School Community Relations Committee
Regular MeetingCoral Gables, FL · April 21, 2023
Minutes
City of Coral Gables
405 Biltmore Way
Coral Gables, FL 33134
www.coralgables.com
Meeting Minutes
Friday, April 21, 2023
8:30 AM
Police and Fire Headquarters, Community Meeting Room
School Community Relations Committee
Chairperson Dr. Winnie Chang
Vice Chairperson Sandy Dimitris
Board Member Erin Anding
Board Member Sam Joseph
Board Member Carmen Manrara Cartaya
Board Member Andrew Nadal
Board Member Cecilia D. Slesnick
Board Member Jennifer Ward Sando
Board Member Sharon Watson
School Community Relations Meeting Minutes April 21, 2023
Committee
The School Community Relations Committee will be holding its Regular Meeting on
Friday, April 21, 2023, commencing at 8:30 a.m. While the Committee is back to live
in-person meetings, members of the public may participate in person but are also
able to participate via the Zoom platform. Members of the public may join the meeting
via Zoom at (https://us06web.zoom.us/j/83893614478). 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: 305-461-6769 Meeting ID:
838 9361 4478.
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 April 21, 2023
Committee
CALL TO ORDER
Meeting called to order at 8:41 a.m.
ROLL/QUORUM CALL
Present: 5 - Slesnick,Joseph,Chang,Manrara Cartaya and Anding
Absent: 4 - Watson,Dimitris,Board Member Ward Sando and Nadal
A. APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES
School Community Relations Committee Meeting of March 17, 2023.
Attachments: Cover Memo
Draft Minutes - SCRC Mar. 17
A motion was made by Board Member Joseph, seconded by Board Member
Slesnick, that this matter be approved. The motion passed by the following vote.
Yeas: 5- Slesnick,Joseph,Chang,Manrara Cartaya and Anding
Absent: 4- Watson,Dimitris,Board Member Ward Sando and Nadal
B. PUBLIC COMMENTS
No public comments.
C. NEW BUSINESS
C-1 Miami-Dade County Public Schools Update (Facilitated by Mari Tere Rojas, School
Board Chair)
School Board Chair was unable to attend the meeting. Chief of Staff Marlene
Hernandez provided updates on the Board Chair's proffered School Board items.
- B-5: Request Approval of Resolution No. 23-021 of the School Board of
Miami-Dade County, Florida, recognizing the retirement of Mr. Michael Putney,
former WPLG Channel 10, Senior Political Reporter and host of "This Week in
South Florida" for his many years of dedication, commitment, and service to the
South Florida community.
- Revised H-4: School Board endorsement of the month of May 2023 as Mental
Health Awareness Month and Thursday, May 11, 2023, as National Children's
Mental Health Awareness Day in Miami-Dade County Public Schools (M-DCPS).
- Revised H-5: School Board endorsement of May 5, 2023, as School Lunch Hero
Day in Miami-Dade County Public Schools (M-DCPS).
- Revised H-6: Compensation Study for managerial exempt personnel (MEP).
- Revised H-7: Compensation Study for confidential exempt personnel (CEP).
City of Coral Gables Page 2
School Community Relations Meeting Minutes April 21, 2023
Committee
C-2 2023 Coral Gables Family Literacy Festival (CGFLF) Update (Facilitated by Sam
Joseph, Board Member)
Board Member Joseph provided a brief update on the Gables Family Literacy
Festival Event. The 2023 event is slated for Saturday, May 20. The event is free
for the entire community. Over 40 vendors participated last year. This year’s
vendor applications opened last week and advertisements for the event where
shared. An International Village will be present at this year’s event with several
consulates already confirmed and a few additional ones pending. Pursuant to
the re-opening of the Coral Gables Library, the Literacy Laurette presentations
might take place inside the library. Board Member Joseph has also been in
communication with the Mayor on the Teacher Awards.
Board Member Slesnick asked for a schedule of events. Board Member Joseph
confirmed there will be a schedule of events finalized soon and further
encouraged members to volunteer as readers. Board Member Anding inquired
about the library opening date and Miracle Mile location.
Chairperson Chang inquired if there is something that can be done to provide
students with high grades some sort of discount on the books for sale and the
possibility of having a table for the School District to recruit substitute teachers.
Board Member Joseph provided details on how people can connect to this event.
Board Member Anding mentioned having a workshop for parents with specialist
that can talk about kids reading levels.
