Reso 2009-1405 - Laserfiche WebLink

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.., 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_ __...