A focus of the meeting was on the recommendations presented by the DDEC ad hoc subcommittee, which centered on initiatives to enhance the academic success of black male students in the county. The subcommittee’s recommendations included a media campaign to reflect the achievements of successful black male students and the creation of a database of supportive organizations. The board discussed the development of school environments to foster a sense of belonging for these students and recommended training for teachers and administrators to bolster their success.

Another highlight of the meeting was the presentation by the Volunteer Association of Florida, which outlined the organization’s mission to advocate for the Haitian American community. The association has been instrumental in establishing a Haitian Creole dual language program in the county’s schools, a move described as groundbreaking for the district. The program aims to cater to several students from the Haitian population and plans are in place to expand it further. The association’s collaborative efforts with various community organizations were recognized as key to addressing educational inequities and empowering the Haitian American community through voter registration drives and advocacy efforts.

Mariana Blanco, the assistant director at the Guatemala Maya Center, also presented the board with an overview of the center’s services, which support a diverse population, including indigenous Maya and recent migrant families. The center provides early literacy programs, after-school care, and a free clinic for uninsured individuals. Blanco discussed the barriers faced by this population, such as language and cultural competence, and the center’s role in advocacy, including know-your-rights classes and assistance with power of attorney.

The meeting also shed light on the efforts of an organization that works with South Florida to feed the community. The organization expressed the need for increased cooperation with the school board to better serve Haitian families and to promote Haitian appreciation day. They advocated for more representation of Haitian Americans in administrative positions and the establishment of a Haitian Caribbean Resource Center in the county.

In the realm of student assessment, the board discussed the classical learning test (CLT), which serves as an alternative to the SAT and ACT for college admissions and for students unable to meet the score on the FSA. The success rates of students meeting concordance scores on the CLT, especially in math, were highlighted, along with the incorporation of CLT-focused strategies into intensive reading and algebra recovery courses.

The board explored communication strategies to inform parents about summer school options, with emphasis on the importance of timely communication for at-risk students. Fee waivers for standardized tests were discussed, and it was clarified that while charter schools have the option to offer the CLT, the district does not fund these tests, unlike for alternative schools operated by the district.

The meeting concluded with a presentation on the Stronger Connections Grant, which was awarded to address chronic absenteeism and support ESC and ELL students, funding positions such as case managers and student voice leads. The board discussed the $3,000 scholarship opportunity for high school seniors and scheduled the next meeting for April 24th.