Introduction to the Initiative
The kids in the third-grade class at Phyllis Ruth Miller Elementary attend an A-rated school, a Montessori magnet school, which has room for more students. A group of CEOs believes that the issue of empty desks is a marketing problem.
“So this is our down payment on the future of Miami-Dade County’s public education system,” said Raul Moas, president of the Partnership for Miami.
The Partnership for Miami
The Partnership is a group made up of 23 CEOs who are paying for six A-rated schools to promote their product to families. “We chose these six schools because when you look at English, language arts and reading proficiency and mathematics proficiency, these schools consistently perform really strongly,” Moas explained. The six schools are Phyllis Ruth Miller Elementary, Snapper Creek Elementary, Zora Neale Hurston Elementary, Marjory Stoneman Douglas Elementary, Crestview Elementary, and Southwood Middle School.
Unique Programs and Initiatives
They have a first-rate music education program at Southwood, led by the district’s current teacher of the year. The superintendent told us, like all the schools on the list, Southwood has something unique to promote. “Sometimes we think that schools are all the same, no they’re not, every community is different, every school is different, every school wants to promote a certain element of what they do very, very well or specialized programs,” said Dr. Jose Dotres, superintendent of Miami-Dade County Public Schools.
Marketing and Enrollment
“Each of these six schools is able to engage a marketing firm that specializes in enrollment marketing for education, for schools,” Moas said. With the proliferation of charter schools plus vouchers for private schools, enrollment in Miami-Dade’s public schools has dropped from 351,000 in 2003 to 241,000 this school year. Dotres says informing the public about the district’s magnet and choice programs is crucial. “So we’re doing a lot to create awareness of the incredible value and relevance that our public schools have in Miami,” the superintendent said.
Conclusion
The Partnership’s initiative to promote enrollment in A-rated schools is a step in the right direction. By highlighting the unique programs and initiatives offered by these schools, the district hopes to attract more students and families. Dotres is a strong supporter of the Partnership’s initiative, and believes that it will help the district to better market its schools and inform the public about the opportunities available for students in Miami-Dade County Public Schools.
FAQs
Q: What is the Partnership for Miami?
A: The Partnership for Miami is a group of 23 CEOs who are working to promote enrollment in A-rated schools in Miami-Dade County.
Q: Which schools are part of the initiative?
A: The six schools are Phyllis Ruth Miller Elementary, Snapper Creek Elementary, Zora Neale Hurston Elementary, Marjory Stoneman Douglas Elementary, Crestview Elementary, and Southwood Middle School.
Q: Why are the schools being promoted?
A: The schools are being promoted to attract more students and families, and to inform the public about the unique programs and initiatives offered by these schools.
Q: How will the schools be promoted?
A: Each school will engage a marketing firm that specializes in enrollment marketing for education, for schools.
Q: What is the goal of the initiative?
A: The goal of the initiative is to increase enrollment in Miami-Dade County Public Schools, and to inform the public about the opportunities available for students in the district.
