128-2001 LTC
,
,<ft,;
.
Fforicla Hou8e of Repre8entative8
Representative Dan Gelber
District 106
30071. Street, Suite 504
Mleml Beach, Florida 3314'-3038
(305) 864-8648
1401C, The Capitol
Tallahassee, Florida 32399-1300
(850) 488-0690
June 6, 2001
City Manager Jorge Gonzalez
1700 Convention Center Drive
Miami Beach, Florida 33139
Dear City Manager Gonzalez,
I know you share with me an abiding interest in the quality of our pUblic schools. During the recent
legislative session, I discussed with a few education experts the idea of "charterizing" all or a portion of
the school feeder pattern that presently services Miami Beach and its surrounding communities. This is
the same concept that some of the public education support organizations and elected leaders in our area
have discussed.
I believe the idea merits careful review and analysis. Toward that goal, I am forming an ad-hoc
citizens group to review the idea carefully over the next few months, and report back to the community
with their findings. I intend to give the group the resources they need to do a thorough and complete job,
including access to experts and officials outside of our community whose input may prove helpful. I have
asked Miami Beach resident Steven Chaykin to act as facilitator of the effort to assure that the group
moves forward in a responsible and organized fashion. My staff will assist the group to assure they have
the resources and administrative support necessary to complete their task.
Ultimately, the idea of local control over public schools is a big idea. I think it would be unwise to
prejudge it until someone has taken a careful first look at it, and processed and assembled the facts. It is
my hope that this group will take the time to do the job right, and in a relatively short period of time. It is
my further hope, that whatever the results, their findings will be useful to you and your community in
considering how to address the challenges facing our public schools.
The meetings of the group will be open and although we need to assure a core group stays involved
throughout the process, anyone will be welcome. If you have someone you would seek to involve, please
call me, or email (gelber.dan@leg.state.fl.us). Debby Schwartz from our office is also available to
receive your suggestions. 0)
~Gelber
....;c,c:.'-.._"_..__
.. ",'-;, ,
CITY OF MIAMI BEACH
Office of the City Manager
Letter to Commission No. /cJ.&--- d~
lQ
From:
Neisen O. Kasdin and
Members of the City Commission
Jorge M. Gonzalez ~
City Manager
Date: June 12, 2001
To:
Subject: LETTER FROM REPRESENTATIVE DAN GELBER
Attached for your information is a letter from Representative Dan Gelber regarding the
proposed formation of an ad-hoc citizens group as it relates to Miami Beach Public
Schools.
I have assigned Assistant City Manager Bob Middaugh and Office of Children's Affairs
Director Maria Ruiz to stay involved in this process. If you have any questions please let
me know.
JMG\ptw
c: Assistant City Manager Bob Middaugh
Maria Ruiz, Office of Children's Affairs Director
f:Icmg r/$alllltc-O 1/repgelber .Itr
,....."