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03-03-09 Item 25as 1 RESOLUTION NO. 2 3 4 A RESOLUTION OF THE MAYOR AND CITY COMMISSION OF 5 THE CITY OF SOUTH MIAMI, FLORIDA, SUPPORTING THE 6 MIAMI -DADE COUNTY PUBLIC SCHOOLS' LEGISLATIVE 7 INITIATIVE AND REQUESTS TO. THE FLORIDA 8 LEGISLATURE; AND PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE. 9 10 WHEREAS, the Florida Constitution provides that the education of children is a 11 fundamental value of the people of Florida and a paramount duty of the state; and 12 13 WHEREAS, the Constitution creates a clear mandate for a uniform and high 14 quality education system and for the State to make adequate provision for this purpose; 15 and, 16 17 WHEREAS, The School Board of Miami -Dade County, Florida, has experienced 18 significant budget reductions of nearly $400 million; and 19 20 WHEREAS, Florida employers consistently rank improving education and 21 workforce development as top concerns to the success of their business, and a highly 22 qualified, trained workforce as critical to strengthening our business climate; and 23 24 WHEREAS, the education system needs to respond to the workforce needs of 25 Florida's employers, including programs that expand career academies in high schools, 26 align career education with industry standards and workforce demands, and expand 27 options for students to continue their education and enter the workforce; and 28 29 WHEREAS, the Pre -K -20 education system is the foundation for Florida's 30 future, providing the talent base for economic diversification and an economic engine for 31 the knowledge economy, and Florida should continue to move its education system at all 32 levels (Pre -K -20) into the top quartile in education quality, student rankings and 33 graduation rateTbased on national standards; 34 35 WHEREAS, the City of South Miami believes that funding a high quality 36 education system is an investment in our state's and our community's ability to compete 37 nationally and globally in the marketplace; and 38 WHEREAS, the City of South Miami believes that adequate funding is needed 39 to achieve a high - quality education system measured by gains in student achievement; 40 NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED BY THE MAYOR AND CITY 41 COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF SOUTH MIAMI, FLORIDA; 42 Section 1. The City of South Miami supports Miami -Dade County Public 43 Schools' legislative initiative and requests that the Florida Legislature: Additions shown by underlining and deletions shown by evefstfik-ing. I (i) Fulfill its commitment to hold school district operational and capital 2 funding harmless from the impact of property tax reform and budget 3 shortfalls by funding the student enrollment at minimally 2008 -2009 4 levels of $6,968.29; and 5 (ii) Restore the local Discretionary Capital Outlay levy to 2- mills; and; 6 7 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 (iii) Oppose legislation that reduces the number of in- service hours required of teachers providing instruction to English Language Learners. PASSED AND ADOPTED this day of , 2009. ATTEST: APPROVED: CITY CLERK READ AND APPROVED AS TO FORM Luis R. Figueredo, Office Of City Attorney, Nagin, Gallop & Figueredo, P.A. W:Uvty Documents\resolutions\Resolution public schools.palmer.doc Page 2 of 2 MAYOR COMMISSION VOTE: Mayor Feliu: Vice Mayor Beasley: Commissioner Newman: Commissioner Palmer: Commissioner Beckman: Our state and nation, as well as our community and school district are struggling through the sharpest economic downturn since the Great Depression. Miami -Dade County Public Schools has been hit especially hard, having had to reduce its budget by nearly $300 million this fiscal year alone, with more cuts to come. As protecting the classroom has been my top priority, budget cuts to date have been aimed at central administration which has been reduced by 27 percent, including reductions to salaries of between 2 and 10 percent. This action positions Miami -Dade as the district with the smallest administrative cost per student in the entire state. Unfortunately, additional budget reductions will likely impact our students. As a longtime supporter of our schools, your organization can help us overcome this crisis and enable us to continue giving our students the quality education they deserve. Our 2009 State and Federal Legislative programs are enclosed for your review. We are requesting that your group adopt the attached resolution and forward it to the Miami -Dade County Legislative Delegation.,- By endorsing our program, you can -help us reach the-School Board's legislative goals. We must speak out in a clear and unified voice to let Tallahassee and Washington know that education is atop priority. Mindful of the current financial crisis that the Florida Legislature is facing, we are requesting at least level rather than increased funding. Both the State and Federal Legislative Programs reflect our philosophy of fiscal responsibility, yet insist on adequate and equitable funding (both operating and capital) to the District. Our programs also stress academic concerns, particularly the need for reform at the secondary level. Approved by the School Board at its meeting of November 18, 2008, the programs reflect legislative needs identified not just by the School Board, but also by interested citizen and PTA/PTSA groups, employee groups, administrators, and school -site personnel. Those needs are enumerated in the