Greetings,

It is with great honor, pride and humility that I continue to serve the students, parents, and community members of District 1. I want to express how proud and pleased I have been to see our students, faculty, and staff in our schools teaching and learning with passion, conviction, and purpose. Thank you all for your continued work in improving the learning and lives of our students and uplift of our community. I continue to be extremely proud of the perseverance, collective resolve and resilience of our community.

The year has started with great excitement. As the year continues to progress, lets continue to encourage our students, teachers, faculty, and staff to remain engaged in educational enrichment and committed to success so that we can continue on our journey to improve the lives of our youth. Thank you for all you have done and continue to do. I look forward to your continued support, encouragement, and efforts.

Let’s Work!

Educationally,
Steve Gallon III
School Board Member, District 1

At the School Board Meeting of January 17, 2024, Dr. Gallon recognized Arts Access Miami for their commitment to bringing the power of music and the arts to all youth in Miami and to the students of the Miami-Dade County Public Schools.

Arts Access Miami is a music and arts education coalition initiative working to identify and mobilize arts and music organizations across whole communities. This initiative was founded by Daniel Lewis and is led by The Miami Foundation and Young Musicians Unite, in an effort to bring the power of music and the arts to all youth in Miami.

Since 2020, Arts Access Miami has served over 12,000 students across 13 schools in the Carol City Feeder Pattern through the Miami Gardens Music Alliance and will be expanding to serve 16 schools in the Homestead and South Dade feeder patterns in the fall of 2024 through the creation of the South Dade Music Alliance. The Arts Access Alliance currently includes Achieve, Arts 4 Learning, Children’s Voice Chorus, Guitars Over Guns, Interlochen Center for the Arts, Miami Music Project, Saves the Music Foundation, Teeny Violini, and Young Musicians Unite.

“I am honored to recognize and support the work and success of Arts Access Miami,” said Dr. Gallon. “Their unwavering commitment to bringing the power of music and arts to all youth in Miami and the students of M-DCPS continues to inspire support for expanded access to arts and music education.”

It was a great start of the morning at Scott Lake Elementary School for the 6th Annual Real Men Read Initiative held on January 22, 2024.

This event provided yet another opportunity for men to read to students and model the importance of literacy and education.

Dr. Gallon saluted Principal Kenneth Williams, Ms. Porter, and the entire Scott Lake Elementary School family for this successful event. He also gave thanks to all of the men who came out to the event to read to the students and support the importance of literacy.

On January 22, 2024, Dr. Gallon displayed a great example of Anticipatory Leadership when he called for a meeting with middle and senior high school principals from District 1. This very important Round Table discussion was held regarding critical issues on safety, security, and operational matters at District 1 secondary schools.

“Special thanks to North Region Director Ann Lewis for facilitating me having this very important conversation, and for all principals for their input, candor, and openness to continuous improvement on behalf of our schools, community, and most importantly, our students,” said Dr. Gallon.

On January 23, 2024, Dr. Gallon had a great morning at the District 1 Principals and Pastors Partnership Breakfast.

This is a continuation of the District 1 initiative launched nearly 8 years ago, in which faith-based community organizations partner with schools to support the education of students and District 1’s overall education mission.

Dr. Gallon gave a special thanks to Pastor Felix of Bethel Evangelical Baptist Church for hosting and to those who came out to support.

On January 25, 2024, Dr. Gallon met with members of the District 1 Student Advisory Council.

This group provides valuable information, insight, and perspective regarding the learning and operational realities experienced by students in District 1 schools. For the past several years, this group of student leaders from middle, K-8, and senior high schools in District 1 have provided information which has led to Districtwide policy initiatives and improvements.

Dr. Gallon thanked Dr. Napoleon, principal of North Miami middle school for serving as host, North Region leadership, and all school staff that supported and assisted in this effort.

It was an amazing evening at the District 1 Town Hall Meeting held on January 30, 2024 at North Miami Senior High School. In addition to providing updates and a platform for community stakeholders, Dr. Gallon celebrated and recognized all of District 1’s 2024-2025 Teacher of the Year Honorees. He also recognized District 1’s very own Dr. Precious Symonette for receiving the U.S. Fulbright Award.

“These outstanding and dedicated educators reflect the fullness of our commitment to students and fulcrum of our work,” said a thankful Dr. Gallon. “Congratulations to all that were recognized this evening as you reflect and represent the best and brightest of our most noble profession.”

Dr. Gallon had a great day meeting with the senior citizens of the Brentwood area to provide information and updates on schools in District 1.

It is always a pleasure for him to continue to engage with these committed stakeholders and supporters of their schools and children.

The day served as continued affirmation on the importance of consistent engagement with community stakeholders throughout the duration of one’s public service and time in office.

It was another exciting evening in District 1 celebrating their students’ academic and overall success at the February 2024 District 1 Student of the Month Recognition Ceremony.

Dr. Gallon always finds it rewarding to assemble with parents, educators, community, stakeholders, students, and region and district staff to applaud their students.