8South Miami
MAmaricaCiry
CITY OF SOUTH MIAMI
OFFICE OF THE CITY MANAGER
INTER - OFFICE MEMORANDUM 2001
To: The Honorable Mayor Stoddard and Members of the City Commission
Via: Buford R. "Randy" Witt, Acting City Manager°
From: Thomas J. Vageline Director r/\�
Planning and Zoning Department'' ��
Date: June 2, 2010 \ Item No..
Subject:
A Resolution of the Mayor and City Commission of the City of South Miami, Florida directing the
Planning and Zoning Department and the Planning Board to consider an ordinance revising Land
Development Code Section 20- 3.3(D) entitled "Permitted Use Schedule" in order to change the
existing "School, Elementary or Secondary" and the existing "School, Vocational' permitted use
categories from "P" Permitted Use to "S" Special Use; and to create a new use type entitled
"School, Private or Charter" with all development in the new "School, Private or Charter" use type
being classified as an "S" Special Use', and providing for an effective date.
The Land Development Code Section 20- 3.3(D) entitled "Permitted Use Schedule" is a list of all uses
which are allowed in each zoning district and also sets forth for each use whether it is a "P" use, permitted
as of right use, or an "S" use requiring approval via the special use process. It is important to note that
existing uses "School, Elementary or Secondary" and the "School, Vocational' are both permitted uses as
of right in certain zoning districts. In addition the Permitted Use Schedule does not contain a separate
listing for a private or charter school.
It is City policy that certain land uses due to their potential impact on traffic or compatibility with a
neighborhood should be subject to special use approval which allows for the placement of development
and use conditions. It is appropriate to consider that the development impact of public, private, charter
and vocational schools should be subject to review as part of a Special Use approval process.
PROPOSED AMENDMENT
It is recommended that the Planning Board and the Planning and Zoning Department be requested to
initiate and recommend upon necessary legislation to amend Land Development Code Section 20- 3.3(D)
entitled "Permitted Use Schedule" in order to change the existing "School, Elementary or Secondary" and
the existing "School, Vocational' permitted use categories from "P" Permitted Use to "S" Special Use;
and to create a new use type entitled "School, Private or Charter" with all development in the new
"School, Private or Charter" use type being classified as an "S" Special Use.
RECOMMENDATION:
It is recommended that the attached resolution be adopted.
Backup Documentation: Draft Resolution
X: \Comm Items\2010 \6- 2 -10TDC Amend School Category CM report.doc
I RESOLUTION NO.
2
3 A Resolution of the Mayor and City Commission of the City of South Miami, Florida
4 directing the Planning and Zoning Department and the Planning Board to consider an
5 ordinance revising Land Development Code Section 20- 3.3(D) entitled "Permitted Use
6 Schedule" in order to change the existing "School, Elementary or Secondary" and the
7 existing "School, Vocational" permitted use categories from "P" Permitted Use to "S" Special
8 Use; and to create a new use type entitled "School, Private or Charter" with all development
9 in the new "School, Private or Charter" use type being classified as an "S" Special Use; and
10 providing for an effective date.
11
12 WHEREAS, Land Development Code Section 20- 3.3(D) entitled "Permitted Use
13 Schedule" is a list of all uses which are allowed in each zoning district and also sets forth for each
14 use whether it is a "P" use, permitted as of right use, or an "S" use requiring approval via the
15 special use process; and
16
17 WHEREAS, existing uses "School, Elementary or Secondary" and the "School,
18 Vocational' are both permitted uses as of right in certain zoning districts; and
19
20 WHEREAS, the Permitted Use Schedule does not contain a listing for a private or
21 charter school; and
22
23 WHEREAS, it is City policy that certain land uses due to their potential impact on
24 traffic or compatibility with a neighborhood should be subject to special use approval which
25 allows for the placement of development and use conditions; and
26.
27 WHEREAS, the City considers the development impact of public, private, charter
28 and vocational schools should be subject to review as part of a Special Use approval process.
29
30 NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE MAYOR AND CITY COMMISSION
31 OF THE CITY OF SOUTH MIAMI, FLORIDA:
32
33 Section 1. That the Planning Board and the Planning and Zoning Department are requested to
34 initiate and recommend upon necessary legislation to amend Land Development Code Section 20-
35 3.3(D) entitled "Permitted Use Schedule" in order to change the existing "School, Elementary or
36 Secondary" and the existing "School, Vocational' permitted use categories from "P" Permitted Use
37 to "S" Special Use; and to create a new use type entitled "School, Private or Charter" with all
38 development in the new "School, Private or Charter" use type being classified as an "S" Special
39 Use;
40
41 Section 2. This resolution shall be effective immediately upon being approved.
42
43 PASSED AND ADOPTED this day of 2010
44
45 ATTEST: APPROVED:
46
47
48 CITY CLERK MAYOR
49
6
Commission Vote:
7
READ AND APPROVED AS TO FORM
Mayor Stoddard:
8
AND SUFFICIENCY:
Vice Mayor Newman:
9
Commissioner Palmer:
10
Commissioner Beasley:
11
Commissioner Harris:
12
CITY ATTORNEY
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X: \Comm Items\2010 \6- 2- 10\LDC Amend School Category Resol.doc
HOME NEWS TOWN SQUARE PEOPLE OUT AND ABOUT SLOGS ESPANOL CLASSIFIEDS LOGIN
300 parents attend session on
proposed charter school
Somerset Academy representatives field an array of questions during info
exchange
Above: Over 300 people attend the Somerset Cables Parents Association information exchaageat the Biltmore
a previous I next
BY PRISCILLA CREEAR
IN MAY2A2or0
At an information exchange hosted by the Somerset Gables Parents
Association, over 300 parents eagerly questioned representatives of
Somerset Academy, Inc. about its efforts to open a charter school this fall in Coral
Gables at University Baptist Church.
