M-DCPS SUPERINTENDENT MERRETT R. STIERHEIM APPOINTS VETERAN EDUCATOR TO CHIEF EDUCATION OFFICER POST

Mercedes Toural brings more than 30 years experience in education


March 11, 2003

Miami-Dade County Schools Superintendent Merrett R. Stierheim today announced the appointment of Mercedes Toural to the post of Chief Education Officer and Deputy Superintendent of Schools.

"I have had the distinct pleasure of working with Ms. Toural for the past sixteen months and have been impressed with her work ethic and dedication to this district," Stierheim said. "She brings to her new post more than 30 years of experience in education and a great love for this school district."

Toural was recommended for the job following a national search that saw a nine-member screening committee composed of educators, parent groups and community leaders interview a number of top national candidates. Toural, a veteran of the Miami-Dade school district, graduated from the University of Miami and has a master's degree in administration with certification in administration and supervision for grades K-12 from Nova University. In the more than 30 years with M-DCPS, she has held a number of progressively responsible administrative positions including experience as a teacher and school site administrator.

"I am a firm believer that a successful public education program is the backbone of a democratic society," Toural said. "There are no silver bullets. The way to succeed is through hard work, strategic planning, extensive professional development and the development of school-specific programs and strategies that address our specific needs. We must do a lot more, be more effective with the same resources."

Toural is a native of Oriente province, Cuba and came to the United States in 1961. She is married and resides with her husband in South Dade.

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03-MV/106/JJS

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