Reso 2006-907 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Resolution on Legislative Needs 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 hiah Qualitv education system and for the State to make adequate provision for this purpose; 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 has improved its overall grade from C to B in the state accountability system; Whereas the number of schools in Miami-Dade County, Florida, receiving a letter grade of A increased to 48% - highest percentage ever - despite tougher state standards and the number of schools receiving a repeat grade of F was reduced by 66% to 3; Whereas the number of third graders considered proficient readers in Miami-Dade County Public Schools rose to 61% - the highest percentage ever - and 1,814 fewer third graders are at risk of being held back due to reading scores; Whereas Miami-Dade County Public Schools has reorganized its central office and eliminated more than 500 positions, freeing up $38 million for other educational needs; Whereas The School Board of Miami-Dade County, Florida, has constructed 18,000 new student seats to address overcrowding using local funds - more than three times the number planned by prior administrations- although the majority of state Classrooms for Kids allocations have gone to school districts without documented capital outlay needs; Whereas The School Board of Miami-Dade County, Florida, will need approximately $136 million in new monies above current funding levels to continue these initiatives, but the recent change in District Cost Differential could reduce the district's share of annual funding by as much as $78 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 is 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, aligning career education with industry standards and workforce demands, and expanding options for students to continue their education and enter the workforce; Whereas, ensuring excellence in education and workforce is a top strategic priority to achieve Enterprise Florida's vision of Florida as a global leader in knowledge-based jobs, leading-edge technology and competitive enterprises in the 21 st century; Whereas, the pre-K-20 education 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;