Miami-Dade School Board honors community leaders, approves two-year calendars and orders safety/security review following Madison shooting

The Miami‑Dade County School Board on Jan. 15 recognized several long‑time community leaders, approved academic calendars for the next two school years and directed staff to review district safety, security and mental‑health protocols in light of a recent school shooting in Madison, Wis.

The board passed three resolutions honoring civic leaders: resolution 25‑003 recognizing G. Holmes Braddock; resolution 25‑001 recognizing Gustavo “Gus” Cabrera; and resolution 25‑002 recognizing Vernon Carey. Each resolution was presented on the dais and adopted by voice vote. Board members who introduced and presented the items praised the honorees’ long records of service to Miami‑Dade County Public Schools (MDCPS) and the community.

The superintendent’s informational reports highlighted three recognitions and one district program: 13 MDCPS schools were named Florida Purple Star Schools of Distinction (a program recognizing schools that serve military families); Southwest Miami Senior High was designated an ESPN/National Special Olympics Unified Champion School; the district announced CPR Day Miami for Saturday, Jan. 25, 2025 (in partnership with Jackson Health, the American Red Cross, the American Heart Association and with Cigna underwriting three‑hour certifications at reduced cost); and the Miami‑Dade Military Museum offered support for the Purple Star initiative. Assistant Superintendent Lisette Alves called principals forward to receive the Purple Star recognition at the meeting.

On required business, the board approved…