School Community Relations Committee
Regular MeetingCoral Gables, FL · September 15, 2023
Minutes
City of Coral Gables
405 Biltmore Way
Coral Gables, FL 33134
www.coralgables.com
Meeting Minutes
Friday, September 15, 2023
8:30 AM
2151 Salzedo Street, Coral Gables, FL
Police and Fire Headquarters, Community Meeting Room
School Community Relations Committee
Board Member Erin Anding
Board Member Winnie Chang
Board Member Sandy Dimitris
Board Member Joshua Goodman
Board Member Ana Lam
Board Member Andrew Nadal
Board Member Cecilia D. Slesnick
Board Member Jennifer Ward Sando
Board Member Sharon Watson
School Community Relations Meeting Minutes September 15, 2023
Committee
The School Community Relations Committee will be holding its Regular Meeting on
Friday, Sept. 15, 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 September 15, 2023
Committee
CALL TO ORDER
Meeting called to order at 8:33 a.m.
ROLL/QUORUM CALL
Present: 8 - Board Member Anding,Board Member Lam,Board Member Chang,Board
Member Goodman,Board Member Dimitris,Board Member Nadal,Board
Member Slesnick and Board Member Watson
A. APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES
School Community Relations Committee Meeting of August 18, 2023.
Attachments: Cover Memo
SCRC Aug. 18 Draft Minutes
A motion was made by Board Member Goodman, seconded by Board Member
Slesnick, that this matter be adopted. The motion passed by the following vote.
Yeas: 6- Board Member Anding,Board Member Lam,Board Member Chang,Board
Member Goodman,Board Member Slesnick and Board Member Watson
Absent: 2- Board Member Dimitris and Board Member Nadal
B. PUBLIC COMMENTS
Marlin Ebbert: Stated that she was one of the first members of the School
Community Relations Committee during the 90’s. Inquired about the percentage
of residents that attend Coral Gables Preparatory Academy; there has been
information indicating it’s thirteen (13) percent. Board Member Goodman will
provide written details of amounts. According to Board Member Goodman, the
percentage rate is incorrect. The correct amount is twenty-two (22) percent.
Interest in investigating the percentage of families sending their children to
private schools versus to public schools. The Villagers organization might be
able to provide a grant to Coral Gables Preparatory Academy. Ms. Ebbert
requested to be added to the mailing list.
Sam Joseph: Fourteen (14) percent is still an accurate number for Coral Gables
Senior High. This will be true for the majority of schools in the feeder pattern that
are part of the magnet program. Somerset Academy is part of the schools in this
committee’s overview and it’s important to include them for funding purposes.
Almost all public schools within Coral Gables feeder pattern are Title 1 thus
receiving free lunch.
City of Coral Gables Page 2
School Community Relations Meeting Minutes September 15, 2023
Committee
C. NEW BUSINESS
C-1 Miami-Dade County Public Schools Update (Facilitated by Mari Tere Rojas, School
Board Chair)
Board Chair Rojas provided updates:
It has been a very hot summer and some of the older schools such as Coral
Gables Senior High have had air conditioning issues. Everyone is working
cohesively to remediate this situation utilizing temporary chillers. There have
been issues procuring repair pieces.
Items proffered:
• Revised H-4: Miami-Dade County Public School Board Endorsement and
Celebration of October 2023 as National Principals Month. (Co-Sponsored).
• Revised Replacement B-3: Request approval of Resolution No. 23-045 of the
School Board of Miami-Dade County, Florida, recognizing Florida House of
Representative Daniel "Danny" Perez.
• Revised H-2: Proposed Miami-Dade County Public Schools (M-DCPS) 2024 State
Legislative program priority - State funding for programs to serve Pre-K 3
students.
• Revised H-3: Miami-Dade County School Board endorsement of Monday, Oct. 2,
2023, as national custodial worker's recognition day.
• Revised Good Cause H-12: Comprehensive parental component to inform and
address red flag warnings and the consequences of violent threats to schools,
students, and staff.
