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HomeMy WebLinkAboutReso 2009-1405 RESOLUTION NO. 2009- 1405 A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF SUNNY ISLES BEACH, FLORIDA, EXPRESSING SUPPORT FOR THE MIAMI-DADE COUNTY SCHOOLS LEGISLATIVE INITIATIVE AND REQUESTS; PROVIDING DIRECTIVE TO THE CITY CLERK; PROVIDING THE CITY MANAGER TO DO ALL THINGS NECESSARY TO EFFECTUATE THIS RESOLUTION; PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE. WHEREAS, the Florida constitution provides that the education of children IS a fundamental value of the people of Florida and a paramount duty to the state; and WHEREAS, the constitution creates clear mandate for a uniform and high quality education system and for the State to make adequate provision fro this purpose; and WHEREAS, the School Board of Miami-Dade County, Florida, has experienced significant budget reductions of nearly $300 million; and 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; and 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; and 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; and WHEREAS, the City Commission of the City of Sunny Isles Beach believes that funding a high-quality education system is an investment in our state's and our community ability to compete nationally and globally in the marketplace; and WHEREAS, the City Commission believe that adequate funding is needed to achieve a high-quality education system measured by gains in student achievements. NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF SUNNY ISLES BEACH, FLORIDA, AS FOLLOWS: Section I. Support of the Miami-Dade County Schools Legislative Initiative. The City Commission hereby supports the Miami-Dade County Schools legislative initiative and request that the Florida Legislature: · Fulfill 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. Section 2. Directions to the City Clerk. The City Commission hereby directs the City Clerk to mail this Resolution to Miami-Dade County legislative Department and to Senator Dan Oelber and Representative Richard Steinberg. Section 3. Authorization of City Manager. The City manager is hereby authorized to do all things necessary to effectuate this Resolution. Section 4. Effective Date. This Resolution shall become effective upon adoption. PASSED AND ADOPTED this Il,,~ day of A-P~'L 2009. ,~,j/ ~~ orman S. Edelcup, Mayor / . ATTEST: ~A.~ Jane A. Hines, City Clerk Seconded by: ~~s..~\L Vlu ~ II-tf\1..Y.R. Moved by: Vote: 5-\) Mayor Edelcup Vice Mayor Thaler Commissioner Ooodman Commissioner Brezin Commissioner Scholl -1L(Yes) -----1.LtY es ) V""(Yes) V.YYes) I7(Yes) _(No) _(No) (No) _(No) (No) .., Superin~ndentofSchoo~ Alberto M. Carvalho February 6, 2009 Miamir!2J!de County School Board Dr. Solomon C. Stinson, Chair Dr. Marta Perez, Vice Chair Agustin J. Barrera Renier Diaz de la Portilla Dr. Lawrence S. Feldman Perla Tabares Hantman Dr. Wilbert "Tee" Holloway Dr. Martin Karp Ana Rivas Logan The Honorable Norman S. Edelcup City of Sunny Isles Beach [8070 Collins A venue Sunny Isles Beach, FL 33 [60 Dear Mayor Edelcup: Our state and nation, as well as our community and school di~trict 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 com..:. As protecting the classroom has been my top priority, budget cuts 10 date have teen ain.ed at central administration which has been reduced by 27 percent, including reductions to salaries of between 2 and] 0 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 a top 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 ] 8, 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 33 ]32. On behalf of the students of Miami-Dade County, ] 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 tlt:t:d additional wpies of the priuted legislative programs, please cuntact Ms. lraida R. Mendez-Cartaya, Assistant Superintendent, Office of Intergovernmental Affairs, Grants Administration, and CommunityServices, at 305995-]497. Alberto M. Carvalho Superintendent of Schools AMC:lbd L43] Enclosures cc: School Board Members School Board Attorney Superintendent's Cabinet School Board Administration Building. 1450 N.E. 2nd Avenue. Miami, Florida 33132 "!,,~ ",,1:: ",,,,,n _ ......... -.1_-1___'-__1_ __... 2009 State Legislative Program ~m,~l1t, -'i--,) .,,:;:l, , ;,I :';\;f(:;;:'l: ''\<-,' \;;:. ;'l(ffS~; _:" -\:r"'", i';C':, )~:::, ',~ :.W!f.~ '1yef,itstra!~gip 'paJIJo illc,r~ase eg.ucatiOQ:8Nh; {ce~'Pr6 'g' "ramC(FEF P) t~wcirdstile 'h}~ti6rHif~,M 'p' "". o!'-"""}, ovide the highest quality education so that ~~!t~'e,,~,!lqJplif!llin liV;,e"s".