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MIAMI-DADE SCHOOL BOARD WINS PRESTIGIOUS The National School Boards Association’s Council of Urban Boards of Education (CUBE) honored Miami-Dade County Public Schools (M-DCPS) as a co-winner of the annual CUBE Award for Urban School Board Excellence. The award recognizes the nation’s fourth largest school district for its excellence in four cores areas: school board governance, closing the achievement gap, academic excellence, and community engagement. The District will receive a $5,000 contribution to its student scholarship fund. “I congratulate my colleagues on the Board for having set a clear and compelling strategic plan,” said M-DCPS School Board Chair AGUSTIN J. BARRERA, “We have stayed the course and are making real progress in closing the achievement gap.” M-DCPS students’ performance on the Florida Comprehensive Assessment Test has continued a trend that adds up to significant improvement over the last five years. Across the board, the science scores have increased, writing has improved at all grade levels, and for the second year in a row, the majority of M-DCPS students are performing at or above the national median in reading and math. NSBA Executive Director ANNE L. BRYANT said, “We are so pleased to recognize the extraordinary work that the School Board has done under the leadership of Mr. Gus Barrera and Dr. Rudy Crew. This partnership has brought excellence to the City and the District which is exemplified by the wonderful progress seen in the children and the public education system.” “The School Board set high expectations and provided the resources to help our District address the many challenges we face as a large urban district,” said Dr. RUDY CREW, M-DCPS Superintendent of Schools. “The CUBE award recognizes this team effort. It takes all of us, and this award acknowledges the dedication of our teachers, staff, and administrators; the tenacity of our students; and the support of our parents, business leaders, and the community.” The Houston Independent School District (HISD) was the co-winner. Former HISD School Board member and U.S. Education Secretary ROD PAIGE said, “It’s a testament to the progress Miami-Dade has made that their School Board is being recognized with Houston for the CUBE Award. The Board had the vision to bring in Rudy Crew, and together they have elevated Miami-Dade to new heights.” Paige continued, “Our economic and global leadership depends on having the finest educational system possible, and the Miami-Dade and Houston school districts are providing a quality education to many students. Many of their schools are the finest in the world, with outstanding teachers, visionary administrators, and quality resources.” “For more information on CUBE and its efforts in helping urban school districts strive for excellence, visit www.nsba.org. ### 07-JSS/194/QT |
