School Community Relations Committee
Regular MeetingCoral Gables, FL · November 17, 2023
Minutes
City of Coral Gables
405 Biltmore Way
Coral Gables, FL 33134
www.coralgables.com
Meeting Minutes
Friday, November 17, 2023
8:30 AM
2151 Salzedo Street, Coral Gables FL
Police and Fire Headquarters, Community Meeting Room
School Community Relations Committee
Chairperson Winnie Chang
Vice Chairperson Sandy Dimitris
Board Member Erin Anding
Board Member Joshua Goodman
Board Member Ana Lam
Board Member Andrew Nadal
Board Member Cecilia D. Slesnick
Board Member Sharon Watson
School Community Relations Meeting Minutes November 17, 2023
Committee
The School Community Relations Committee will be holding its Regular Meeting on
Friday, Nov. 17, 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 November 17, 2023
Committee
CALL TO ORDER
Meeting called to order at 8:38 a.m.
ROLL/QUORUM CALL
Board Member Nadal listened in via Zoom.
Present: 7 - Board Member Anding,Board Member Lam,Chairperson Chang,Board
Member Goodman,Vice Chairperson Dimitris,Board Member Slesnick and
Board Member Watson
Absent: 1 - Board Member Nadal
A. APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES
A-1 School Community Relations Committee Meeting of September 15, 2023.
Attachments: Cover Memo
SCRC Sept. 15 - Draft Minutes
A motion was made by Board Member Lam, seconded by Board Member
Slesnick, that this matter be approved. The motion passed by the following vote.
Yeas: 7- Board Member Anding,Board Member Lam,Chairperson Chang,Board
Member Goodman,Vice Chairperson Dimitris,Board Member Slesnick and
Board Member Watson
Absent: 1- Board Member Nadal
A-2 The School Community Relations Committee Workshop Summary Minutes of
Oct. 13, 2023.
Attachments: Cover Memo
Draft SCRC Workshop Minutes - Oct. 13
A motion was made by Board Member Slesnick, seconded by Vice Chairperson
Dimitris, that this matter be approved. The motion passed by the following vote.
Yeas: 7- Board Member Lam,Chairperson Chang,Board Member Goodman,Vice
Chairperson Dimitris,Board Member Slesnick,Board Member Anding and
Board Member Watson
Absent: 1- Board Member Nadal
B. PUBLIC COMMENTS
No comments from the public made.
C. NEW BUSINESS
C-1 Miami-Dade County Public Schools Update (Facilitated by Mari Tere Rojas, School
Board Chair)
School Board Chair Rojas was not able to attend due to conflict with her annual
Turkey Giveaway event at Ada Merritt K-8 Center.
City of Coral Gables Page 2
School Community Relations Meeting Minutes November 17, 2023
Committee
C-2 Discussion on the People with Disabilities Planning Group (Facilitated by Winnie
Chang, Chairperson)
Item deferred as former Board Member Ward Sando was not able to attend to
speak on this item.
C-3 Approval of 2024 SCRC Meeting Dates
2024 SCRC meeting dates were reviewed and discussed. It was decided that the
January meeting date be changed to January 12 in order to avoid a conflict with
the scheduled Teacher Planning Day.
Attachments: Draft 2024 Committee Meeting Dates
A motion was made by Board Member Lam, seconded by Board Member
Dimitris, that this matter be approved as amended. The motion passed by the
following vote.
Yeas: 7- Chairperson Chang,Board Member Goodman,Vice Chairperson
Dimitris,Board Member Slesnick,Board Member Anding,Board Member
Lam and Board Member Watson
Absent: 1- Board Member Nadal
City of Coral Gables Page 3
School Community Relations Meeting Minutes November 17, 2023
Committee
D. OLD BUSINESS
D-1 Discussion on the Coral Gables History Tour (Facilitated by Winnie Chang,
Chairperson)
Board Members reviewed the original History Tours Resolution and the new
Museum tour offerings via their website.
Sam Joseph reiterated that the original program and resolution was intended to
focus on the history of the City of Coral Gables and not focus on the museum
itself. He mentioned that History Miami has the staff and resources to possibly
take this over from the museum.