Crowded into the Biltmore Hotel's Alhambra Ballroom for the Saturday, May zz,
meeting, they quizzed Somerset representatives about everything from the quality of
the proposed physical education in the church courtyard to the nature of their dual
foreign - language program adth Spanish and possibly Mandarin. But the overriding
question permeated the session: Will the school really open at the church, and this
August no less?
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The Academics charter school management company, contracted to open Somerset
Academy of Coral Gables, awaits the city decision on its application for a certificate of
occupancy. Aeademica president Fernando Zulueta contends that Florida law allows for
charter schools to open in religious institutions under religious institution Zoning and
that they therefore do not need to apply for a change in zoning and land use.
However, City Attorney Elizabeth Hernandez has opined that Somerset will have to
apply for conditional use request for a change in zoning and land use, citing how the
church's existing preschool is capped by the city at iio students and n8 staff members.
The church "has religious /institutional land use designation. That zoning is good
enough for a charter school," asserted Mr. Zulueta, adding that they are asking for a
separate approval from that given for the preschool. "Hopefully, they will respond back
in the next couple of days on the certificate of use request. We are waiting for that and
discussing how can we deal with the legal question... Hopefully we can come to a mutual
agreement so that the school can open or we can go together and ask ajudge."
Somerset Academy, Inc., a network of 18 South Florida charter schools started in 1997,
and Academics, have applied to open the school with over boo students in grades pre -K
through 8; they would lease property at the church, located at 624 Anastasia Ave.
The parents association formed in April to support efforts to open the school.
Association chair Paul Zamek announced that the second round of pre - applications will
be accepted until the end of May through the Somerset wwebsite,
wm-w.somersetacademyschoolscom.
"Right now we have about i,000 people who have sent in letters of interest and filled
out forms. Should the city open it that could be turned into an application," he said.
"The reason we were created was to help Somerset Academy to reach out to the public."
Likewise, the reason the Biltmore Neighborhood Association was formed by church
neighbors is to oppose a school of such magnitude, which they, believe will pollute the
quiet neighborhood. Treasurer Andrea Moscetti said that his association has nearly 500
signatures for its protest petition and that most people in the neighborhood oppose it.
And if petitioners are indeed required to apply for conditional use, Mr. Moscetti doubts
Somerset's ability to complete quickly that application process. It would involve a
public monthly Planning Department meeting before the July deadline when the Miami
-Dade County School Board's charter school approval granted in July song expires if
specified conditions aren't secured, he said_ "I don't see how theyd be able to have it
without going through a very long process," said Mr. Moscetti.
Mr. Zulueta said that Aeademica approached UBC in late 2009 after getting School
Board approval and then began due diligence research, including a traffic study before
determining the feasibility of the project. For that reason it didn't apply to the city
Development Review Committee for an initial review until the spring or inform
neighbors of plans before they learned of them through rumors in March.
At the Biltmore meeting, project architect Rolando Llanes reported to participants that
be is currently meeting with the Coral Gables Department of Public Works to respond
to comments made during the May? initial Development Review Committee meeting
on topics such as traffic flow, building safety and occupancy. "All schools have an
impact on the neighborhood, planning and traffic," he said, adding that "I'd say 90
percent of all schools are in residential neighborhoods."
The architectural firm Civica is currently studying the possibility of increasing the
amount of car stacking on site to over 3o vehicles at a time going through the church
grounds loop off of Cardona Street to minimize to overflow of traffic, on the streets. "I
don't see a sticking point of concern (but) timing is critical,° said Mr. Llanes, adding
that no deadlines have been set to resolve Development Review Committee issues.
If the city grants permission for the school to open, Mr. Zulueta acknowledged in an
interview that it would have a right to impose limitations on the school based on project
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300 parents attend session on proposed charter school I Gables Home Page Page 3 of 23
analysis. "They have a right to make reasonable restrictions based on evidence," he
said.
Despite all the uncertainties, Somerset principals Shannine Sadesky -Hunt and Idalia
Suarez and Somerset Academy, Inc. board chair Andreina Figueroa introduced to
participants highlights of the nonprofit's curriculum and philosophy.
Somerset schools, as tuition -free public schools, follow state academic standards and
require certified teachers but have more flexibility to incorporate innovative, creative
practices and individualized learning plans. And while the church lacks an athletic field
and the school would not use the War Memorial Youth Center, it would use its
courtyard and indoor space to meet state physical education requirements. "We bave
the fourth- highest performing school district in the state of Florida so you know your
child is definitely going to be getting an excellent education," said Ms. Sadesky -Hunt.
The school would give priority for admission to those within a two -mile radius of the
school, said Mr. Zanok. "It's become very clear that there is enough enrollment base in
the city to populate the school. We like to be a neighborhood school. It does not mean if
you don't live in the two -mile radius you won't get in."
Board member and Gables resident Jeff Griese hopes to have more options for his S-
and 5- year -old children. "It's a great opportunity to put a really good school in a
neighborhood we can send kids to. They have a huge track record. We've seen through
Somerset'... how well the kids do," he said. "It's so hard to get our kids into any school
close by —it's frustrating."
But while supporters cite overcrowding at both Sunset Elementary and Coral Gables
Elemeutary, Mr. Moscetti noted that G.W. Carver Elementary School and Henry S.
West Laboratory Schools are under capacity. "If you want a special neighborhood then
perhaps public school is not for you. All public schools in Coral Gables are performing
very well."
Many from outside the two -mile radius like Carolina Avila left the meeting less hopeful.
"I like the parental involvement," said the Coconut Grove resident. "It's a dream cone
true and hopefully it will. If not we will have to wait another year and see what
happens."
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Here is your translation: We
Submitted by infomaniac on May 25, corn.
Here is your translation: We have Coral Gables Elementary, Sunset Elementary, Carver
Elementary (ail controlled choice schools in our area) and Westlab Elementary(sehool
of choice in Coral Gables). They are ALL excellent schools. The people who support this
school are not happy with the public school options available in our area so they would
like to create their own private school alternative using public funds. If you don't like
the options then:
A. Send your child to a private school in the area tailored to your particular needs and
desires
OR
B. Move to a neighborhood with schools that meet your needs
Does that provide the clarification that YOU need?
