M-DCPS Names School Board Administration Building in Honor of Perla Tabares Hantman

In a tribute to the late Perla Tabares Hantman, Miami-Dade County Public Schools (M-DCPS) has renamed its main administration building in downtown Miami to the Perla Tabares Hantman School Board Administration Building, recognizing her 26 years of service and 14 terms as School Board Chair.

“Her mentorship was pivotal for me in the most difficult times in my career. And I realized when I became a superintendent, this was an individual that, like no other, who could turn a no into a yes,” said M-DCPS Superintendent Dr. Jose. L. Dotres. “She set such an  incredible example for us and this entire community, and we are so pleased to create this very special moment in her honor.”

The dedication ceremony on May 20th included performances by students from M.A. Milam K-8 Center and remarks from several distinguished speakers. The Honorable Mari Tere Rojas, School Board Chair, Dr. Marcos M. Moran, Assistant Superintendent (Ret.), The Honorable Dr. Steve Gallon III, School Board Member, Michael Hantman, and Dr. Jose L. Dotres, Superintendent of Schools, all shared reflections on Ms. Hantman’s legacy.

Dancers form Milam K-* Center perform at the ceremony before the renaming event.

The naming of the building took place on May 20th, a date significant in Ms. Hantman's life due to her cultural heritage, including her commitment to celebrating Cuba’s independence from Spain.

Ms. Perla Tabares Hantman, born in Havana, Cuba, was first elected to the School Board in November 1996 to represent District 4, and later made history as the first Hispanic woman to serve as Chair. Throughout her distinguished tenure, she remained a steadfast advocate for students, families, and educators, championing bilingual education, academic excellence, community engagement, and student safety. Her unwavering commitment to educational excellence helped guide the District through pivotal moments, including the establishment of the District’s first Cambridge Academy, always prioritizing the needs of all children and the broader school community.

“M-DCPS wins frequent awards and our passionate students and teachers achieve unthinkable successes every hour of every day. I can’t help but think that Mom had a hand in that,” said son Michael Hantman. “But what mom loved about M-DCPS was the all the hard working, good hearted, bright, talented and driven people who make this school system everything that it was, is and will be for generations to come.”

The naming of the building in her honor serves as a lasting reminder of Ms. Hantman’s remarkable legacy and the profound impact she had on generations of students, educators, and the entire Miami-Dade community.

For the most up-to-date information, please download the Dadeschools Mobile App to your iPhone or Android device. Follow us on X @MDCPS and @SuptDotres, on Instagram @miamischools and @suptdotres, and on Facebook at MiamiSchools.

 TOP CAPTION: The Hantman family with School Board Members and other guests.