enclosed resolution, and we gratefully ask that your organization endorse it and forward a copy to Miami - Dade County Public Schools, 1450 N.E. Second Avenue, Suite 931, Miami, Florida 33132. On behalf of the students of Miami -Dade County, I thank you for your continued support; it will help us reach our legislative goals and provide our children with the education and skills they need to live productive lives and compete globally. Should you have questions or need additional copies of the printed legislative programs, please contact Ms. Iraida R. Mendez - Cartaya, Assistant Superintendent, Office of Intergovernmental Affairs, Grants Administration, and CommunityServices, at 305 995 -1497. Sincerely, Alberto M. Carvalho Superintendent of Schools AMC:Ibd L431 Enclosures cc: School Board Members School Board Attorney Superintendent's Cabinet School Board Administration Building • 1450 N. E. 2nd Avenue • Miami, Florida 33132 305 - 995 -1000 • www.dadeschools.net Miami -Dade County School Board Superintendent of Schools, February 6, 2009 Dr. Solomon C. Stinson, Chair Alberto M. Carvalho Dr. Marta Perez, Vice Chair Agustin J. Barrera Renier Diaz de la Portilla The Honorable Velma Palmer Dr. Lawrence S. Feldman City of South Miami Perla Tabares Hantman 6130 Sunset Drive Dr. Wilbert "Tee" Holloway South Miami, FL 33143 Dr. Martin Karp Ana Rivas Logan Dear Commissioner Palmer: Our state and nation, as well as our community and school district are struggling through the sharpest economic downturn since the Great Depression. Miami -Dade County Public Schools has been hit especially hard, having had to reduce its budget by nearly $300 million this fiscal year alone, with more cuts to come. As protecting the classroom has been my top priority, budget cuts to date have been aimed at central administration which has been reduced by 27 percent, including reductions to salaries of between 2 and 10 percent. This action positions Miami -Dade as the district with the smallest administrative cost per student in the entire state. Unfortunately, additional budget reductions will likely impact our students. As a longtime supporter of our schools, your organization can help us overcome this crisis and enable us to continue giving our students the quality education they deserve. Our 2009 State and Federal Legislative programs are enclosed for your review. We are requesting that your group adopt the attached resolution and forward it to the Miami -Dade County Legislative Delegation.,- By endorsing our program, you can -help us reach the-School Board's legislative goals. We must speak out in a clear and unified voice to let Tallahassee and Washington know that education is atop priority. Mindful of the current financial crisis that the Florida Legislature is facing, we are requesting at least level rather than increased funding. Both the State and Federal Legislative Programs reflect our philosophy of fiscal responsibility, yet insist on adequate and equitable funding (both operating and capital) to the District. Our programs also stress academic concerns, particularly the need for reform at the secondary level. Approved by the School Board at its meeting of November 18, 2008, the programs reflect legislative needs identified not just by the School Board, but also by interested citizen and PTA/PTSA groups, employee groups, administrators, and school -site personnel. Those needs are enumerated in the enclosed resolution, and we gratefully ask that your organization endorse it and forward a copy to Miami - Dade County Public Schools, 1450 N.E. Second Avenue, Suite 931, Miami, Florida 33132. On behalf of the students of Miami -Dade County, I thank you for your continued support; it will help us reach our legislative goals and provide our children with the education and skills they need to live productive lives and compete globally. Should you have questions or need additional copies of the printed legislative programs, please contact Ms. Iraida R. Mendez - Cartaya, Assistant Superintendent, Office of Intergovernmental Affairs, Grants Administration, and CommunityServices, at 305 995 -1497. Sincerely, Alberto M. Carvalho Superintendent of Schools AMC:Ibd L431 Enclosures cc: School Board Members School Board Attorney Superintendent's Cabinet School Board Administration Building • 1450 N. E. 2nd Avenue • Miami, Florida 33132 305 - 995 -1000 • www.dadeschools.net 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; Whereas, the Constitution creates a clear mandate for a uniform and high quality education system and for the State to make adequate provision for this purpose; Whereas, The School Board of Miami -Dade County, Florida, has experienced significant budget reductions of nearly $300 million; 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 as critical to strengthening our business climate; Whereas, the education system needs to respond to the workforce needs of Florida's employers, including programs that expand career academies in high schools, align career education with industry standards and workforce demands, and expand options for students to continue their education and enter the workforce; Whereas, the Pre -K -20 education system is the 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 believes that funding a high - quality education system is an investment in our state's and our community's ability to compete nationally and globally in the marketplace; and Whereas, the believes that adequate funding is needed to achieve a high - quality