Summary Of Key Items Presented At September School Board Meeting

At today’s monthly school board meeting, the following key items were presented for board consideration and approval:

The School Board approved the testing calendar for 2014-2015 school year by a unanimous vote, clarifying that the testing dates are spread throughout the different grade levels and that no single student would have to take every test.
The School Board unanimously approved the Superintendent’s recommendations as delineated in an opinion piece he wrote concerning assessments and moved to formally approve an accountability advocacy plan as a Chair’s item at next month’s School Board meeting. To learn more about the Superintendent’s recommendations, visit: http://news.dadeschools.net/releases/rls14/amc_letter.html
Risk Management representatives presented benefits options which will be available next year for employees and their dependents. The options will offer savings over current plans.
The School Board recognized two Miami-Dade County Public Schools principals who were named as recipients of the Florida TaxWatch Principal Leadership Award. Benny Valdes from Miami Senior High and Dr. Kelly Hunter-Sheppard from Leisure City K-8 Center were this year’s recipients. Recognition is based on analysis of student achievement gains in reading and mathematics in high-risk schools.
The School Board adopted the Fiscal Year 2014-2015 budget which protects teachers, students, programs and the viability of the school system. The budget includes a $48 million increase in school spending. It also approved the proposed millage rate for the fiscal year.