Power U Center for Social Change Mobilizes Miami Residents for MDCPS Annual Budget Hearing

Power U Center for Social Change is leading an intergenerational movement to mobilize Miami residents for the upcoming Miami-Dade County Public Schools (MDCPS) Annual Budget Hearing on July 31st. Power U members and supporters will voice their concerns and advocate for significant changes in the school district’s policies and budget allocations.

As part of our ongoing campaigns, we are calling for the following key initiatives to be implemented in the near future:

1. Restricting Weapons in Schools: We urge the School Board to create policies that prohibit School Resource Officers (SROs) from carrying firearms, pepper spray, or electronic restraints/tasers in schools, except in active shootings or similar life-threatening emergencies. Schools should be safe havens for learning and education, not environments that resemble war zones or prisons.

2. Annual Evaluation of Restorative Practices Program: We request the School Board commit to an annual evaluation of the Restorative Practices (RP) program across all elementary, middle, and high schools. Regular assessments will help collect essential data to identify necessary investments to improve the RP program, benefiting all constituents in our school district.

3. Sustainable Full-Time Nurses Program: We advocate for the use of funds from the Stronger Connections Grant and the referendum to address safety concerns by supporting a sustainable full-time nurses program in MDCPS. These positions should be mandatory to ensure students’ physical health is prioritized.

4. Comprehensive Sex Education: We stand in solidarity with students in requesting the Department of Education to approve the Health Education Curriculum for the 2024-2025 school year. This approval is crucial to ensuring students receive adequate and comprehensive sex education.

5. School Pantries with Non-Toxic Hygiene Products: We propose the creation of a community advisory board or support group to establish school pantries that provide non-toxic hygiene products. This initiative aims to create a safe and effective learning environment for all students and address the issue of students missing school due to their menstrual cycles.

Power U Center for Social Change believes that these initiatives are vital for creating a safer, healthier, and more supportive educational environment for all students. We encourage all Miami residents to join us at the MDCPS Annual Budget Hearing and support these crucial changes.

Power U MDCPS Budget Rally

For more information, please contact:

Ian White
Communications Director
Power U Center for Social Change
786-464-4910
info@poweru.org

### About Power U Center for Social Change

Power U is a grassroots organization led by everyday people dedicated to social justice, community empowerment, and leadership development. Through advocacy, education, and community organizing, Power U works to address systemic inequalities and create positive change in Miami-Dade County.

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