C-3 Discussion on school start times (Facilitated by Winnie Chang, Chairperson)
Chairperson Chang is thrilled that this topic is finally being discussed. The
district was ahead of its time by doing the research which is available at the bell
times website. If the current proposed bills pass the implementation would not
be immediate. One of the bills has a three-year implementation period written
in.
Comments from Martha Montaner via Zoom: Highs Schools should not start
before 8:30 am and Middle Schools should not start before 8:00 am.
Conversations will continue with all the stakeholders on how to further proceed.
C-4 Discussion on school safety in response to House Bill 543 (Facilitated by Winnie
Chang, Chairperson)
Chairperson Chang asked the district to start planning outreach to the community
about the change and its effect on school safety. This bill does not impact
schools as they are exempt, and weapons or firearms are still not allowed on
school campuses. Martha Montaner reconfirmed that firearms are not permissible
in school grounds.
City of Coral Gables Page 3
School Community Relations Meeting Minutes April 21, 2023
Committee
C-5 CGPA Minorca Campus Centennial Renovation Update (Facilitated by Sam Joseph,
Board Member)
Work is currently being performed on the auditorium. Board Member Joseph was
concerned that all the seats had been taken out and he had been told by a
worker that they were bringing in brand new seating which conflicts with the
historic aspects of the campus. He was disturbed that the historic seats were
gone and requested an update from the District.
Dr. Acosta provided an update stating that the seats are being restored and not
replaced. The District has been working with the City's Historic department to
ensure anything that can be restored will be restored. Board Member Joseph
requested that the District provide updates during the summer to keep the
community in the loop.
Board Member Slesnick mentioned that the school will be having a centennial
gala in September at the Biltmore Hotel. The goal will be to raise $100k for an
outdoor learning space and artificial turf.
D. OLD BUSINESS
D-1 Discussion on substitute teachers (Facilitated by Winnie Chang, Chairperson)
Board Member Chang provided a brief update on the workshop results as
summarized in the minutes from Feb. 24. Additional advertising is crucial in
making this need known. It is important to eliminate some of the barriers.
The School Community Relations Committee Workshop Minutes of Feb. 24,
2023.
Attachments: Cover Memo
SCRC Fab. 24 Draft Workshop Minutes
D-2 Teacher of the Year Awards Project Review (Facilitated by Sam Joseph, Board
Member)
A video from the 2019 pilot event was presented to meeting attendees. It was a
great event, although the timing was an issue as it took place during November
which didn’t allow much time to get the list of teachers from the district. As
stated in the pilot program report, there was a cost associated with the event.
Board Member Joseph is looking at partners for future events that would take on
the costs. He has met with Major Lago to discuss what can be done to honor the
teachers. Board Member Joseph stated that Mayor Lago would meet with City
Manager Iglesias to discuss additional details on the venue and timing. A request
was made for member to share any ideas on how this can be done.
Attachments: Teachers Awards Report 2019.docx
City of Coral Gables Page 4
School Community Relations Meeting Minutes April 21, 2023
Committee
E. ONGOING BUSINESS
E-1 General Updates (Facilitated by Solanch Lopez, Acting Liaison)
Reminders regarding board terms and the Boards & Committees Appreciation
Reception were provided.
F. ANNOUNCEMENTS
F-1 Next SCRC Meeting - Friday, May 19, 2023 | 8:30 a.m.
Comments/Questions: scrc@coralgables.com
F-2 Join a local PTA or subscribe to their newsletters using the following links:
F-3 Recycling Drive-Thru Event - Saturday, April 22 | 9 a.m. to 12 p.m.
F-4 Path of the Panther Film Screening - Sunday, April 23 | 3 p.m.
F-5 My Squad’s Earth Month Celebration - Wednesday, April 26 | 6 p.m.
F-6 School Board Chair Rojas' Office Hours - May 4 & 18 | 12:30 to 3 p.m.
F-7 Gables Gallery Night - Friday, May 5 | 6 to 10 p.m.
F-8 Spring Sip & Shop - Wednesday, May 10 | 5 to 8 p.m.
ADJOURNMENT
Meeting adjourned at 10:17 a.m.