April Jones stated that another issue would be that since the current museum
offered tours have a 30 student limit, multiple field trips would be needed to
cover one school.
Board Member Slesnick states that it should be kept local to Coral Gables and
brings up changing the history tours to the Merrick House. Board Member Lam
used to sit on the Merrick House Board and states that this might be possible. The
use of trolleys is brought up but after discussion it is decided this would not be an
option due to several issues including the District not allowing the use of trolleys
as they have no seatbelts.
Sam Joseph stated that what is needed is a tour operator. History Miami, Dade
Heritage Trust and some other private companies offer these services.
Board Member Slesnick mentioned that even with a scaled down walking
version, four staff members would be needed to handle these tours. There are
five 4th grade classes at Coral Gables Prep, etc. While the tours are a want,
schools have other needs that the current earmarked monies can go towards.
Board Member Lam mentioned the purchasing and use of an app that
incorporates QR codes at landmarks. Chairperson Chang asks if Board Member
Lam wants to take the lead on this initiative. Board Member Lam will work with
Sam on this initiative. Whatever version this takes it needs to continue to be tied
to the curriculum.
This item will be revisiting in the Jan. 12, 2024 SCRC meeting.
Attachments: Reso No. 2019-76 - History Tours
E. ONGOING BUSINESS
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School Community Relations Meeting Minutes November 17, 2023
Committee
E-1 Review and discussion on proposed Resolution regarding an education strategic
plan survey (Facilitated by Winnie Chang, Chairperson)
The SCRC reviewed the two different versions of the draft resolution being
proposed and additional language in a third draft shared on screen. Board
Member Goodman stated that they should ask for more. Vice Chairperson
Dimitris mentioned that they should ask in stages.
April Jones stated that it is important to keep in the language about making
education part of the city strategic plan. Chairperson Chang agreed on the topic
of the strategic plan but would separate the chief education officer request,
Board Member Slesnick seconds this thought.
Board Member Slesnick mentioned that there are two different items being
discussed, the survey and the initial conversation about funding current
programmatic needs. She reiterates the possibility of using the $20,000
earmarked for the history tours as a starting point for now. Vice Chairperson
Dimitris agreed that the resolution needs to be split but agrees with the others on
the language relating to the strategic plan.
Sam Joseph mentioned that in his opinion, discretionary funds to the schools
would receive a no vote from the Commission. Sam agrees that there should be
one staff member focusing on education in the city. Estelle Lockhart stated she
attended the Chamber of Commerce presentation from yesterday and that
education was not mentioned as a livable pillar from the city.
Vice Chairperson Dimitris stated that it is important to have an educational
professional oversee the survey. Board Member Goodman stated that he is okay
with dropping the chief officer in this resolution for now.
There is mention of Catherine Raymand, a Coral Gables resident and possible
future consultant on this topic.
Vice Chairperson Dimitris motions to request a time certain on the resolution as
approved by the SCRC for 10 a.m. at the Dec. 12 Commission Meeting, Board
Member Goodman seconded. Motion passed.
Attachments: DRAFT SCRC Resolution Re-education strategic plan survey (Drafted by Board Member Goodma
DRAFT SCRC Resolution Re-Education Strategic Plan Survey (Staff Liaison Suggested Edits)
A motion was made by Board Member Goodman, seconded by Board Member
Watson, that the resolution with the Staff Liaison's edits be approved as
amended with the incorporation of the strategic plan request language. The
motion passed by the following vote.
Yeas: 5- Chairperson Chang,Board Member Goodman,Vice Chairperson
Dimitris,Board Member Slesnick and Board Member Watson
Absent: 3- Board Member Lam,Board Member Nadal and Board Member Anding
E-2 General Updates (Facilitated by Solanch Lopez, Acting Staff Liaison)
Economic Development is partnering with the Eagles Nest Fund for the upcoming
Holiday Sip & Shop event.
City of Coral Gables Page 5
School Community Relations Meeting Minutes November 17, 2023
Committee
F. ANNOUNCEMENTS
F-1 Next SCRC Meeting - Friday, Dec. 15, 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 Parks Pollinator Patch Planting - Saturday, Nov. 18, 2023 | 9:30 to 11 a.m.
