Strong public schools

In the past, so many in our community decried the school system, citing large classes, weak student achievement and aged infrastructure.

In a phenomenal turnaround driven by excellent management, sharp pencils, difficult decisions, dedicated teachers and staff and passionate resolve, Miami-Dade County Public Schools has emerged with strength.

Despite an often-challenging state environment and peculiarities of the local property-appraisal system’s methodology, the district has put forth a robust budget for 2015-16 that focuses on students and teachers at a time when other large urban public-education systems are facing crises that threaten their survival.

The budget will increase magnet options, access to technology, programs for students with disabilities, student counseling and services, bilingual language competency and safety while protecting its financial viability and strong debt ratings. All of this was accomplished with a decrease in our property tax millage.

Let’s celebrate the leadership, teachers, staff, students and parents of MDCPS. We have become a model of urban public school system governance and achievement.

This story was originally published August 9, 2015 at 1:30 PM with the headline "Strong public schools."