NOTE
City of Coral Gables Page 5
Agenda
City of Coral Gables
405 Biltmore Way
Coral Gables, FL 33134
www.coralgables.com
Agenda
Friday, April 21, 2023
8:30 AM
2151 Salzedo Street, Coral Gables, FL 33134
Police and Fire Headquarters, Community Meeting Room
School Community Relations Committee
Chairperson Dr. Winnie Chang
Vice Chairperson Sandy Dimitris
Board Member Erin Anding
Board Member Sam Joseph
Board Member Carmen Manrara Cartaya
Board Member Andrew Nadal
Board Member Cecilia D. Slesnick
Board Member Jennifer Ward Sando
Board Member Sharon Watson
School Community Relations Agenda April 21, 2023
Committee
The School Community Relations Committee will be holding its Regular Meeting on
Friday, April 21, 2023, commencing at 8:30 a.m. While the Committee is back to live
in-person meetings, members of the public may participate in person but are also
able to participate via the Zoom platform. Members of the public may join the meeting
via Zoom at (https://us06web.zoom.us/j/83893614478). 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: 305-461-6769 Meeting
ID: 838 9361 4478.
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 2 Printed on 4/17/2023 4:05 PM
School Community Relations Agenda April 21, 2023
Committee
CALL TO ORDER
ROLL/QUORUM CALL
A. APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES
The School Community Relations Committee Minutes of Mar. 17, 2023.
Attachments: Cover Memo
Draft Minutes - SCRC Mar. 17
B. PUBLIC COMMENTS
The School Community Relations Committee provides an opportunity for dialogue and
collaboration between schools and their neighbors, including the City of Coral Gables .
The committee looks for opportunities to improve schools in terms of physical
appearance, community involvement, and quality of education. The Committee will also
provide oversight of the City’s educational landscape; making sure the City is fulfilling
its recent education commitments and assuring that the needs of students and families
are being adequately served by the public-school system. Finally, the Committee is
intended to serve as a review committee for the Education Compact between the City
and Miami Dade Public Schools.
Public Comments shall be limited to two minutes per speaker. A ten second reminder
will be provided to the speaker prior to the closing of their time.
C. NEW BUSINESS
C-1 Miami-Dade County Public Schools Update (Facilitated by Mari Tere Rojas, School
Board Chair)
C-2 2023 Coral Gables Family Literacy Festival (CGFLF) Update (Facilitated by Sam
Joseph, Board Member)
C-3 Discussion on school start times (Facilitated by Winnie Chang, Chairperson)
Senate Bill 1112: Middle School and High School Start Times; Providing requirements
for middle school and high school start times; requiring such school start times to be
implemented by a specified date; providing district school board requirements, etc.
House Bill 733:Middle School and High School Start Times; Provides requirements for
middle school & high school start times; provides district school board requirements;
requires charter schools to meet requirements relating to middle school & high school
start times.
https://belltimes.dadeschools.net/
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School Community Relations Agenda April 21, 2023
Committee
C-4 Discussion on school safety in response to House Bill 543 (Facilitated by Winnie
Chang, Chairperson)
Public Safety; Authorizes person to carry concealed weapon or firearm if he or she is
licensed to do so or meets specified requirements; requires person who is carrying
concealed weapon or firearm without license to carry identification & display upon
demand by law enforcement; prohibits person who is carrying concealed weapon or
firearm without license from carrying such weapon or firearm in specified locations;
authorizes nonresident to carry concealed weapon or firearm in this state if he or she
meets same requirements as resident; requires Office of Safe Schools to develop
behavioral threat management operational process. APPROPRIATION: $60,177,846
C-5 CGPA Minorca Campus Centennial Renovation Update (Facilitated by Sam Joseph,
Board Member)
D. OLD BUSINESS
D-1 Discussion on substitute teachers (Facilitated by Winnie Chang, Chairperson)
The School Community Relations Committee Workshop Minutes of Feb. 24,
2023.
Attachments: Cover Memo
SCRC Fab. 24 Draft Workshop Minutes
D-2 Teacher of the Year Awards Project Review (Facilitated by Sam Joseph, Board
Member)
Attachments: Teachers Awards Report 2019.docx
E. ONGOING BUSINESS
E-1 General Updates (Facilitated by Solanch Lopez, Acting Liaison)
F. ANNOUNCEMENTS
F-1 Next SCRC Meeting - Friday, May 19, 2023 | 8:30 a.m.
Comments/Questions: scrc@coralgables.com
F-2 Join a local PTA or subscribe to their newsletters using the following links:
Sunset Elementary
https://www.sunsetpta.org/membership
Coral Gables Preparatory Academy
https://coralgablesprepptsa.membershiptoolkit.com/whyjoin
City of Coral Gables Page 4 Printed on 4/17/2023 4:05 PM
School Community Relations Agenda April 21, 2023
Committee
GW Carver Elementary
https://gwcarverelem.memberhub.com/store?category=PTA%20Memberships -
%20JOIN%20TODAY
GW Carver Middle School
https://carvermiddle.memberhub.com/store
Ponce de Leon Middle School
https://ponceptsamemberhub.memberhub.com/store
Coral Gables High School
http://gablesptsa.org/join/
International Studies Preparatory Academy High School
https://ispa-ptsa.com/join-ptsa/
West Lab -
https://www.westlabpto.org/pen
F-3 Recycling Drive-Thru Event - Saturday, April 22 | 9 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Keep Coral Gables Beautiful will host a Recycling Drive-Thru on Saturday, April 22 from
9 a.m. to noon at the parking lot behind City Hall, 405 Biltmore Way, for city residents.
