PRESS RELEASE FROM THE OFFICE OF DR. STEVE GALLON III

May 22, 2023

At the School Board Meeting of May 17, 2023, the School Board approved agenda item H-4 proffered by Dr. Steve Gallon III, directing the Superintendent of Schools, in consultation with the General Counsel, to conduct a comprehensive presentation on the initial impetus, relevant quantitative data, research-based and legal framework, program development, overview, implementation, measurable impact, current status, and any additional relevant information pertaining to the District’s programs for local, small, micro, minority, women and veteran owned businesses programs at a School Board Workshop to be held no later than August 30, 2023.

M-DCPS promotes and supports the economic development and growth of local, small, micro, minority, women and veteran owned businesses through its certification program, advisory committee, community outreach programs, contract review and monitoring activities in addition to ongoing interaction with other municipal agencies, quasi-public agencies, and the local marketplace. Further, these efforts reflect fair, open, and transparent business practices, and those that seek to eliminate perceived, artificial, or actual barriers to business engagements with M-DCPS and allow businesses in this community to flourish without the impediments or barriers of discrimination.

School Board policies and practices regarding these programs were established after completion of several disparity studies, and through a comprehensive, legally defensible process and one which serves as the guardrails of assurance and protection for the Board’s local, small, micro, minority, women, and veteran owned business programs.

“Miami-Dade County Public Schools has remained steadfast in its commitments to embracing and promoting an inclusive community, including those in the area of business practices,” said Dr. Gallon. “The approval of this item will enable the Board to review, discuss, and further understand these matters from a policy, legal, and practical perspective.”

To read the full item, click here: h4rev.pdf (dadeschools.net).