School Community Relations Committee

City of Coral Gables 405 Biltmore Way Coral Gables, FL 33134 www.coralgables.com Meeting Minutes Friday, March 19, 2021 8:30 AM Public Participation via Zoom Virtual Discussion Workshop via Zoom School Community Relations Committee Chairperson Ariel Fernandez Vice Chairperson Sam Joseph Board Member Erin Anding Board Member Winnie Chang Board Member Sandy Dimitris Board Member Carmen Manrara Cartaya Board Member Cecilia D. Slesnick Board Member Mary Snow Board Member Sharon Watson School Community Relations Meeting Minutes March 19, 2021 Committee The School Community Relations Committee will be holding a discussion workshop on Friday, March 19, 2021 VIRTUALLY, commencing 8:30 a.m., where in all interested persons may be heard via Zoom platform used by the City for live remote comments. Members of the public may join the meeting via Zoom at (https://zoom.us/j/99936640783). In addition, a dedicated phone line will be available so that any individual who does not wish (or is unable) to use Zoom may listen to and participate in the meeting by dialing: (929) 205-6099 Meeting ID: 999 3664 0783. To speak on an Agenda Item, please "Raise your Hand" or send a message to one of the meeting hosts using the Zoom Platform. If you joined the meeting via telephone you can "Raise your Hand" by pressing *9. City of Coral Gables Page 1 School Community Relations Meeting Minutes March 19, 2021 Committee CALL TO ORDER Discussion workshop called to order at 8:32 a.m. ROLL CALL Attachments: Virtual Attendees A. PUBLIC HEARING B. NEW BUSINESS B-1 Miami-Dade County Public Schools Update (Facilitated by Mari Tere Rojas, School Board Member) The one-year anniversary of the COVID-19 induced closures is this month, however, schools have now opened back up in-person instruction. The modality option is still up to parent’s discretion as to having their children remote or in-person. Student regression has occurred due to COVID-19. Th school board is creating a program to help children establish a strong foundation for children in primary grades. Expressed support for Florida HB 1617 and SB 886 regarding COVID-19’s impacts on school accountability. Endorsed March 21 to become World Syndrome Day. Recognized MDCPS Police Lieutenant Palacio for his award. In the American Rescue Plan stimulus package, $1.9 trillion expected to impact the district. All MDCPS staff have had the opportunity to get vaccinated if desired. Have expanded access to testing and health insurance subsidies. School board members working cohesively to protect the school board budget, as well as the workforce. Community survey due on April 2, 2021. This information can be found at strategicplan.dadeschools.net B-2 Introduction of Sunset Elementary PTA President (Facilitated by Carmen Manrara Cartaya, Committee Member) PTA President Genevieve Jenkins is introduced and provides a brief update on the work that the Sunset Elementary PTA has been focused on. City of Coral Gables Page 2 School Community Relations Meeting Minutes March 19, 2021 Committee B-3 Discussion regarding Safe Routes to Schools Program & related City initiatives (Facilitated by Jessica Keller, Assistant Director of Public Works) State does not have any Safe Routes to Schools grant programs because of the fact that pedestrian infrastructure is already very well-funded. Difficult to implement Safe Routes to School grants and are often very expensive. When asked about specific schools the workshop attendees thought were in need of additional pedestrian infrastructure, G.W. Carver Elementary and Coral Gables Preparatory were brought up. These are top of mind but there could be others. Staff is happy to work with the schools to tour the areas and identify which areas the City can repair. Board Member, Mari Tere Rojas states that principal of the school must notify school district in order to begin any repair process. She will speak with Mr. Raul Perez from the district to work with Assistant Director Keller as needed. Staff will assist with connecting the District with Public Work staff so that they can discuss. This item will be added to the SCRC agenda once an update is available. B-4 Update on Sidewalk Request at Ponce Middle School (Facilitated by Sam Joseph, Vice Chair) Assistant Director Keller explains the City’s sidewalk program. Extension of sidewalk at Ponce Middle had been looked at in 2020. Staff will review and follow up to see where this is in the process. An update will be provided at the next meeting. B-5 Green Apple Schools Initiative (Facilitated by Sam Joseph, Vice Chair) Ponce Middle School and Coral Gables Senior High have been recognized as a Green Apple School. B-6 Recognition for Ponce Middle and Coral Gables Senior High on recent PTSA grant awards (Facilitated by Sam Joseph, Vice Chair) These were two of only five schools in the District to receive grants to distribute PPE. B-7 Discussion regarding list of schools on the City's website (Facilitated by Ariel Fernandez, Chairperson) Must look into updating the website to include all other schools, including magnet schools. Review the possibility of mapping out the boundaries for schools. Staff will review and get back to the committee with an update. City of Coral Gables Page 3 School Community Relations Meeting Minutes March 19, 2021 Committee B-8 Presentation on G.U.I.D.E. Program (Facilitated by Raquel Elejabarrieta, Labor Relations & Risk Management Director) G.U.I.D.E (Gables Unique Identification During Emergencies) is a voluntary program offered to individuals with disabilities and/or "special circumstances," who live within the City of Coral Gables. The purpose behind GUIDE is to understand the enrolled individual's disability or complex medical need prior to responding to a scene, which would allow first responders to continue acting with care and diligence while providing more efficient services, primarily in cases involving safely locating an enrolled individual. Program is open to all who are interested. C. ONGOING BUSINESS C-1 General Updates (Facilitated by Solanch Lopez, Secretary) Teacher and Rookie Teacher of the Year taking place at the March 23 Commission Meeting. E. ANNOUNCEMENTS Next SCRC Meeting - Friday, April 16, 2021 Questions/Comments: scrc@coralgables.com ADJOURNMENT Workshop adjourned at 10:08 a.m. NOTE City of Coral Gables Page 4