F-4 Fiesta @ The Park - Saturday, Nov. 17, 2023 | 12 to 9 p.m.
F-5 Gables Bike Tours - Sunday, Nov. 19, 2023 | 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.
F-6 Clubhouse Hours at the DEI Clubhouse - Mondays 3 to 7 p.m.
F-7 Giralda Live - Friday, Dec. 1, 2023 | 7 to 11 p.m.
F-8 Gables Gallery Night - Friday, Dec. 1, 2023 | 6 to 10 p.m.
F-9 Downtown Community Cleanup (Holiday Edition) - Monday, Dec. 4, 2023 | 5 to 7 p.m.
F-10 School Board Chair Rojas’ Office Hours - Thursday, Dec. 7, 2023 | 12:30 to 3 p.m.
F-11 Carolers in Downtown Coral Gables - Thursday, Friday, & Saturday | 7 to 9 p.m.
F-12 Holiday Sip & Shop - Thursday, Dec. 14, 2023 | 5 to 8 p.m.
ADJOURNMENT
Meeting adjourned at 10:36 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, November 17, 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 November 17, 2023
Committee
The School Community Relations Committee will be holding its Regular Meeting on
Friday, Nov. 17, 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 11/13/2023 5:22 PM
School Community Relations Agenda November 17, 2023
Committee
CALL TO ORDER
ROLL/QUORUM CALL
A. APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES
A-1 The School Community Relations Committee Minutes of Sept. 15, 2023.
Attachments: Cover Memo
SCRC Sept. 15 - Draft Minutes
A-2 The School Community Relations Committee Workshop Summary Minutes of
Oct. 13, 2023.
Attachments: Cover Memo
Draft SCRC Workshop Minutes - Oct. 13
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 Discussion on the People with Disabilities Planning Group (Facilitated by Winnie
Chang, Chairperson)
C-3 Approval of 2024 SCRC Meeting Dates
Attachments: Draft 2024 Committee Meeting Dates
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School Community Relations Agenda November 17, 2023
Committee
D. OLD BUSINESS
D-1 Discussion on the Coral Gables History Tour (Facilitated by Winnie Chang,
Chairperson)
https://coralgablesmuseum.org/school-tours/
Attachments: Reso No. 2019-76 - History Tours
E. ONGOING BUSINESS
E-1 Review and discussion on proposed Resolution regarding an education strategic
plan survey (Facilitated by Winnie Chang, Chairperson)
Attachments: DRAFT SCRC Resolution Re-education strategic plan survey (Drafted by Board Member Goodm
DRAFT SCRC Resolution Re-Education Strategic Plan Survey (Staff Liaison Suggested Edits)
E-2 General Updates (Facilitated by Solanch Lopez, Acting Staff Liaison)
F. ANNOUNCEMENTS
F-1 Next SCRC Meeting - Friday, Dec. 15, 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:
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
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School Community Relations Agenda November 17, 2023
Committee
F-3 Parks Pollinator Patch Planting - Saturday, Nov. 18, 2023 | 9:30 to 11 a.m.
Help us Keep Coral Gables Beautiful by participating in a family -friendly planting event
that focuses on providing pollinator gardens and patches throughout our city's parks
and open spaces. This month's FREE planting activity will take place at the southern
end of the Youth Center's parking lot starting at 9:30 a.m.
Participants will have the opportunity to restore a planting bed with native and pollinator
plant species. Event includes children’s crafts and readings, planting activity, and an
introduction to the iNaturalist app to track and record local pollinator species in our
community and backyards.
The event is free but please register through PlayGables .com. Additional information or
questions, please email specialevents@coralgables.com.
F-4 Fiesta @ The Park - Saturday, Nov. 17, 2023 | 12 to 9 p.m.
Join the Gables Hispanic Cultural Foundation on Saturday, Nov. 18 from noon to 9 p.m.
at 2810 Ponce de Leon Blvd. There will be music, food and drinks, an artwalk and a
children's pavilion for all to enjoy, as well as pet care.
Admission is free.
For more information, please contact 305-667-0577 or
HispanicCulturalFoundation@gmail.com.
