's future providing the
talent base for economic diversification and an economic engine for the knowledge economy, and
Florida should continue to move its education system at all levels (pre-K-20) into the top quartile in
education quality, student rankings and graduation rates based on national standards;
WHEREAS, the Miami City Commission believes that funding a high -quality education system is
C111' of Miami
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File Number: 06-02305
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;
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 Charlie
Grist, Senate President Ken Pruitt, House Speaker Marco Rubio and the members of the Florida
Legislature.
Section 4. This Resolution shall become effective immediately upon its adoption and signature of
the Mayor.{1}
APPROVED AS TO FORM AND COR CTNESS:
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.
Ciy of Miami
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