Participants must enter the event through the Coral Way entrance to the City Hall
parking lot.
Proof of residency in Coral Gables is required, and items will not be accepted before 9
a.m. or after 12 noon.
F-4 Path of the Panther Film Screening - Sunday, April 23 | 3 p.m.
Back by popular demand! Don’t miss this second chance to explore the expanse of the
Everglades and learn about our Florida Panther. The Coral Gables Art Cinema will be
hosting a second screening of Path of the Panther on Sunday, April 23 at 3 p.m. Use
promo code Everglades for discounts on tickets.
F-5 My Squad’s Earth Month Celebration - Wednesday, April 26 | 6 p.m.
My Squad, a social club for adults with intellectual disabilities and autism, will celebrate
Earth Month on Wednesday, April 26. Join Keep Coral Gables Beautiful on a quest to
find invasive species at Ruth Bryan Owen Waterway Park at 6 p.m. The My Squad club
will also be making recycling fashionable with upcycled crafts. Register at
playgables.com.
F-6 School Board Chair Rojas' Office Hours - May 4 & 18 | 12:30 to 3 p.m.
Join School Board Chair Mari Tere Rojas on the first and third Thursday of every month
for satellite office hours, located in the first floor conference room at Coral Gables City
Hall.
For More Info:
Website: Dade Schools District 6
Email: district6@dadeschools.net
Phone: 305-995-1334
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School Community Relations Agenda April 21, 2023
Committee
F-7 Gables Gallery Night - Friday, May 5 | 6 to 10 p.m.
Coral Gables galleries and participating art venues open their doors on the first Friday
of the month from 6 to 10 p.m. as part of Coral Gables Gallery Night. At this monthly
event, attendees can enjoy live music and fine art while enjoying a night out in the City
Beautiful. Visitors are encouraged to use the City's trolleys or Freebee on -demand
vehicles to travel between galleries.
F-8 Spring Sip & Shop - Wednesday, May 10 | 5 to 8 p.m.
Back by popular demand, is the Spring Sip & Shop event. Participants will be able to
shop at participating boutiques on Miracle Mile while tasting wines from around the
world and enjoy special sale pricing, gifts, and other in -store promotions. Purchase your
tickets and join us Wednesday, May 10, 5-8 p.m. Tickets are $45.
Guests will also vote on the Best Spring Window in Coral Gables. Proceeds from the
event benefit Beaux Arts Miami.
ADJOURNMENT
NOTE
Any person who acts as a lobbyist pursuant to the City of Coral Gables Ordinance No .
2006-11, must register with the City Clerk, prior to engaging in lobbying activities before
city staff, boards, committees and/or the City Commission. A copy of the Ordinance is
available in the Office of the City Clerk, City Hall.
Any person, or persons, wishing to appeal any decision made by the City Commission
with respect to any matter considered at this meeting or hearing, will require a verbatim
record of the proceeding upon which the appeal is based. Interested persons should,
therefore, take the necessary steps to ensure that a verbatim record of the proceedings
is made which contains the testimony and evidence upon which the appeal is based.
Any person making impertinent or slanderous remarks or who become boisterous while
addressing the Commission, shall be barred from further audience before the
Commission by the Chair, unless permission to continue or again address the
Commission is granted by the majority vote of the Commission Members present .
Clapping, applauding, heckling or verbal outbursts or any remarks in support or
opposition to a speaker shall be prohibited. Signs or placards shall not be permitted in
Commission Chambers.
Any person with a disability requiring communication assistance (such as a sign
language interpreter or other auxiliary aide or service) in order to attend or participate in
the meeting should contact the City’s ADA Coordinator Raquel Elejabarrieta, Esq.,
Director of Labor Relations and Risk Management (E-mail :
relejabarrieta@coralgables.com, Telephone: 305-722-8686, TTY/TDD: 305-442-1600),
at least three (3) business days before the meeting.
City of Coral Gables Page 6 Printed on 4/17/2023 4:05 PM
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