SUPERINTENDENT ALBERTO CARVALHO TALKS TO STUDENTS
ABOUT EDUCATION, SCHOOL SAFETY

MIAMI – Superintendent of Schools Alberto Carvalho fielded student questions on education, school funding and school safety this morning during an assembly at John A. Ferguson Senior High School.  The live event, a school production titled, “Falcon Forum,” was webcast to senior high schools throughout the District, allowing students to email and call in questions to the Superintendent.

Carvalho reassured students of his intent to continue providing expanded educational opportunities for high school students “My commitment to secondary school reform, by investing in an eight-period day… is critical, allowing you to connect early on to a field that you choose, providing you an opportunity to take additional career, technical and vocational classes that bring rigor and relevance to your program.”

Carvalho pointed out the fact that Florida ranks 50th among U.S. states in school funding, based on per-capita income, and encouraged students to make a difference. “How can we as Floridians—particularly you, the youth—influence elected officials to make sure they live up to the promises that they ritualistically make every year they run for office? Force them! A lot of you will be voting this time around—force them to live up to and honor the promises they make to public education.”

The Superintendent addressed the rash of violence that has plagued communities across the nation, pointing out that the District has increased school security spending from $40 million to $54 million in recent years.

“We as a community need to accept responsibility for the choices and actions our youth is engaged in,” Carvalho said. “The issue of violence and behavior is not solely a school responsibility.  It is the responsibility of every single caretaker, parent, community representative, priest, pastor, rabbi—everybody is responsible.”

The Falcon Forum webcast was recorded and can be viewed at tv.dadeschools.net.

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   09/JS/051

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