EAB Meeting Minutes , August 25, 2021EDUCATION ADVISORY BOARD MINUTES
Wednesday, August 25, 2021
9900 NE 2nd Avenue
6:00 PM
The meeting was called to order at 6:04 pm by Mr. Netto with the following members present:
Antonio Netto
Kristin Feuer
Patty Walker
Dana Vignale
Sylvie Duerkop
Tiffany Anderson
Lesley Fraser
Absent: Daniel Jimenez
Also present: Ysabely Rodriguez, Village Clerk
Ms. Brenda Swain, Principal of Miami Shores Elementary School
1. Public Comments: No public comments were offered.
2. Ms. Walker moved to approve the minutes from the July 15, 2021 meeting. Ms. Fraser seconded
and the motion passed unanimously.
3. Report from Ms. Swain: Ms. Swain obtained permission to hold in-person meet and greet
sessions for parents, and instead of 2 sessions, she hosted 3 sessions. The school now has 601
students enrolled, and has had one COVID-positive student who was not exposed at MSES. The
school is fully staffed, and funding has allowed her to hire a math Coach.
4. Discussion of the presentation by Ms. Swain at the Village Council meeting on September 23:
Ms. Vignale shared a document she created with topics and questions to be included in the
presentation, including the student impact of the Cambridge program, training details,
implementation plans, advertising and marketing of the program and school, and budgeting
related to the program.
5. Landscaping project: Mr. Netto and Ms. Swain have been in communication about the project
and they have agreed to work with the PTA to provide support for ongoing maintenance. Mr.
Netto requested input from Board members for the wording of the fundraising social media page.
The original planting of podocarpus will take place on the south side of the school property. We
have one quote for $6.00/plant and Mr. Netto will see if he can find a better price. We will run
hoses from outdoor faucets to irrigate the plants after planting until they are established.
6. Ms. Swain has requested Capital Improvement funds to purchase an electronic marquee.
7. The new charter school has opened on the Johnson & Wales campus, and programs include a day
that is half in English, and half in Spanish. The capacity is low right now, but there is much interest
in the school from parents.
8. Ms. Vignale requested that Give Miami Day be on the agenda for our October meeting, but
registration will have to be completed by October 1. Ms. Vignale will find out what is needed to
register.
9. Ms. Swain shared that math and science scores fell significantly, and declined equally among
virtual and in-person students. 5th grade was the biggest concern. Raising achievement scores for
the students scoring in the lowest 25% is the main challenge.
10. Ms. Fraser inquired about the social-emotional well-being of the students. Ms. Swain has
requested more support from a mental health coordinator; the District has added 80 more
coordinators. The emphasis on emotional well-being has been the focus at the opening of school.
11. The Board agreed that due to scheduling conflicts, we would not hold a meeting in September,
but will try to attend the September 23 Village Council Meeting in a show of support for Ms. Swain
and MSES.
The meeting was adjourned at 7:08 p.m.
Next meeting: October 21, 2021 at 6:00 p.m.