education system measured by gains in student achievement; Now, Therefore Be It Resolved That: The supports Miami -Dade County Public Schools' legislative initiative and requests that the Florida Legislature: • Fullfill its commitment to hold school district operational and capital funding harmless from the impact of property tax reform and budget shortfalls by funding the student enrollment at minimally 2008 -2009 levels of $6,968.29; • Restore the local Discretionary Capital Outlay levy to 2- mills; and • Oppose legislation that reduces the number of in- service hours required of teachers providing instruction to English Language Learners. IN i de the highest quality education so that The School Board of Miami -Dade County, Florida „ . Dr „Solomon C. Stinson, Chair; Dr. Marta Perez, Vice Chair; Agustin J. Barrera; Renier Diaz de la Portilla; Dr Lawrence S 1=eldman, Perla Tabares Hantman, Dr ,Wilbert. "Tee” Holloway,sDr Martin Karp, Ana Rivas Logan Alberto M Carvalho, Superintendent of Schools For further information contact: Iraida R. Mendez- Cartaya, Assistant Superintendent Mobile: 305 - 606 -6553 imendez @dadeschools.net Lisa M. Martinez, Director Mobile: 786 -525 -2218 Immartinez @dadeschools.net Miami -Dade County Public Schools Office of Intergovernmental Affairs, Grants Administration, and Community Services 1450 N.E. 2nd Avenue, Suite 931 Miami, FL 33132 305 - 995 -1497 - FAX 305- 995 -3088 www.dadeschools.net FUNDING FOR EDUCATION Fulfill commitment made to hold school district operational and capital funding harmless from the impact of property tax reform and budget shortfalls by funding student enrollment at minimally 2008 -2009 levels of $6,968.29. Conduct an impartial third -party study of the Florida Price Level Index to reflect the cost of housing, insurance, and transportation rather than wages. Delay the implementation of the Class Size Amendment at the classroom level until 2010 -2011. Extend the voter - approved operating millage authority from four (4) years to ten (10) years. Allocate additional funding for low- performing schools for professional development and mentoring opportunities for both administrative and instructional staffs. (Continued...) FUNDING FOR EDUCATION Implement the following strategies to mitigate education budget shortfalls: • Reallocate funds that normally would revert back to the state's General Revenue Fund due to lower - than- anticipated student enrollment; • Reduce or eliminate School Recognition awards; • Institute a moratorium on new programs; • Enforce a moratorium on unfunded mandates; • Provide flexibility in the use of all appropriated funds; • Use Working Capital Trust Fund to avoid further reductions to education; and • Explore the feasibility of reducing the mandatory Florida Retirement System (FRS) contribution rate on behalf of employees. Change reporting date for counties to submit a final adjusted property tax roll to the Florida Department of Revenue from. April to September 1 or impose a deadline for local property appraisers to certify final tax roll prior to April. Fund School Recognition, if at all, separate from the District Discretionary Lottery. Permit school districts to borrow from the Florida Retirement Service pension program at the carry rate of interest earned on its short-term holdings for up to nine months with a first lien on property tax receipts and local operating millage levy received in the fiscal year to provide insulation from dependency on public markets during disrupted periods. CAPITAL FUNDING Provide unrestricted flexibility to pay for property and casualty insurance out of capital funds. Amend the Classrooms for Kids (class -size reduction capital outlay) allocation formula for capital outlay funding to reflect actual capital outlay need and the intent of the constitutional amendment. Restore the Local Discretionary Capital Outlay levy to 2 mills. Oppose legislation that reduf~s th `certification requi for English for Speakersof Other Langt aces (ESOL) teachers. Provide POLICY STATEMENTS Ensure that public workforce education programs, affected public schools, and school districts are authorized to provide Supplemental Education Services (SES) consistent with federal regulations. Oppose legislation that subverts local control of local school boards and superintendents. Support maximum flexibility in the use of categorical funds. Maintain the integrity of the FEFP and equity of funding among school districts. Oppose the imposition of unfunded, state - mandated expenditures. Support increased accountability measures for all publicly - funded school- choice options. Oppose voucher programs that lack equitable and sufficient accountability measures. Oppose any prescribed expenditure requirement such as the "65 percent solution" as a mandate in the Florida Constitution; further, oppose any such legislation, unless established as a spending goal and the definition of "classroom- related" expenditures includes all "instructional support" expenditures. Repeal the Florida Schools of Excellence Commission. Support state funding for a high - quality, full -day Voluntary Pre -K (VPK) program under the Florida Department of Education. Oppose legislation that breaks up large school districts. Maintain the current dual delivery system of post- secondary programs. Oppose the deletion of impact fees unless replaced with another revenue source. ip ase any attempt to equalizer` p y .11 l�R the2 rilca atal outlay d p . d ✓ F : ! }, � 16 p se�pgislation that would limit offering gifted. programs Awe school students. funding for the expansion of the . gram in Our Schools Miami -Dade County Public Scho giving our students the world .',a 111th Congress The School Board of Miami -Dade County, Florida Dr:Solomon_C. Stinson, Chair; Dr. Marta Perez, Vice Chair; Agustin J. Barrera• Renier Diaz de la Portilla• St i; ,i;:i i ".' f f Di- Lawrence S zFel1dman;erla Tabares Hantman, Dr fWitbert;`Tee Holloway, Dr Marini }Karp; AnatRrvas Logan v�S��',x�:�,: - 4 >tf �..F {'.S< rP x �ka`,f. i3�.