Councilman Elvis Maldonado, Chairman of the Homestead Education Committee, held the second annual Luncheon for Community Education Leaders on Thursday, November 15th at the Homestead Community Center. The purpose of the event was to bring together a community of educational leaders to network towards improving education in the City as well as recognizing and supporting
our educators, students, and schools.
“Bringing together our public, private and charter schools to discuss our educational needs is one way in which the Education Committee is helping our students,” said Councilman Elvis Maldonado at the event. “As someone who went through the education system within the City of Homestead from elementary to high school, I know the importance of the support systems we have, as well as the excellent opportunities we can offer if we unite our efforts.”
One of the keynote speakers at the luncheon was Superintendent for the South Region Schools Alex Martinez, who spoke about the new South Dade Region Office that he is planning on opening along Campbell Drive with the purpose of giving more access to information to students and families in the South Dade area.
“Our new office will offer a center for our teachers and parents to learn about the academic opportunities that are available for them,” said Superintendent Alex Martinez. “I want to support the work of our principals and teachers as well as guide parents through the opportunities the school system offers.”
Representing the private school sector as a keynote speaker was Dr. Kristine Burns, co-owner and director of Atala Montessori School for Creative Expression. Dr. Burns spoke about her school’s initiatives to partner with Homestead Air Reserve Base and other organizations for generating scholarships. “Even though we are a private school we want to give reach out to as many students as possible,” said Dr. Burns.
Among those in attendance at the Luncheon for Community Education Leaders were Mayor Steven C. Bateman, the members of the Homestead Education Committee, representatives from Miami-Dade County Public Schools, and various principal, educators and administrators from schools and education organizations throughout Homestead.