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Charter Schools
Submitted byCGeitizen on May 25, 2010.
Tbankyou for defining what a Charter School is. Wait a minute, let me show you
what Miami -Dade Public Schools officially says it is
( http : / /charterschools.dadeschools .net /qa /ga_pal'eDts.asp*ga2):
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300 parents attend session on proposed charter school I Gables Home Page Page 4 of 23
% How do charter schools differ from traditional public schools?
Charter schools provide freedom and flexibility from bureaucracies that operate
traditional public schools. They have the independence and autonomy to make
their own decisions. Financial control allows for the ability to implement and pay
for the decisions made by charter school founders and their subsequent governing
board."
Now, let's bring one to Coral Gables.
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How overcrowded ? ??
Submitted by CoralGablesResidenty on May 28, 2010.
I just moved back to Coral Gables and my son just got accepted to Coral Gables
Elementary. I wonder why people say it it overcrowded and hard to get in . I live
close to the Baptist church and was shocked to hear about the school. I just want to
keep my neighborhood a nice quiet neighborhood. This is why I moved back 1
Second , I am Baptist and would love to attend this church , but I am opposing the
school and I mayjoin the Biltmore Neighborhood association. Does it mean that I
can not attend services there because I may be looked like the enemy or a spy ? ??
I am very saddened by all this.
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Please Come
Submitted by LisainCG on May 31, 20ro.
We would love to have you attend UBC, regardless of any position you may, tale
relative to the school. Please join us next Sunday. I would be happy to meet you
and provide introductions.
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One question: What existing
Submitted by CGcitizen on May 25, 2oro.
One question: What existing elementary school in the Gables offer s the following:
r. A k -8 school.
2. Rules in a school - very similar to what private schools have - that cannot be enforced
by a public school but can in a charter school.
3. A school that does not spend a good part of an entire semester in FCAT preparation.
4. Aschool that bases a teacher's pay on various performance factors other than just
tenure. Similar to private vs. public enterprise.
B. A school that has the freedom to conduct fundraisers - golf tournaments, fishing
tournaments, art auctions, to name a few - that raises money for the school, A public
school cannot individually hold these events.
G. Aschool funded by my $4,000 Dade County School Board Tax that satisfies numbers
r -5 above.
Question: Why do charter schools exist in the first place?
Answer: Charter Schools were created as an alternative to Public Schools.
Is this any different? For goodness sake, some of you are acting like this Charter School
is going to come in like some form of terrorist group. These are children we are talking
about; children who are your neighbors.
Question: Who are you to bash parents that want to move their kids from Saint
Theresa, or St. Thomas, or whatever?
Answer: Last time I checked, this is a free country where we have that right. Who are
you to tell me how to spend my money? If you think it's some kind of conspiracy, you
have been reading too many JFK conspiracy books.
Question: Why are some of you giving misinformation on West Labs?
Answer: West Labs ONLY accepts applications for Kindergarten and preference is given
to those with siblings in the school. So much for "under enrolled" and "open ". By the
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way, they can do this because they are affiliated with UM and parents must sign an
agreement that allows their ebild to be involved in educational research studies. Looks
like they learned something from the Charter system hub?
Question: How many schools in Coral Gables are in residential areas bordered by
residential streets?
Answer: All of them. Coral Gables Elem, Sunset Elem, West Labs, Carve Elem and
Middle, Ponce, Coral Gables High, and Douglas Elem are located alongside residential
streets. For those of you that argue that Coral Gables Elem is not, Gahano and Majorca '.
ARE residential streets.
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Your talking points from the
Submitted by inf0marime on May 25, 2010. '.
Your talking points from the school are great! If you don't work for them you
should as your comments are very convincing.
Here's the real deal - the school is zoned currently for religious /accessory
educational use for uo students and 18 staff members. The final outcome will be
decided legally so save your breath!
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Nice comeback
Submitted by CGeitizeu on May 25, 2010.
1 hope the city commissioners enjoy your sarcastic comments as much as I did.
I am sure they will help your cause and that of the Biltmore Homeowners
Association.
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Actually I speak for myself
Submitted by infomaniac on May 25, 2010.
Actually I speak for myself and not any association so that is, #1. I can't say the same
for others who regurgitate the talking points of the school ad nauseund
42 If the commissioners are reading this blog then I hope they realize what a bad
precedent this will set in Coral Gables if we have ordinances in place to protect
neighborhoods and they are disregarded because of bullying within our local
government!
#3 I'm glad you like the comeback as I aim to please!
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Glad to see
Submitted by CGeitizen on May 25, 201o.
I'm glad to see that you had no problem dropping offyour children in a residential
street when they attended one of the areas public schools. I'm sure it wasn't a
problem then.
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It was no problem at all! The
Submitted by infomaniac on May 25, 2010.
It was no problem at all! The schools my kids went to are very old and the
neighbors who bought in the area did so lmowing what they were getting
themselves into.
Residents who bought around UEC did so with the knowledge of the current
zoning (religious /accessory educational) and the cap of 110 students /18 staff.
Not a charter school wih over 700 students in a residential area not equipped to
handle that load!
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Empty school building
Submitted by lonitchell on May 26, 20to.
I don't know of any reasonable person that would agree that the school
building next to UBC was built for 110 students. Do you? Or were you
hoping that the building would stay virtually empty, forever? Did you not
see that huge building wben you bought your hone?
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Yes, we saw the building and
Submitted by mcearta on May 26, auto.
Yes, we saw the building and read what the zoning for the building is.
We expected the building to continue to serve the many purposes it
does now. There is a preschool, a youth group, parent lecture series,
classes for seniors, church functions... and other uses for the building.
The building is not empty. No, we did not expect the building to be
used to house a school for 900 students. And I am a reasonable person
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The Law
Submitted by Gables resident on May 25, 2010.