~s lifelong learners I~ "citi~~:ns~:",4w1;:~,~~;1;'/> ' u, ,,", :,::..'~ 'j,",'" i'p':ti oritl~es"ii · Capi~al"EM,nging""",,,:, Bu ~'i ~~S$~:(rp4'eratr"'i~~ "f?, <:.: ""("~'f ;g!:iiF(:", " C,.>< '''>''~',,~:~:',,; '.'L-!j:~ ""~"~::~'~ 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. [awr~nce'9: F~ldin~I);:p~rla'Tabare~ antl11~n; Dr. 'N.!Ibert" e" Holloway;.pr. Mar;tin Karp; Ana Rivas Logan ~ 'j<'.l:~\;i'Y' j,/" ','-' , . .""" J,)(;','-: >. "W,.' i:.' ;~\ ",- ,;': .. ;f;:/ '0:"',. '. ,',.,-. ~ ;:r:<i .~ ')-. '. :~;: "S,up~rn:I.....dentof Schools, ~ :' \, ';:. ;ijNi~:'-' -':;'~:;< :?>-;,>Y~a::f\'" . 'fl For further information contact: FUNDING FOR EDUCA TlON Lisa M. Martinez, Director Mobile: 786-525-2218 1m ma rti nez@dadeschools.net 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. Iraida R. Mendez-Cartaya, Assistant Superintendent Mobile: 305-606-6553 imen dez@dadeschools.net t~ /; - . ~ (~~~.) '~."'.""'"7''' ~.~.;<.~,;;;, ",,' ~ - .- 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 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. 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. ;i{>':, offering gift~d programs i:f< '.~ q,-.... n:; ~::,;, ,;~",;/!m~;;;b; 2009 StateT.egls a v "JQgr~rT1j . ~ Miami-Dade County Public Schools' giving our students the world >1'''' " "". ~i 2009 Federal Legislative Program 111 th Congress Statem,ent. . ~~:~';';tn;w ,- F ,:;,;~, "i;{,1;~:w~;wn{li f~ !:~H>~~..':.~>:~:~:,:hV';" ;,; ;':~:' '( 1I;,of,our studen.ts;:ate,,~mpQwere9:to'lead ers and res~o~sible'citizEms.'As the 44th. . ';'S~: . -"..,;' ."",,~, .'%ZH(.~___ -,,.;.:.. "J;"i"~: """-';';:', ';;<~\"~;"; '-:'- .-.~,~_,,,,;{~ ,:::_"/;-"'~::r;'Y'~t;},~;: air first congressional session' tog'either,we' eir commitment to our nation's children by ic educatiom :.t';ue ducation Act (No Child Left Behind) · Head Start ra edicaid Reimbursement/". School Construction hnqQ9y"in Schools · WQrkforc~'Preparation N;;;~:V-','ij:4X)~:' ., "~_,' ' _ '> eChno,199Y ~J;lhancemen~s'; '....,. q,' .Pi. ,.';i The School Board of Miami-Dade County, Florida O~~ SC?I()m9r,,(;,~t!n~on, Chair; Dr. Marta Perez, Vice Chair; Agustin J. Barrera; Renier Oiaz de la Portilla; ''''01'. Lawren'te "';'F~ldm'an!~.Ffk a Tab~res'J-iantman;::Or., i1bert,j{Tee" Hollow . Dr. Marti,n Karp; Ana Riva~Logan W-';,' :4;,_~m~;,:.~::._., _1.,..,.:.:,:..... """"':'.':;",.:..'~~.~,:',:. -.;....',:..l.g.c~,;~~? '\S:;';\Yi.:';.'~rt-':- . . . '0- "::::~L\.::;::,:;.',- .~/:. . . .': '.' ". ..'" ...., :~;;,;)-::t.(/.t;; ",.,,"'.' IbartoM.,.. "Jva ,uper ntertd~mt of Sc.oo 5 ".:.. i~, .: -:~'ii<1{'}mk/:'r:.'>~!C\;(J:'-i; I:' ,: ...."-,.",,..;:- ,.,: i< f~.,' ~.~ For further information contact: FUNDING FOR EDUCA TION Iraida R. Mendez-Cartaya, Assistant Superintendent Mobile: 305-606-6553 imen dez@dadeschools.net Lisa M. Martinez, Director Mobile: 786-525-2218 Imm a rti nez@dadeschools.net 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 formula funding disparities as identified by the General Accounting Office report of January, 2002, which hinder funds from reaching the nation's poorest students. 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 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...) ELEMENTARY AND 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 '~'J->.}.,. '" '"_""'., _',. :'j; to grant in-state tuition to statere'S1ClEi!nts 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. TECHNOLOGY IN 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. '131 assistance in pro'{I" mg, e" "rtcrs law t'agency new technology equipmenLallowing nd more time engaged in school pblicing .#"{;;j' 0":,,< l' ~ ~ ?i. l. (305) 947 -060() City llall (305) 949-3113 ':ax (305) 947-2150 Huilding Department (305) 947-5107 l:ax City C'ommi.rsioll Norman S. EdeIcup, Mayor Lewis J. Thaler, V"r Mayor Roslyn Brczin, (;ommioiofler Gerry Goodman, CommifJion,r George "Bud" Scholl, (,(Jmmi....ion'r City of Sunny Isles Beach 18070 Collins :\ venue Sunny Isles Beach, Florida 33160 Rick Conner, /ktinJ!. City Manag,r Hans Ottinot, City /ll/omq J7tne A. Hines, 'City Oe;k. MEMORANDUM TO: The Honorable City Commission FROM: Mayor Norman S. Edelenp ~ DATE: April 16, 2009 RE: Resolution Supporting Miami-Dade County School Board Legi5lative Initiative RECOMMENDA TION: This Resolution is presented for your consideration. REASONS: In continuation of the City's partnership with the Miami-Dade County School District, the Superintendent of Miami-Dade School District has asked the City to support the School Board's legislative initiative. I Attachment Agenda Item ~D Date 1./ - II/) -()q