Centennial Celebration for Gables Prep. - Principal spoke with Board Chair, and
they will have multiple celebrations throughout the year. Working on the
auditorium currently. Board Member Dimitris brings up the Eagles Nest Fund gala
at the Biltmore Hotel on Saturday, Sept. 16. The City is a Silver Eagles sponsor of
the gala. Board Chair Rojas will be speaking at the event and will present a
proclamation at a School Board meeting once the auditorium has been
completed.
The school year is off to a good start; there are 600 new teachers, however, this
number is still short. There is a need for additional teachers. Board Member
Watson inquired on the teacher’s starting salary; it is in the low $50K. Board
Member Slesnick mentioned to circle back on the substitute teacher pilot
program discussed during spring’s School Community Relations Committee
workshop. Kelly Services will be taking over substitute teacher registration.
Board Chair Rojas will be looking into what the new steps and requirements
would be.
Miami-Dade Public Schools have become the 3rd largest school district within
the United States.
City of Coral Gables Page 3
School Community Relations Meeting Minutes September 15, 2023
Committee
C-2 Election of SCRC Chairperson
A motion was made by Board Member Dimitris, seconded by Board Member
Slesnick, that Board Member Chang be reappointed as Chairperson. The motion
passed by the following vote.
Yeas: 8- Board Member Anding,Board Member Lam,Board Member Chang,Board
Member Goodman,Board Member Dimitris,Board Member Nadal,Board
Member Slesnick and Board Member Watson
C-3 Election of SCRC Vice Chairperson
A motion was made by Board Member Slesnick, seconded by Board Member
Nadal, that Board Member Dimitris be reappointed as Vice Chairperson. The
motion passed by the following vote.
Yeas: 8- Board Member Lam,Board Member Chang,Board Member Goodman,Board
Member Dimitris,Board Member Nadal,Board Member Slesnick,Board
Member Anding and Board Member Watson
C-4 Approval of 2022-2023 SCRC Annual Report
Attachments: Draft SCRC Annual Report 2022-2023
A motion was made by Board Member Goodman, seconded by Board Member
Dimitris, that this matter be approved. The motion passed by the following vote.
Yeas: 8- Board Member Chang,Board Member Goodman,Board Member
Dimitris,Board Member Nadal,Board Member Slesnick,Board Member
Anding,Board Member Lam and Board Member Watson
City of Coral Gables Page 4
School Community Relations Meeting Minutes September 15, 2023
Committee
Items C-5 and D-1 are related.
C-5 Discussion regarding possible workshop to discuss supplemental funding for area
schools in more detail (Facilitated by Winnie Chang, Chairperson)
Board Member Goodman requests school enrollment numbers from the past ten
(10) years.
A discussion takes place on scheduling a possible workshop or if this item should
simply be the only item of the next SCRC meeting agenda. Timing is a factor as
members will already need to attend the mandatory ethics training scheduled for
Sept. 29.
Aillette Rodriguez-Diaz, Miami-Dade Administrative Director provided additional
feedback regarding various funding programs offered by other municipalities.
These include grants, Memorandum of Understanding (MOU’s), and donations.
Estelle Lockhart from GW Carver Elementary PTA stated that she is supportive of
the workshop/meeting during October; this will encourage transparency and
enough notice to allow the public to participate. Important to think big and
consider a five (5) to ten (10) year strategic plan in terms of what education can
look like in schools.
Board Member Goodman motion to cancel the Oct. 13 meeting and hold a
workshop on the strategic vision for education in Coral Gables during that date
instead. Board Member Lam second, motion passed.
D. OLD BUSINESS
D-1 Continuation of discussion regarding supplemental funding for area schools from the
City of Coral Gables to address deepening budgetary pressures on public schools
(Facilitated by Winnie Chang, Chairperson)
Attachments: Updated SCRC Coral Gables Principals Programmatic Needs Assessment
E. ONGOING BUSINESS
E-1 Notice Pursuant to Resolution No. 2020-245 (Facilitated by Solanch Lopez, Acting
Staff Liaison)
Members request to get a copy of the staff report once it is available.
