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LTC 492-2025 Committee for Quality Education MotionDocusign Envelope ID: 02071E9E-88E8-4F8A-AD56-55009F192F60 MIAMI BEACH OFFICE OF THE CITY CLERK NO. LTC #492-2025 LETTER TO COMMISSION TO: Honorable Mayor Steven Meiner and Members of the City Commission FROM: Rafael E. Granado, City Clerk 1J::1";�: &,V'(}JA,O.,k l!::FABBBAOBFB5E4CF ... DATE: November 18, 2025 SUBJECT: Committee for Quality Education Motion The Committee for Quality Education would like you to be aware of the following motion approved at the November 18, 2025 committee meeting regarding Schools of Hope Rule 6A-1.099827. C: Executive Staff Dr. Leslie Rosenfeld, Chief Education and Performance Officer Attachment Docusign Envelope ID:02071E9E-88E8-4F8A4-AD56-55009F192F6D City of Miami Beach Committee for Quality Education Meeting of November 18,2025 Members Present:Beverly Heller,Mary Keinath,James Orlowsky,Laurie Kaye Davis,Donielle Cohen,Jacquelynn Powers,Christine Perrin-Stocco,Karen Fryd,Nathalie Merle,and Rebecca Wehby,and Jonathan Rothman Members Absent:Rina Bass,Devorah Zeiger,Seth Guttenberg,Amy Ostroff,Jelena Khurana, Seth Guttenberg,Elizabeth Soto Motion 1 Made by Beverly Heller Seconded by Laurie Kaye Davis The Committee for Quality Education requests the Mayor and Commission support the concerns delineated below by Miami-Dade County Public Schools (MDCPS)regarding Schools of Hope Rule 6A-1.0998271 transmitted to the State of Florida Department of Education during rulemaking in September 2025. The Committee for Quality Education urges the Mayor and Commission to support the above request. Motion Passage 11-0 MDCPS Summary of Concerns About Rule 6A-1.0998271:Schools of Hope These revisions will strengthen the rule and ensure it achieves its intended purpose for students choosing both traditional public schools and Schools of Hope. •Definition of "Underused":We support clear criteria for identifying underutilized schools;however,relying solely on excess seats can lead to misclassification.We recommend a multi-year,COFTE-based standard to ensure decisions reflect consistent enrollment trends rather than short-term fluctuations. •Other Uses of Space:We value programs that extend learning and support families, such as VPK,Pre-K,Adult Education,Workforce Training,and other community services.To safeguard these vital offerings,the rule should recognize and protect such uses and establish a process for districts to reclaim or repurpose facilities when needed. •Title I Schools and Specialized Centers:We commend efforts to maximize space but emphasize that Title I schools and specialized centers (e.g.,ESE cluster sites)require dedicated areas not reflected in utilization data.This can create a misleading appearance of "excess seats"when the space is,in fact,essential to student success. Docusign Envelope ID:02071E9E-88E8-4F8A4-AD56-55009F192F6D •Unfunded Mandates:We are committed to providing high-quality services to all students.Requiring districts to deliver custodial,maintenance,food service,and nursing support without additional funding places undue strain on limited budgets. •Disruption to Planning:We support innovative educational opportunities,but co- location should not compromise long-term district planning.Schools of Hope should not be allowed to claim space earmarked for phased growth or future grade levels in new schools. •Overcrowding Risks:We respect the need for access but urge safeguards to prevent overcrowding.Districts typically maintain a buffer up to 90%capacity to allow for student mobility;allowing Schools of Hope to claim 100%of available seats risks displacing district students and forcing costly stop-gap measures. •Loss of Shared Space Access:We encourage equitable use of facilities but caution that unrestricted access to cafeterias,gyms,auditoriums,and parking can disrupt district students'schedules,enrichment programs,and daily operations. •Grade Level Misalignment:We strongly support safe and developmentally appropriate learning environments.The rule should address grade-level alignment to avoid mixing incompatible student populations (e.g.,elementary with high school)in the same facility, which poses safety and scheduling challenges. •Student Outcomes and School Ratings:Without clear accountability measures and demonstrated success,placing Schools of Hope in district facilities risks undermining the goal of improving student outcomes and may not represent a higher-quality option for families.