Local News

Miami-Dade school district officials confirmed the elimination of about 800 teaching positions, though it's hoped those teachers who held those jobs will be rehired to fill positions opened by attrition within the district. 

On WMBM 1490 AM radio, host Victor Curry was joined on Tuesday by two school board members: Agustin Barrera and Wilbert Holloway, along with a third guest on the phone, School Superintendent Rudy Crew.

The superintendent of the fourth-largest school district in the country is dealing with how to cut $284- million from the school system's budget, cuts which he says are undermining the achievements being made by Miami-Dade schools where test scores are on the rise.

Dr. Crew explained, "This work needs to continue. It has proven to have a huge impact in sections of this community that we're lagging sorely academically." 

He explained that among those 800 jobs being eliminated will be positions that affect special needs students and programs with small student enrollments.

Barrera added, "Where the biggest impact will be is non-instructional personnel and programs if you can't afford certain programs, we must reduce programs." 

The school system is playing the hand it was dealt by Tallahassee. State sales tax revenues have declined and lawmakers' cutting taxes means less money for schools.  Ironically, Dr. Crew said, it comes at a time South Florida schools are improving.

He said, "You're either going to pay for excellence or you are going to pay for ignorance. One way or the other you are going to pay." 

The show's host, Curry, suggested one solution would be electing lawmakers with a stronger commitment to education.

Curry said, "The problem lies in the state, and when people stop voting for people who are going to Tallahassee and voting against our best interests that is when things are going to change."