"City Attorney Elizabeth Hernandez has opined that Somerset will have to apply for
conditional use request for a change in zoning and land use, citing how the church's
existing preschool is capped by the city at i o students and 18 staff members. " UBC is
zoned Religious, therefore if a school goes in the church would be forced to leave. They
cannot coexbist.
I don't understand why SomerseLAcamemies and UBC all think they do not
have to abide by the law. All of us as Americans are supposed to follow the
law - that is why we have them. To be arrogent enough to think you are above
the law is holy beyond me.
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Reply to Alina
Submitted by Gables resident on May 25, 2010.
As for Carrolton and Temple Beth Am - Carrolton is hardly in a Neighborhood.
It is bordered by the water and Main Highway. It has enough acres around it
to accept the cars of the parents when dropping off and picking up.
As for Temple Beth Am - it is on the corner of Red Road and Kendall Dr. -
hardiy a Neighborhood. It was there before the houses around it were built.
It too has several acres and room for the cars of parents dropping off and
picking up.
Unfortunately, UBC does not have that much land, and what it does have is
mostly covered with buildings. The pickup and drop off traffic would be a
madhouse for the Neighborhood, the parents and the children. The "traffic
study" is incomplete and unrealistic.
Having said all of that, people can send their children wherever they wish to
go to school. That is not the point at all. The size of a Charter School this large in this
neighborhood is the point.
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Stick with the zoning and
Submitted by infomaniac on May 25, 2oro.
Stick with the zoning and land use issues Alina! Don't worry if the charter school is
unsuccessful with opening up at UBC. Something tells me that they have scouted out a
backup plan—maybe even in Coral Gables where you will be able to safely escort your
kids to and from school! I can tell this school is really important to you.
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No need to focus on extraneous information . It's all about the law now and wejust
have to see how this all plays out. RELAX!!!!
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need for bilingual elementary programs
Submitted by abcabc on May 25, 20ro.
property value is clearly an important concern for the neighborhood association that
opposes the establishment of the school. But many of these opponents like to enter into
other topics and criticize the concept of the charter school itself. The cover article of last
Sunday's New York Times magazine highlights why we need charter schools:
http: / /wnrM1r <nytimes.com /pages /magazine/
Beyond what type of school it is (public, charter, private), the only elementary schools
in the area that offer dual language, programs are filled to capacity and have long
waiting lists (Sunset Magnet, Somerset Somi, and Ada Merritt). In the case of Sunset's
Magnet program, those who live in the area surrounding the school have a better
chance of getting in, for this reason people move to the area in the hopes of gaining
admittance. If this Somerset school with a dual -land age program is established in the
Gables, it will have the same effect: it will draw people to purchase homes and live in
the area. It will increase home value.
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Carver has one as well -
Submitted by gabtesdad2 on May 25, 2010.
Carver has one as well - Italian!
http: // superintendent .dadeschoolsmedia. com/ pressreleascs /I)ressreleases -2_.
And guess what? They have plenty of spaces!
And one more time for the people that didn't see it before:
The site at UBC is zoned for religious /accessory educational use - fro students /r8staff.
Coral Gables passed this, not the neighbors! The case is in the legal arena and will be
determined there.
Just to balance your NYT article read this:
littp: / /wwtiv.nytiln s. com / 2010/ 05 /o2 /edtieation /o2charteis.btinl
and this
http: / /credo.stanford.edu/ reports /statepressreleases /norida.pdf
Also that Mater Academy 2oo6 school board investigation makes a resonable person
ask if all of those horrendous allegations about the management company are true! I
haven't seen one supporter comment on that report! I wonder why?
The reason opponents talk about other issues unrelated to the facts is because of the
supporters. When someone doesn't want to deal with the law then the useless back and
forth about irrelevant issues is what you get on this blog.
When the supporters want to deal with the zoning and land use issues then maybe the
level of dialogue can be elevated!
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As long as we are sharing news
Submitted by CGcitizen on Mayes, 2oro.
Here is one you will also enjoy:
http: / /wmnv.freereptiblic com /focus /f- news /998713 /posts
Moral of the story: Nothing on this earth is perfect.
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Since we're sharing
Submitted by infomaniac on May 28, 2010.
Since we're sharing news:
littp: // mca.dadeschools. net /AC_Reports_o 6o7 /AC_r- 30-07 /AIATER°o
2oACADEMY %2o...
Congratulations Coral Gables Elementary, Sunset and Westlab on your Sod
grade FCAT scores 2010 for reading and math! 11 Way to go!
Coral Gables Elementary: Reading - 362; Math -387
Sunset Elementary: Reading - 355 Math -378 -
West Lab Elementary: Reading -361; Math- 369
and for comparison:
Somerset Academy Elementary School South Miami: Reading - 339; Math -351
and also look at our public schools in South Miami:
David Fairchild: Reading - 345 Math- 362
South Miami K -8: Reading- 338;Math -356 -
Congratulations to all our local public schools for exceeding expectations!!!
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Thank you for the FCAT Scores
Submitted by CGcitizen on May 29, 20io.
And now a new charter school at UBC for those residents living within a 2
mile radius cau prove even further how truly smart the children in Coral
Gables are. I am looking forward to it!
I'm glad you mentioned SOMI as its scores are comparable to the local
public schools. SOMI's scores make it an'A'sebool as well. Not bad for a
first year school. _
Congratulations to ALL students from ALL these schools!
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Nothing is perfect but some
Submitted by infomaniae on May 28, 2o to.
Nothing is perfect but some things are better than others!
Wow, Coconut Grove Elementary did really well!
Reading-337; Math -369
And G.W Carver Elementary:
Reading- 294; Math 331 which is right on par with Somerset Academy Charter',
Elementary School: Reading -294, Math - 307 (although Caner did better in
math!)
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Wrong!
Submitted by CGcitizen on May 29, 2oio.
Your comparison is flawed my friend. You need to compare schools that are
similar in demographics. Therefore, you should use Somerset Academy
South Miami (SOMI) in your comparison.