Project: 4241 Aurora Street
School: Coral Gables Senior High School
Attachments: 4241 Aurora Street_Architectural Plans 8-25-2023 Updated_v1 1
4241 Aurora Street_Statement of Use 8-25-2023 Updated_v1
City of Coral Gables Page 5
School Community Relations Meeting Minutes September 15, 2023
Committee
E-2 General Updates (Facilitated by Solanch Lopez, Acting Staff Liaison)
F. ANNOUNCEMENTS
F-1 Next SCRC Meeting - Friday, Oct. 13, 2023 | 8:30 a.m.
Questions/Comments: scrc@coralgables.com
F-2 Join a local PTA or subscribe to their newsletters using the following links:
F-3 International Coastal Cleanup - Saturday, Sept. 16, 2023 | 9 a.m. to 12 p.m.
F-4 Clubhouse Hours at the DEI Clubhouse - Every Monday | 3 to 7 p.m.
F-5 School Board Chair Rojas' Office Hours - Thursday, Sept. 21 & Oct. 5, 2023 | 12:30 to
3:00 p.m.
F-6 Parks Pollinator Palooza - Saturday, Sept. 23, 2023 | 9:30 to 11:30 a.m.
F-7 Fewell Park Invasive Plant Removal - Monday, Sept. 25, 2023 | 10:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
F-8 My Squad - Pasta Making & Vision Boards - Wednesday, Sept. 27, 2023 | 6 to 9 p.m.
F-9 Paws in the Pool - Sunday, Oct. 1, 2023 | 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
ADJOURNMENT
Meeting adjourned at 11:10 a.m.
NOTE
City of Coral Gables Page 6
Agenda
City of Coral Gables
405 Biltmore Way
Coral Gables, FL 33134
www.coralgables.com
Agenda
Friday, September 15, 2023
8:30 AM
2151 Salzedo Street, Coral Gables, FL
Police and Fire Headquarters, Community Meeting Room
School Community Relations Committee
Board Member Erin Anding
Board Member Winnie Chang
Board Member Sandy Dimitris
Board Member Joshua Goodman
Board Member Ana Lam
Board Member Andrew Nadal
Board Member Cecilia D. Slesnick
Board Member Jennifer Ward Sando
Board Member Sharon Watson
School Community Relations Agenda September 15, 2023
Committee
The School Community Relations Committee will be holding its Regular Meeting on
Friday, Sept. 15, 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 9/12/2023 11:08 AM
School Community Relations Agenda September 15, 2023
Committee
CALL TO ORDER
ROLLQUORUM CALL
A. APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES
The School Community Relations Committee Minutes of Aug. 18, 2023.
Attachments: Cover Memo
SCRC Aug. 18 Draft Minutes
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 Election of SCRC Chairperson
C-3 Election of SCRC Vice Chairperson
C-4 Approval of 2022-2023 SCRC Annual Report
Attachments: Draft SCRC Annual Report 2022-2023
Items C-5 and D-1 are related.
C-5 Discussion regarding possible workshop to discuss supplemental funding for area
schools in more detail (Facilitated by Winnie Chang, Chairperson)
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School Community Relations Agenda September 15, 2023
Committee
D. OLD BUSINESS
D-1 Continuation of discussion regarding supplemental funding for area schools from the
City of Coral Gables to address deepening budgetary pressures on public schools
(Facilitated by Winnie Chang, Chairperson)
Attachments: Updated SCRC Coral Gables Principals Programmatic Needs Assessment
E. ONGOING BUSINESS
E-1 Notice Pursuant to Resolution No. 2020-245 (Facilitated by Solanch Lopez, Acting
Staff Liaison)
Project: 4241 Aurora Street
School: Coral Gables Senior High School
Attachments: 4241 Aurora Street_Statement of Use 8-25-2023 Updated_v1
4241 Aurora Street_Architectural Plans 8-25-2023 Updated_v1 1
E-2 General Updates (Facilitated by Solanch Lopez, Acting Staff Liaison)
- Oct. 13 SCRC Meeting Location:
- Save the Date: 2023 Biennial Boards and Committees Ethics Training (Mandatory for
Members)
Friday, Sept. 29, 2023 | 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. | Police & Fire HQ - CMR A & B
F. ANNOUNCEMENTS
F-1 Next SCRC Meeting - Friday, Oct. 13, 2023 | 8:30 a.m.
