Javier Baños
Baños is the Editor of Gables Insider
On December 12, 2023 the city of Coral Gables will debate an educational initiative spearheaded by the School Community Relations Committee (SCRC). This initiative, impactful for the city’s educational future, is now awaiting the endorsement of the City Commission. It represents a thoughtful, community-centered approach to educational investment, aiming to enrich student experiences across a broad spectrum of disciplines including music, arts, literature, and science.
The SCRC has been instrumental in bridging the gap between schools and the community. Facing increasing budgetary constraints on public schools, the committee has developed a strategic plan to elevate educational excellence in Coral Gables. This plan transcends mere financial aid; it envisions a future where education is integral to community development and economic growth.
Key to this program is the Gables Education Initiative, supported by the Parent-Teacher-Student Associations (PTSAs) of seven local schools. This coalition has brought forward data from the National Bureau of Economic Research and the National Association of Realtors. The research points to a clear conclusion: educational investment is not only beneficial for learning but also a driver of economic growth, enhancing property values and attracting investment.
However, there’s a funding gap. The current per-pupil expenditure in Miami-Dade County Public Schools (MDCPS) trails behind the national average and similar-sized districts. This disparity underscores the necessity for enhanced financial support. The SCRC’s proposal is straightforward yet impactful: a direct financial investment in education from the city’s operating budget. The extra dollars envisioned by the SCRC will provide additional community enrichment opportunities in city facilities, such as the Coral Gables War Memorial Youth Center and the newly remodeled library, promoting subsidized classes in music, language and visual arts, literature, and even possible STEM programs. This approach isn’t new—it mirrors actions taken by other municipalities in Miami-Dade County. But its potential impact is significant, promising to improve educational outcomes and enrich the community at large.
The SCRC’s resolution is a comprehensive plan. It urges the City Commission to integrate education as a key focus in Coral Gables’ strategic plan and to actively engage with residents to identify educational priorities. This decision is more than a policy choice; it’s a commitment to the future of Coral Gables, fostering a knowledge-rich, culturally vibrant community. The SCRC has laid the groundwork for a transformative educational approach. Now, it’s the City Commission’s turn to take this vision forward, potentially setting Coral Gables as a model for other cities in community-driven educational development.
In addition to the Educational Enhancement Investment Initiative, the City should be able to find easy ways to promote access to education in the City. For example, the Coral Gables Library is currently closed on Sundays. I cannot imagine that the cost savings is significant enough to justify the loss of access to this important public space for 1/2 of the weekend.
We need to tell the state and school board that we want our neighborhood schools back. We need to support public education and not ship students all over the county adding to traffic delays, long drop off lines in neighborhoods and stress. We need to integrate our parks system with the local schools and allow after school and weekend parks programming for healthy active kids in our community. We need to build safe routes to schools and parks. Kids should be able to walk and bike to school under our grate tree canopy. Enjoy the fresh air, get some exercise and be ready to exercise the mind. School are a CRTICAL GOVT INFRASTRUCTURE that affects everyone. Tell MDPS and your county/ state representatives that we want our schools back and we want Coral Gables residents to be able to send our kids to local neighborhood schools.
I am the original Chairman of the Committee and served as a member for many years.
This ploy is nothing more than a recycling of the ages old School Board money grab—squeeze more money out of affluent Gables so Board can spend the money elsewhere. Whatever additional services our taxpayers provide for what are mostly nonresidents, the Board will cut back on its own services.
We must bear in mind that Gables High is barely 10% Gables residents. We already subsidize plenty of nonresidents at our strained Youth Center facilities.
Look at your tax bill — where is the biggest chunk going to? We have been a donor community to the Board for many decades, at a significant spread between taxes and spending.
If we invest more City taxes in education, let it be at a charter high school for Gables residents.