� ,..�' f- � t ��.irk tirtki�g:r, r ', €:v„;,�. � �L.1.. ,: I �.,1'.�..:. ; .�Ix °; I't �o- ,4�yv: ?i ; ,..y.�<:�i•:.�':;;:+ ?1, � ' �5!_•a -4. "i ;':i,r t i "f i�;!' s ie!. . !v.:, .�.L F +v a Y - - :. C,,arvalho�;Superintendent of Schools, . ; .' s; , {,,.r.4'�x "j:nv':d +t?'.,. ✓Y a..:s ���! ..... :... ... . .. For further information contact: Iraida R. Mendez - Cartaya, Assistant Superintendent Mobile: 305- 606 -6553 imendez @dadeschools.net Lisa M. Martinez, Director Mobile: 786 -525 -2218 Immartinez @dadeschools.net Miami -Dade County Public Schools Office of Intergovernmental Affairs, Grants Administration, and Community Services 1450 N.E. 2nd Avenue, Suite 931 Miami, FL 33132 305 - 995 -1497 - FAX 305 - 995 -3088 www.dadeschools.net FUNDING FOR EDUCATION Increase the federal investment in public education to fully fund the implementation of No Child Left Behind (NCLB) Act and Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). Support adequate funding for safe and drug -free school initiatives. Support reform of fonriula funding disparities as identified by the General Accounting Office report of January, 2002, which hinder funds from reaching the nation's poorest students. Support legislative efforts to require corrective sampling of flawed 2000 Census data to account for an estimated population undercount of at least 1.9% in' Miami-Dade County. (Continued...) ELEMENTARYAND SECONDARY EDUCATION ACT (NO CHILD LEFT BEHIND,) Reauthorize and modify the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (No Child Left Behind Act 2001) to: • recognize student progress in lieu of the current all -or- nothing approach and recognize degrees of progress for schools; • ensure fair accountability by providing flexibility for special education and English Language Learners (ELL's) and other formula adjustments, and by requiring identical tests for Title I and Title III students in non - public schools; • ensure standards are meaningful by developing uniform benchmarks of proficiency for all states to use; • reward and retain quality teachers by supporting measures that raise pay for teachers in fields with shortages and in high -needs communities, that create career ladder paths, and that assist with rising housing costs; • allow districts to pay for monitoring and other implementation costs of the Supplemental Education Services out of the required 20% set -aside and ensure that public schools are not unfairly prevented from providing remedial services to students; and • allocate immigrant funds under Title III based on the number of recently- arrived foreign -born students. HEAD START Increase funding for the newly- reauthorized Head Start Program. IMMIGRATION IMPACT Address the impact of federal immigration policies on local school district funds by supporting the Entrant and Refugee Assistance Program under the Targeted Assistance and Immigrant Education appropriation serving foreign -born, limited English proficient (LEP) students and their families. Support the DREAM Act or similar legislation that provides immigration relief to a select group of students who grew up in the United States, who have good moral character, and who are pursuing a college education or have enlisted in the military; and give states the authority to determine whether a to grant in -state tuition to state residents regardless of , immigration status. ` MEDICAID REIMBURSEMENT Oppose any policy revisions to restrict school -based reimbursement for administration expenditures and certain transportation costs for services provided to low- income children with disabilities. SCHOOL CONSTRUCTION Support long -term extension of the Qualified Zone Academy Bonds (QZAB) program, which provides for interest -free loans to be secured by eligible school districts, and modify program to permit school construction and land acquisition. SECONDARY SCHOOL REFORM Support continued and additional funding for secondary- education reform, including themed, career path -based academies and smaller learning communities. TECHNOLOGYIN SCHOOLS Support continued annual allocations for the Universal Service Fund Program (E -Rate) and streamline refund procedures to provide schools and libraries with affordable access to state -of -the -art networking and telecommunications technology. WORKFORCE PREPARATION Enhance funding and effectiveness of public vocational training, adult education, family literacy, and career academy programs through improved coordination with partner agencies through the reauthorization of the Workforce Investment Act (WIA) legislation. Oppose any efforts to reduce funding for vocational and technical education programs authorized through the Carl D. Perkins Career and Technical Education Improvement Act. LAW ENFORCEMENT TECHNOLOGY ENHANCEMENTS Se Xfedefal assistance in providingatfie district s law enf��eppent agency new technology equipment allowing icez t s 'end more time engaged in school policing a��tl1/ItIY�Ss �i giving our students the world