Questions/Comments: scrc@coralgables.com
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School Community Relations Agenda September 15, 2023
Committee
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
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 International Coastal Cleanup - Saturday, Sept. 16, 2023 | 9 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Get ready to join millions of volunteers around the globe for the Ocean Conservancy ’s
38th annual International Coastal Cleanup – the world’s largest single-day volunteer effort
for our oceans and waterways.
Join Keep Coral Gables Beautiful on Saturday, Sept. 16 at 9 a.m. at one of the two
cleanup sites below:
• Cartagena Park
• Riviera and US1 launch site
If you live in Gables by the Sea, join your neighbors for a neighborhood cleanup within
your community!
Carpooling, ridesharing, and public transport are encouraged. Please bring sunscreen, a
reusable water bottle, and wear closed-toed shoes. Trash bags, safety vests, trash
pickers, and gloves will be provided at each of the sites.
Volunteer hours are available on request. Visit www.coralgables.com/kcgb to register.
F-4 Clubhouse Hours at the DEI Clubhouse - Every Monday | 3 to 7 p.m.
Join us to unwind and enjoy unprogrammed social time at the Clubhouse for adults with
intellectual disabilities and autism. The Clubhouse is staffed and open for all members
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School Community Relations Agenda September 15, 2023
Committee
to socialize in a safe space. Wi-Fi is available.
This is a free activity, no registration required. Clubhouse located at Ruth Bryan Owen
Waterway Park, 3940 Granada Blvd.
Questions? Email Catie and Vivian at PlayForAll@coralgables.com or call 305-460-5650.
F-5 School Board Chair Rojas' Office Hours - Thursday, Sept. 21 & Oct. 5, 2023 | 12:30 to
3:00 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
F-6 Parks Pollinator Palooza - Saturday, Sept. 23, 2023 | 9:30 to 11:30 a.m.
Participate in a family friendly event while giving back to nature. September is all about
pollinators as we learn more about butterflies, build birdhouses and create our very own
butterfly garden. The event at the War Memorial Youth Center, will feature a nature talk,
planting activity, children’s crafts and readings, and an introduction to the iNaturalist app
to track and record local pollinator species in our community and backyards.
For additional information or questions, please email specialevents@coralgables.com.
F-7 Fewell Park Invasive Plant Removal - Monday, Sept. 25, 2023 | 10:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
Looking for something to do on this upcoming Teacher's Planning Day? Join KCGB on
Monday, Sept. 25 from 10:30 a.m. to noon at Fewell Park as we remove invasive plants.
Carpooling, ridesharing, and public transport are encouraged. Volunteer hours are
available on request. Visit www.coralgables.com/kcgb to register.
F-8 My Squad - Pasta Making & Vision Boards - Wednesday, Sept. 27, 2023 | 6 to 9 p.m.
Coral Gables hosts a monthly social gathering for adults with intellectual disabilities and
autism called My Squad. This month's activities on Wednesday, July 27 at 6 p.m. include
pasta making and designing vision boards. Pizza for dinner is included. Come to Ruth
Bryan Owen Waterway Park, 3940 Granada Blvd. Cost to attend is $5 and is available at
www.playgables.com. For help registering or questions email Catie and Vivian at
PlayForAll@coralgables.com or call 305-460-5650.
Coral Gables residency is not required to attend.
F-9 Paws in the Pool - Sunday, Oct. 1, 2023 | 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
The Venetian Pool will open its doors on Sunday, Oct. 1 for the annual Paws in the Pool!
There are two sessions scheduled. The first session for small dogs (under 30 pounds.)
takes place from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. The second session for large dogs takes place from
1:30 to 4:30 p.m.
City of Coral Gables Page 6 Printed on 9/12/2023 11:08 AM
School Community Relations Agenda September 15, 2023
Committee
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.
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