F-5 Gables Bike Tours - Sunday, Nov. 19, 2023 | 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Hop on for fun, educational bike tours through The City Beautiful. They take place every
third Sunday of the month. Each tour offers a different theme and route! Tours start at
the Coral Gables Museum and include museum admission. Bike tours are presented by
Bike Walk Coral Gables in partnership with the Coral Gables Museum. You will need to
bring your own bike. Helmets are required for children under 16.
Bike tour tickets and more information.
The tours last approximately 2 hrs | Tickets are $10; $5 for Museum members and
children under 12
F-6 Clubhouse Hours at the DEI Clubhouse - Mondays 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
to socialize in a safe space. Wi-Fi is available.
This is a free activity, no registration required.
Questions? Email Catie and Vivian at PlayForAll@coralgables.com or call
305-460-5650.
F-7 Giralda Live - Friday, Dec. 1, 2023 | 7 to 11 p.m.
Every first Friday of the month there is live music and activities headed to Giralda Plaza
from 7 to 11 p.m. The series, Giralda Live will transform this pedestrian street into the
place to be on Friday nights. Dive deep into the rich tapestry of our local culture as you
relish curated delicacies from premier local eateries, explore local artist, vendors, and
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School Community Relations Agenda November 17, 2023
Committee
enjoy lively music throughout the night. Giralda Live is more than just an event. It’s the
vibrant pulse where our community comes alive! This event is a collaboration between
Diageo and the City of Coral Gables.
F-8 Gables Gallery Night - Friday, Dec. 1, 2023 | 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-9 Downtown Community Cleanup (Holiday Edition) - Monday, Dec. 4, 2023 | 5 to 7 p.m.
Join us on Monday, Dec. 4 starting at 5 p.m. at the Coral Gables Chamber of
Commerce for the Holiday Downtown Community Cleanup event. Show your holiday
cheer by wearing your favorite holiday attire and win great prizes by collecting the most
litter! Stay after the event to enjoy light bites and refreshments at a local Coral Gables
restaurant, courtesy of Baptist Health South Florida.
Volunteer hours are available upon request. To register visit
www.coralgables.com/kcgb.
F-10 School Board Chair Rojas’ Office Hours - Thursday, Dec. 7, 2023 | 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
F-11 Carolers in Downtown Coral Gables - Thursday, Friday, & Saturday | 7 to 9 p.m.
During this holiday season, enjoy carolers' angelic voices as you walk, shop and dine in
Downtown Coral Gables. Carolers, dressed in holiday "caroling" attire from local high
school choirs, will stroll through the streets of Miracle Mile and Giralda Plaza from 7 to 9
p.m. on Thursdays through Saturdays. This event is sponsored by the Coral Gables
Economic Development Department.
Dates:
Thursday, December 7 — Lourdes
Friday, December 8 — St. Brendan's
Saturday, December 9 — Academy Innovative Education
Thursday, December 14 — Miami Arts Charter
Friday, December 15 — Miami Senior High School and Robert Morgan
Saturday, December 16 — Hialeah Gardens Senior High and Florida Christian Senior
F-12 Holiday Sip & Shop - Thursday, Dec. 14, 2023 | 5 to 8 p.m.
Come join us for a festive and fun Sip & Shop event on Miracle Mile. Enjoy delicious
wines from wineries across Uruguay while shopping for unique holiday gifts. Don't miss
out on this opportunity to find the perfect presents for your loved ones. Mark your
calendars for this merry shopping experience!
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School Community Relations Agenda November 17, 2023
Committee
Check in at McBride Plaza, 150 Miracle Mile, to receive an event map, complimentary
wine-tasting tumbler and reusable tote bag with special promotional offers. Guests will
enjoy special sale pricing, gifts and other in -store promotions while participating in wine
tastings. Attendees will also be able to vote on the best holiday window display in Coral
Gables! As you visit each retailer, scan the QR code and vote for the Community
Choice Award.
A full list of Holiday Sip & Shop stops will be announced soon .
Get your tickets today!
Wines donated by the Consulate of Uruguay. All proceeds from the event will go to
local not-for-profits, including the Eagles Nest Fund.
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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