To save you some time: Reading: 339, Math: 351. Not bad for a first yeai '..
school.
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Well which schools would you
Submitted by infomaniac on May 29, 2010.
Well which schools would you like me compare SoMi to that have
similar demographics? Ok, well SoMi is located in a primarily African
American neighborhood similar to GW Carver Elementary although
the number of kids from the surrounding neighborhood that actually
attend the school is minimal at best. I've heard nine maybe out of 420
enrolled students.
So let's compare it to the demographic population in South Miami that
attend the two closest schools which are South Miami K -8 and David
Fairchild Elementary. Even with a higher percentage of low income,
minority students, both schools beat SoMi! And that's accepting
everybody no matter your skill level or economics!
Would you then like me then to compare it to Coral Gables Elementary
which probably is more similar demographically? Which is it?
I congratulate SoMi for the scores but as we clearly see our local public
schools are alive and well and exceeding expectations.
We do not need a chatter school in Coral Gables. But if a select group of
people (some in Coral Gables, and unfortunately many in other areas
such as Coconut Grove that don't want to go to their home school)
insist on having one, find another site.
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My 'A' is better than your 'A'
Submitted by CGeitiren on May 29, 2oio.
Woopeedo! What are you trying to prove? It's like a child telling
another "My A is better than your A, Ha Ha ". "I got a 96 and you
only got a 9o!" I am smarter than you! Na Na Na Na Na!" How
pathetic!
Bottom line for Coral Gables, Sunset, West Lab, and Somerset
Academy (SOMI), they are ali'A' schools with those scores.
Congratulations to ALL those students from ALL those schools!
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Why the anger cgcitizen? You
Submitted by gablesdad2 on May 29, 2010.
Why the anger cgeitizen? You are the one who brought up the
question of demographics. I actually think it was a valid
argument. So what's the answer? Does SoMi serve the kids in
South Miami or not? They say it's a neighborhood school like
the one in Coral Gables will be but it doesn't look like it has
been very neighborly! Can we expect the same from the school
they want to open at UBC?
Funny how everyone seems to avoid the obvious. Maybe the
truth is too much to bear.
I also congratulate all the public schools(including charters) for
a job well done!
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What anger?
Submitted by CGeitizen on May 29, solo.
I am just trying to make a point based on YOUR original
blog:
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"Nothing is perfect but some things are better than others!
Wow, Coconut Grove Elementary did really well!
Reading -337; Math -369
And G.W Carver Elementary:
Reading- 294; Math 331 which is right on par with
Somerset Academy Charter Elementary School: Reading -
294; Math - 307 (although Carver did better in math!)"
I am merely pointing out that you are comparing schools
that are 20 miles apart. The Somerset school you
mentioned above is from South Dade close to the
Redlands. For that matter, you can make comparisons to
schools in Broward as well. The point that I was trying to
make is that you are comparing a school with different
demographics and geographies.
Here you go again, making this a personal attack against
Somerset instead of the bottom line: "You don't want a
school of 700 students at UBC" . Why the attacks on
Somerset? I just don't understand. Would you change your
tune if Miami -Dade School Board would open a k -8
PUBLIC school at DEC and call it Segovia Public School?
Even better, world it be ok if Coral Gables Elementary
relocates to UBC? Please, someone answer these questions.
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Nice try cgcitizen but I
Submitted by infomaniac on May 29, 2oro.
Nice try cgcitizen but I included schools within a 2 mile
radius of SoMi as a comparison (David Fairchild and
South Miami K -8 -both of which serve the South
Miami community which is what a good public school
should do).
Again please answer the question. Who does SoMi
serve? Children in South Miami or Coral Gables and
al? It really is a simple question. If it Coral Gables
which it seems to be since you congratulated all of our
Coral Gables schools: Coral Gables Elementary,
Sunset, West Lab AND SoMi then I will take it that
SoMi is actually considered a Coral Gables school.
If that is so, wiry do we need another one in Coral
Gables when we already have one charter? I've heard
that it will be going to 8th grade shortly as they
continue to add a grade each year.
No attacks on Somerset. Instead asking some pertinent
questions that supporters don't want to answer.
If the Miami Dade School Board wanted to open a K -8
public school at UBC, I can guarantee you that the
process would have gone much differently. As they
would have had a series of public meetings with the
residents in the community to explain the need for
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such a school and addressed any concerns before
plopping a school down in the middle of a
neighborhood.
However, even if it was a Miami Dade Public School, I
would still object to that number as I imagine many of
the area residents would as well. If it was Coral Gables
Elementary, or Sunset, or Westlab wanting to relocate
with the same number, I would oppose it Because the
issue is and has always been location and size and laws
already in place to protect a neighborhood.
It doesn't matter to me if UBC was three times its size
as a facility and could accomodate 3000 students, I
still would not want it. I also believe in the rule of law
and that it should be followed. If this goes to the courts
and the final decision is to let the school open on that
scale, then a reaonable citizen would have to surrender
at that point and accept the decision. That has not
occurred as of yet and we will have to wait and see
what the final outcome will be.
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What demographic does the
Submitted by gablesdadz on May 29, auto.
What demographic does the school in the Redlands
scn,e?
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Nice Try
Submitted by CGcitizea on May 29, zoro.
1 don't know the demographics of the school in the
Redlands do you? But if common sense tells me
that when you are mentioning public schools in the
areas of Coconut Grove, Coral Gables, and South
Miami like Infomaniac is, then you should use
Somerset Somi instead of the Somerset Academy
in the Redlands for a comparison. At least that
school is within the area, not zo miles away. Get
it?
Nice setup, but this fish aint going for that bait!
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It matters because if SoMi
Submitted by iufomaniac on May 29, eoto.
It matters because if SoMi serves mostly Coral
Gables residents then we really don't need
another charter school in Coral Gables. Right?
Why have two charter schools in such close
proximity serving the same population? SoMi
offers everything that this proposed school
wants to offer and even has a better
recreational facility fiom what I've been told
which is on the rooftop of the building.
