Res. No. 193-08-12790RESOLUTIONNO. 193-08-12790
WHEREAS, Florida's public schools are the cornerstone of our state's
democracy, as well as a critical component of our economic vitality; and
WHEREAS research indicates that, next to a child's parents, the most critical
factor in a student's educational life is the student's teacher; and,
WHEREAS, Florida's public school employees are an essential ingredient in
ensuring that our schools are successful by educating and mentoring into citi 11 zenship
the overwhelming majority of our state's children; and
WHEREAS, it has been shown that as the result of a change in the State's
formula governing school district funds, it has had an adverse impact on teachers'
salaries;
WHEREAS, as the result of this adverse effect, we request that the State budget
includes a line item account strictly earmarked for teachers' salaries;
WHEREAS, the City urges the Governor and Florida Legislature to recognize the
dedication of all public school employees and to assure them that their well -being is
among our highest priorities; and
WHEREAS, the competition for knowledge and skilled workers has increased to
the point where young people considering their futures have an array of choices that are
economically more attractive than entering the teaching field, for example the median
salary range in Miami -Dade for a teacher is 42,000 - 56,000, as compared to median salary
ranges for nurse practitioners 73,000 - $86,000; dental hygienists $ 55,000- 70,000 and
paralegals $59,000- 76,000; and
Additions shown by underlining and deletions shown by everstrikin .
Res. No. 193-08-12790
WHEREAS, the compensation public school educators receive is a significant
contributor to the decision whether to undertake a career in public education and then
whether to remain in that profession; and
WHEREAS, the City encourages the Governor and State legislature to establish a
legislative goal for increasing the beginning and median salary levels for Florida public
school teachers, as well as other categories of public school employees.
MIJOIJUA INMUNKPIM 11 130KAIWAII • ffl,11 Kola
Section 1. The above whereas clauses are incorporated by reference.
Section 2. The City Commission requests the Governor and the Florida
Legislature to take action during the 2009 session to provide additional funds to increase
significantly the compensation and professional status of Florida's teachers so as to be
more competitive in attracting and retaining quality teachers; and
Section 3. This resolution shall take effect immediately upon approval.
PASSED and ADOPTED this 18 thday of November 2008.
ATTEST:
a
Y y
CLERK
READ AND APPROVED AS TO FORM:
Luis R-Figueredo,
Nagin Gallop Figueredo, P.A.
Office of City Attorney
Page 2 of 2
COMMISSION VOTE:
4-0
Mayor Feliu:
Yea
Vice Mayor Beasley:
Yea
Commissioner Wiscombe:
Commissioner Palmer:
Yea
Commissioner Beckman:
Yea