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MIGRANT STUDENTS LOCKED OUT OF CLASSES MIAMI – Migrant students arriving at Redland Center and South Dade Center for summer classes this morning were greeted with an unpleasant surprise --a padlocked front door. The development came after the Homestead Housing Authority refused to renew a lease with Miami-Dade County Public Schools that has existed for nearly four decades. School district attorneys are researching the district’s rights to re-enter the property. “The students served by the migrant education program represent a particularly fragile community. It is of vital importance that appropriate educational services be provided to them so that students can succeed and graduate,” said Superintendent of Schools Alberto M. Carvalho. “The school district has maintained an exceptional record of serving this community for many years. It is regretful that the housing authority would take such an action that negatively impacts the lives of so many people in need.” The school district regularly provides supplementary educational services to more than 600 migrant students at three locations in the south end of the county. During the summer, students receive special activities to help them continue their education. Special services are also provided to adults at the center, including citizenship, language, parenting skills and GED programs. Funding for the school district’s migrant education services is provided under a grant from the United States Department of Education. The Redland Center is located at 29355 South Dixie Highway in Homestead. The South Dade Migrant Center is located at 13600 SW 312 Street. # # # 09-JJS/001/GC |