So who does SoMi serve? The answer will give
the residents in our community a better
understanding of whether we really need this
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school. And if so , we can get together and find
a more suitable location. _
Where's the setup? I was asking a very serious
question to which I have yet to get a response.
If you can kindly answer my question it would
be greatly appreciated. Thank you.
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I am not replying to you
Submitted by CGeitizen on May 3o, 2010.
My replies were directed to Gablesdad2
not you You keep asking me about who
SOMI serves while I am trying to answer
Gableslladz's questions about the
demographics of Somerset Academy in the
REDLANDS, Are you aware that SOMI
and the school in the REDLANDS are z
different schools? And the only reason the
school in the REDLANDS was brought into
this picture is because you yourself listed
its scores when comparing it to Coconut
Grove Elem and Carver More. I was simply
trying to state that the school in the
Redlands is 20 miles away and should not
be mentioned with all the other schools
you listed because it is not in the same
general area. Get it ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ??
Anyway, why are you asking me about who
Somi serves? Go to the Miami -Dade
School Board and they may be able to give
you this information. What the heck do i
know where the Somi parents live? And
where did you get the idea that Somi
serves the Gables? From what I've been
told, Somi has something like 500
applications on a waiting list itself.
Anyway, who cares about Somi? This is
about a proposed school at UBC that has
over 1,000 applications already.
I really don't know where you are going
with this. If there are over 1,000
applications for this school, and the other
(Sued) is full and has boo on a waiting list,
what more proof is needed whether or not
there is a significant amount of people
interested.
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Ok cgcitizen, since you are
Submitted by infornomae on May 30,
2010.
OR cgcitizen, since you are unable to
answer my question, I will pose it to
anyone out there (maybe a member of
the parent association) who might
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know the answer. The reason it is
important is to ferret out truth from
fiction. The word on the street is that a
lot of parents from Coral Gables attend
that school and very few from South
Miami. So, I would like to know
whether or not that is true from
anyone with that information. How
many students at SoMi are from South
Miami? Someone out there with kids
at the school must know that. Right?
Because if it is true that mostly kids
from Coral Gables attend that school,
then residents in Coral Gables would
like to know if this proposed school at
UBC is tnily going to be a
neighborhood school or not.
Also, it might be better to change the
name of the school in South Miami to
Somerset Gables at South Miami and
maybe an additional facility in that
area could be sought out to house all of
the additional students who were
accepted to this proposed school at
UBC. From what I hear, the zoning for
a school is much easier in that area.
Secondly, this goes out to anyone who
has knowledge of how this company
selects a neighborhood to come into.
Do they decide that a particular
neighborhood needs a charter - and if
so, what is the criteria? Or is it driven
by parents in a particular community
who reach out to the company and ask
them to bring a school into a
community?
I had heard that the latter was true
and I wanted to confirm this with
someone knowledgeable with the
procedure. Thank you for your
assistance!
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A few more questions
for
Submitted by infomaniac on May
30,2010.
A few more questions for anyone
out there who can answer
(especially members of the Parent
Association):
- Why was the initial school board
application for SoMi on December
19, 2007 submitted for Somerset
Academy (Homestead) and
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authorized to continence With the
2008 -2009 school year? Then a
request Was granted to extend
contract negotiations and defer the
opening of the facility until the
2009 -2010 school year due to
difficulties in obtaining a feasible
lease. The school then requested to
change its name to Somerset
Academy Elementary School -
South Miami Campus (Somerset
Elementary) to be located in South
Miami.
a) Does a charter school try to get
a facility anywhere regardless of
need iu a particular area and then
assess need or vice versa? It would
seem to me that if they were
inititally planning to open up in
Homestead because of a need then
the school would have fought
harder to find an appropriate
facility to serve the students in
that at Why open in South
Miami? Did the need in South
Miami outweigh the one in
Homestead?
" Why was the initial school board
application for now Somerset
Gables entered into on November
18, 2oo8 under the name of
Somerset Grace Academy which
was to be located at 22800 S.W.
112 Avenue, Cutler Bay, Florida
33170 - serving a maximum of 675
students in kindergarten through
grade eight, commencing with the
2009 -2010 school year? The term
of the contract would be for ten
years ending on June 3o, 20i9.
Again the charter school asked the
school board ou June 9, 2009 that
the item be withdrawn due to
facilities issues. An extension for
an additional year was granted
and the site was then changed to
the one at UBC.
a) Was there really a need in
Cutler Bay for a charter school? If
so, why not fight harder to find an
appropriate facility to serve the
residents in that area. Or was that
facility supposed to house parents
from Coral Gables? And when
exactly did the need in Coral
Gables arise? Did the school assess
the need in Coral Gables? Or (lid
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an individual or group initiate that
process?
b) When the school decided to
occupy the site at UBC, why
change the original name from
Somerset Grace to Somerset
Gables? The. site that they
originally wanted to occupy in
Cutler Bay was another church
called Goulds Church of Christ.
That facility sits on 4.77 acres.
Does any one know what
happened to that deal?
Also wouldn't the former name
seem more appropriate for the site
at UBC since it's a church? I only
ask out of curiosiV
Which comes first in the world of
charter schools - Is there a need
and then a charter is created? Or is
the charter formed and then a
need created?
Also it seems that when this
company is unable to oceupy their
original site, they only get a one
year extension and then it is
IMPERATIVE to find a new
location quickly so as not to lose
their charter status. That really
creates a sense of URGENCY and
the NECESSITY of the company to
find any space to occupy. Could
that be what is happening at UBC?
No doubt the school found a
willing participant in the church
which is having financial
difficulties. But is this really what
is in the best interest of our city or
neighborhood for that matter?
Mr mother used to tell me that
anything that is rusbed without
proper thought or preparation
usually doesn't work out well in
the end. Let's hope our city doesn't
learn that lesson the hard way!
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From Dadeschools.net
Submitted by CGeitizen on May
30, 2010.
From our local school board
website:
• What types of students are
eligible to attend a charter school?
