Parents and students want a charter school in Key BiscayneParents and students gathered at the Village Council Chamberto ask the council to apply for a charter high school. Published in The Miami Herald on June 1st, 2008 Seventh-grader Rodolfo Martínez stood in front of parents, classmates and city administrators Tuesday and asked the Key Biscayne mayor and council members to build a high school for him. A capacity crowd was on hand to hear council members discuss whether to complete an application process so the village can have a charter high school. ''Next year, what's going to be in our minds is where are we going to go to high school,'' Rodolfo, 13, said. ``Kids need somewhere close to home.'' Key Biscayne does not have a high school, so parents have to drive out of the village to take their children to school on the mainland. Car pooling is not an appealing option, some residents said. ''Car pooling is an unnecessary burden for the families,'' parent Leo Brito said. ``Key Biscayne owes its teenagers a community-based school they can walk to or ride a bike.'' Mayor Robert Vernon said Tuesday the funds required to complete the application, which is a non-binding process, already have been allocated. Council members warned that even if they go through the application process, the high school may not be ready in time for Rodolfo and his classmates. ''I seriously have my doubts,'' said Councilman Enrique García. ``If I were you, I will secure a spot in another high school.'' Among the council's concerns are whether there are enough children who will attend the high school in the village . Other concerns: where the high school will be built and who will teach there. To date, more than 400 families have contacted the council to express their desire for a high school. The decision on whether to apply for the charter high school will be made at the June 10 council meeting. If approved, staff will be appointed to take care of the process. Also at Tuesday's meeting, council members discussed whether to hire a consulting firm to help decide how to develop an open plot of land at 530 Crandon Blvd. City leaders have wondered what to do with the land for years, but have not made a decision. IBI Group presented a contract and proposal seeking more than $95,000. Council members rejected the proposal and asked IBI to draft a new one. IBI will present a new contract June 10. At the end of the meeting, Ramon Castella of C3TS gave an update about an ongoing sewage and water pipe project. Construction will begin June 9 on zones 2 and 3, which go from West Heather Drive on the north, to West Mashta Drive on the south, and from Fernwood Road on the East to Harbor Drive on the west. Castella said the project is on schedule and expected to be finished December 2009. |
