Miami-Dade Schools Superintendent Alberto Carvalho had a little history lesson Wednesday for state officials who want to close down three struggling schools in his district: They better bring a Spanish Armada.
"There is a stronger chance of the crown of Spain reclaiming Florida than of us shutting down [Miami] Central and [Miami] Edison Senior high schools" he said. "It will not happen!"
Florida Department of Education members are scheduled to meet next week to discuss closing Miami Central Senior High and Miami Edison Senior High or converting them into charter schools.
The schools have been on the Florida Department of Education’s list of struggling schools for the last three years.
Both schools have improved from F’s in 2005 to receiving C’s in the 2009-2010 school year. High School grades for the 2010-2011 school year have not been released.
However, they both failed to meet the federal requirements under the No Child Left Behind Law.
Miami-Dade Superintendent Alberto Carvalho said he's determined to keep the schools open and has filed an appeal with the state.
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"There is no way on God's green earth we will ignore the progress that has been observed and witnessed by this community," he said, "with double digit increases in graduation in just three short years, with remarkable increases in reading, math, and science."
In 2006, former Miami-Dade Superintendent Rudy Crew led a push to temporarily close Miami Edison. The plans were cancelled following negative reactions from community members.
A decision on the future of the two schools could come as soon as July 19.
"I stand here today to proclaim that Central, Edison and many other schools in our community are the beacons of hope for these communities," Carvalho said. "Shutting them down is tantamount to shutting down a temple, synagogue or a church. And I shall not do it!"