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A charter school must be open to
any student covered in all
interdistrict agreement or residing
in the school district in which the
charter school is located; however,
in the case of a charter lab school,
the charter lab school shall be
open to any student eligible to
attend the lab school as provided
in s.1002.32, or who resides in the
school district in which the charter
lab school is located. Any eligible
student shall be allowed
interdistrict transfer to attend a
charter school when based on
good cause.
1'he charter school shall enroll an
eligible student who submits a
timely application, unless the
number of applications exceeds
the capacity of a program, class,
grade level, or building. In such
case, all applicants shall have an
equal chance of being admitted
through a random selection
process.
When a public school converts to
charter status, enrollment
preference shall be given to
students who world have
otherwise attended that public
school.
A charter school may give
enrollment preference to the
following student populations:
" students who are siblings of a
student enrolled in the charter
school;
students who are the children of
a member of the governing board
of the charter school; or
students who are the children of
an employee of the charter school.
A charter school may limit the
enrollment process In order to
target the following student
populations:
. students within specific age
groups or grade levels;
" students considered at risk of
dropping out of school or
academic failure;
k such students shall include
exceptional educational students;
'students enrolling in a charter
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school -in- the - workplace or charter
school -in -a- municipality;
students residing within a
reasonable distance of the charter
school, as described in paragraph
(zo)(e) (such students shall be
subject to a random lottery and to
the racial /ethuie balance
provisions described in
subparagraph (9)(a)8 or any
federal provisions that require a
school to achieve a racial /ethnic
balance reflective of the
community it serves or within the
racial /ethnic range of other public
schools in the same school
district);
"students who meet reasonable
academic, artistic, or other
eligibility standards established by
the charter school and included in
the charter school application and
charter or, in the case of existing
charter schools, standards that are
consistent with the school's
mission and purpose. Such
standards shall be in accordance
with current state law and practice
in public schools and may not
discriminate against otherwise
qualified individuals; and
students articulating from one
charter school to another pursuant
to an articulation agreement
between the charter schools that
has been approved by the sponsor.
Students with handicapping
conditions and students served in
English for Speakers of Other
Languages programs shall have an
equal opportunity of being
selected for enrollment in a
charter school.
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I thought those
questions
Submitted by mfomaniac on
May 30, x010.
L thought those questions
would be too difficult for you
to answer cgcitizen. So why
don't you let someone else
with more knowledge of the
process attempt to do so.
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Can you respond to me
then?
Submitted by gablesdadz on May 3o,
zoto.
Can you respond to me then? I'm
actually very curious about the answer.
You seem to know a lot about this
school and the company so maybe you
could find out the information. These
are questions that I wanted to ask the
representatives of the school also but
for some reason I could never get an
rsvp to the parent information
meetings. I tried twice (and very early
too) but always got a response saying
the meeting was full. So ifyou could be
kind enough to answer those
questions, it would be very helpful to
everyone opposed to this project at
Uric.
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Ask the School Board
Submitted by CGcitizen on May
30, 2010.
Except to get strawberry shakes at
Burr's, I have no need to go Gilt to
the boonies in the Redlands. I
don't care about the area nor any
school that is out there.
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Thank you cgcitizen
for
Submitted by gablesdariz on
May 3o, zoro.
Thank you cgcitizen for
attempting to respond.
Although the question had
nothing to do with the
Redlands. I understand
though why you would feel
uncomfortable trying to
answer any of these valid
questions. Hopefully someone
else will have the courage to
do so. I don't think it's the
school board's responsibility.
The school's representatives
should instead address these
concerns. I'll be waiting!
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Alzheimers?
Submitted by CGcitizen on
May 30, zoro.
Gabkeslladz, do you have
memory loss? Let me
quote you your own
question:
"What demographic does
the school in the Redlands
serve ?"
You, You, and Yon asked
this question. Cheek the
blog yourself and see what
you wrote. Did you write
this or did someone sign
in using your screenname?
I gave you my answer.
Stop being a pest please.
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Sometimes I
have been
accused
Submitted by
gablesdads, on May
30, m:u o.
Sometimes I have
been accused of
having some memory
loss but my mind has
been very clear lately.
I know that you want
to harp on the
Redlands for lack of
anything better to say
but we are long past
the Redlands
continent. Your point
was acknowledged
and we'll leave it at
that.
If you have some
answers to the other
questions raised on
the most recent posts I
think people would
welcome them,
otherwise we can bury
the Redlands for good!
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Do you read?
Submitted by CGcitizen on May 29, 20ro.
Infomaniac made two separate blog entries about scores -
the first included Somi and the second included the
somerset Academy in the Redlands. My SIMPLE point is
that why is Infomaniac including the Somerset in the
Redlands in comparing schools in this area?
Now you and hifmnaniae are again going off on a tangent
about what community Somerset Somi serves. Why? What
does that have to do with the scores?
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I also checked the FAQ page
Submitted by gablesdad2 ou May 30, 2010.
I also checked the FAQ page for Somerset Gables and
they never talked about why there was a need for a
charter school in Coral Gables. I remember seeing the
initial FAQ a few months ago and they talked about
how two of our schools were overcrowded and how
parents couldn't get their kids in but now I don't see
that anymore. What happenend to it?
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Stick to the issue
Submitted by kmitchell on May 26, onto.
I find it interesting that many of the comments on this artele are not focusing on the
lassoes. Many have attacked the chafer school company that will run Somerset Gables
and I cant help but think that some of these posts reflect some sort of personal
vendetta against them. It upsets the "neighbors" that Somerset Schools have great
reputations and that most Coral Gables residents want a school of choice in their
neighborhood. Most Coral Gables Residents welcome a language school that is funded
by taxes that they have been paying for years. Most Coral Gables residents feel that it's
about time Coral Gables residents could benefit from Charter Schools that other
neighborhoods have had for years.
