11-18-08 Item 11I RESOLUTION NO.
2
3
4 A RESOLUTION OF THE MAYOR AND CITY COMMISSION OF
5 THE CITY OF SOUTH MIAMI, FLORIDA, RELATING TO
6 TEACHER COMPENSATION EXPRESSING STRONG CONCERNS
7 WITH THE DISPARITY BETWEEN TEACHER SALARIES AND
8 SALARIES PAID TO OTHER PROFESSIONS; REQUSTING THE
9 GOVERNOR AND STATE LEGISLATURE TO TAKE ACTION
10 DURING THE 2009 LEGISLATIVE SESSION TO PROVIDE
11 ADDITIONAL FUNDS TO ENABLE THE RESPECTIVE SCHOOL
12 BOARDS TO SIGNIFICANTLY INCREASE THE COMPENSATION
13 AND PROFESSIONAL STATUS OF FLORIDA TEACHERS SO AS TO
14 BE MORE COMPETITIVE IN ATTRACTING AND RETAINING
15 , QUALITY TEACHERS; SEEKING SUPPORT FROM ALL
16 AFFECTED COMMUNITIES; PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE.
17
18 WHEREAS, Florida's public schools are the cornerstone of our state's
19 democracy, as well as a critical component of our economic vitality; and
20
21 WHEREAS research indicates that, next to a child's parents, the most critical
22 factor in a student's educational life is the student's teacher; and,
23
24 WHEREAS, Florida's public school employees are an essential ingredient in
25 ensuring that our schools are successful by educating and mentoring into citi 11 zenship
26 the overwhelming majority of our state's children; and
27
28 WHEREAS, it has been shown that as the result of a change in the State's
29 formula governing school district funds, it has had an adverse impact on teachers'
30 salaries;
31
32 WHEREAS, as the result of this adverse effect, we request that the State budget
33 includes a line item account strictly earmarked for teachers' salaries;
34
35 WHEREAS, the City urges the Governor and Florida Legislature to recognize the
36 dedication of all public school employees and to assure them that their well -being is
37 among our highest priorities; and
38
39 WHEREAS, the competition for knowledge and skilled workers has increased to
40 the point where young people considering their futures have an array of choices that are
41 economically more attractive than entering the teaching field, for example the median
42 salary range in Miami -Dade for a teacher is 42,000 - 56,000, as compared to median salary
43 ranges for nurse practitioners 73,000 - $86,000; dental hygienists $ 55,000- 70,000 and
44 paralegals $59,000- 76,000; and
45
Additions shown by underlining and deletions shown by ever-etriking.
I WHEREAS, the compensation public school educators receive is a significant
2 contributor to the decision whether to undertake a career in public education and then
3 whether to remain in that profession; and
4
5 WHEREAS, the City encourages the Governor and State legislature to establish a
6 legislative goal for increasing the beginning and median salary levels for Florida public
7 school teachers, as well as other categories of public school employees.
8
9 NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE MAYOR AND CITY
10 COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF SOUTH MIAMI, FLORIDA, AS FOLLOWS:
11
12 Section 1. The above whereas clauses are incorporated by reference.
13
14 Section 2. The City Commission requests the Governor and the Florida
15 Legislature to take action during the 2009 session to provide additional funds to increase
16 significantly the compensation and professional status of Florida's teachers so as to be
17 more competitive in attracting and retaining quality teachers; and
18
19 Section 3. This resolution shall take effect immediately upon approval.
20 PASSED and ADOPTED this day of
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
32
33
34
ATTEST:
CITY CLERK
READ AND APPROVED AS TO FORM:
Luis R. Figueredo,
Nagin Gallop Figueredo, P.A.
Office of City Attorney
Page 2 of 2
2008.
APPROVED:
MAYOR
COMMISSION VOTE:
Mayor Feliu:
Vice Mayor Beasley:
Commissioner Wiscombe:
Commissioner Palmer:
Commissioner Beckman: