We will prioritize the root causes that have led us to a student safety crisis. We do this with a sense of urgency for more evidence-based social-emotional learning initiatives, increasing the number of counselors, family therapists, school psychologists, and other mental health professionals in our schools, and providing additional support to our newly created Department of Mental Health Services. We will tackle our ever-changing challenges in a rapidly evolving society — challenges like cyberbullying — by creatively working with community partners to serve the needs of every child.

We will increase academic proficiency for all students with a focus on college and career readiness. We will capitalize on one of our greatest assets – our diversity – to accelerate the pace at which we become a world leader in educating students in multiple languages with culturally-relevant curriculum.

We will invest in the development, success, and retention of our educators. Our educators and school staff work hard every day. We will prioritize setting them up for success by providing the professional development and resources they need and the respect they deserve.

We have made great strides to be a data- and opportunity-rich school system, but continue to observe inequities. We will prioritize the fair allocation of resources to all schools in South Dade so we all can live up to the promise of education to be the great equalizer.

We will design systems with, rather than for, students, teachers, parents, and community stakeholders. Our parents and caregivers want to make informed decisions about their child’s education and we should provide them with the resources to do so, while creating a culture of excellent customer service and shared responsibility. We will utilize technology to join us together to ensure that all voices are heard.

The coronavirus has exacerbated the inequities that have existed within our communities, posing an unprecedented challenge to our government systems. If we are going to address COVID-19–and all of its effects–then we must rethink how our school system can serve students. We will listen to the voices of community experts and scientists, fully fund Personal Protection Equipment and contact tracing, and protect the health of our students, staff, educators, parents, and community.