I could understand some objections as to the noise and traffic that a school would bring
but the arguments of these neighbors have swayed from the real issue. If UBC wanted
to increase enrollment in their school... the "neighbors" would protest. If Miami -Dade
County Public Schools wanted to put a Public School on their street... the "neighbors"
would protest. Quite frankly, no school is good enough to be on this street according to
these angry "neighbors ". They prefer to cross US-1 to drive their own children to their
expensive private schools and really don't care about the needs of the majority of Coral
Gables Residents.
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The Issue
Submitted by BCon on May 31, 2010.
MOST Coral Gables residents don't even know about Somerset Gables or are just
finding out.
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FJLet's not make this personal!
Submitted by paul,zamek on May 26, 2oro.
I and the Somerset Gables Parents Association do not support or condone
the personal attacks and insinuations from both sides of this issue.
Attacking individuals, on either side, is inappropriate. The neighbors have a right to
voice their opinions in opposition as does the school and the parents (many of whom
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are neighbors) to voice their opinions in support. Please avoid personal attacks as we
discuss the relevant issues.
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Charter school
Submitted by Anna Louise on May 26, 2oio.
Ladies and Gentlemen ..... the public school system in Greater Miami is alive and well.
Pleasee take a moment to read the list of Silver Knight awards recently bestowed on our
children... most of whom went to our public schools and many who will imrther their
education of higher learning at universities across our land The public school
departments of music, science, and language arts are beholden to none.
Both of my children are product's of an excellent public school education in Miami. My
grandchildren are recipients of a public school education with one having graduated
last week from the University of New Hampshire, with boners, in international studies.
... the second grandchild will head to Rochampton University in London for her third
year of studies... the third grandchild is in her second year at Winona College in
Minnesota studying chemistry.... it isn't that they are necessarily all brilliant but it
takes the efforts of student /parent /teacber to accomplish ones goals.... you get what
you pin in as far as an education is concerned..... it does not take a Charter school to
accomplish the end result. It takes a commitment on behalf of those concerned who
want to see their children excel.
The brouhaha of proposing a Charter school In an existing religious institution,
University Baptist Church, which has been zoned for tie, pre -K toddlers with a staff of
(18) is not zoned for 900 plus students... plus faculty.... plus parapersonnel... plus
traffic. ...plus delivery trucks .... plus trash pick -up... plus the safety of children being
dropped off and picked up..... all of which is being foisted on a quiet and residential
neighborhood. There are those of us who are Sod and 4th generation families who have
lived as good neighbors with UBC and would hope it continue& The zoning laws exist
for a purpose and that is for the quality of life which has been set down..... one
follows the Wile of law.
Personally.... I think it has been a great disservice of Academics,
Inc, /SomersetGables to have parents fill out applications for a Charter school that is
nor- existent, i.e. the school has never been approved and yet they have gone forward
helter- skelter with out consideration of parents /students in proposing a Charter school
which is not zoned for what they want. No one is above the Rule of Law.
Lastly.... as previously mentioned.... the public school system is alive and well....
.check out Miami Dade College... the University of Miami .... FSU ... UP... FLU ...
Florida Southern... and, of course, the universities throughout the United States that
our Silver Knight recipients will be attending (with scholarships).....1 believe you'll
find your answer.
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Mr. Zameck correct -No personal attacks
Submitted by Gables resident on May 26, 2010.
Even thouth Paul Zameck and I are on different sides, we both agree that this
should NOT'be about personal attacks. We should be civilized people who state out
opines about the law without being nasty. There is NO place in this for any
kind of personal attack. Paul and I have spoken and we agree to disagree. That is the
way concerned and polite humans behave.
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Charter schools are not a new disease
Submitted by CGeitizen on May 29, 2010.
Many opponents to this charter school are reacting as if charter school is like some
newly discovered disease. Charter schools are located throughout the US. They are an
alternative to a regular public school. Nobody is saying that our public schools are bad.
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Supporters just want another choice, dust like some prefer Publix over Winn Dixie, or
Pond over Chevrolet, we prefer the Chmter system over the regular Public Schools, It is
interesting that many of the opponents are no different than the supporters in that
their children attend Private Schools and not Public, despite the insistence that "we
have great public schools" throughout this blog and others related to this issue.
If you think they are so great, why not send them there ?'ro those that do, I commend
you for backing tip your words with your actions.
Charter schools are run like a private school but with public money. What is wrong with
that? Is it illegal? I mean this is not a new idea nor is it the first charter school to be
established in this country you know, Yes, charter schools have failed, but so have many
public schools as well. There are no guarantees in life. We all know that we pay
premium real estate taxes for our properties here in the Gables. There is nothing wrong
or illegal about wanting to have our tax dollars go to a privately ran charter school. I
can tell you that I have 4,000 reasons (School board taxes alone!).
KMitchell made a great point in this blog when he /she stated that no matter who came
up with the idea of a school m UBC - whether it be Academia, UBC itself, or even
Miami -Dade Public Schools - it wouldn't matter. So why then mention that Charier
Schools are not good, or Public Schools are better, or Academica is corrupt, or anything
besides the fact that you don't want any more students than what it is currently zoned
for. Bottom Line!
Another truth is really staring right down the near fixture - UBC needs additional fiords
and mayjust move out. What then? Do you think that the next person that comes along
will not want to change. the land rise agreement as well? It is naive to think that the
annex behind the church was built for uo students, It maybe limited to that by a Land
Use agreement, but not by Coral Gables building and zoning code. You an verify that
with anyone you like in the city. If you insist, then why is the church, which is 1/4 the
size of the annex, capable of LEGALLY holding over zoo people during a single Sunday
service?
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Very interesting
Submitted by mromano on May 27, zoro.
Does anyone else find it interesting that a blog stating facts about the leaders of the
Biltmore Homeowners Association disappeared overnight? Could it be that some of
these leaders have connections with Gables Homepage and the Miami Herald and don't
want to be exposed for what they are?
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Offensive comment deleted
Submitted by Matt Bokor on May 27, zoro.
GablesHomePage.com deleted a malicious, personal attack, which
violated our terms of use.
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