Miami-Dade County School Board District 08
The School Board of Miami-Dade County is comprised of nine members elected by the people. They serve four-year terms and are elected from individual single-member districts on a staggered basis.The School Board of Miami-Dade County sets district policy. It appoints a superintendent, who selects administrators to head the system s administrative divisions and carry out the Board s policy.Miami-Dade County Public Schools is the fourth largest school district in the United States, comprised of 392 schools, 345,000 students, and over 40,000 employees.
Click a candidate icon to find more information about the candidate. To compare two candidates, click the "compare" button. To start over, click a candidate icon.
-
Monica Colucci
(N)
-
Samuel "Sam" Joseph
(N)
1. Why are you running for office and what qualities, training, experience, and skills do you bring to this position?
2. What are the 3 most important issues facing Miami-Dade Public Schools? For each concern, how do you propose to mitigate/improve/resolve the issue?
Candidate has not yet responded.
Candidate has not yet responded.
Education
BS in Biology from Barry University
Public Service
Over 25 years of public service in the City of Coral Gables serving on many city committees and boards. "Key to the City" Award recipient from the City of Coral Gables in 2025.
Campaign Phone
(786)859-2307
Age
56
I am running for office because I feel I can better represent the desires, interests, and needs of the District 8 community because of my more than 30 years of education and public service experience with a legacy of leadership, consensus building, and success.
Student Enrollment Decline/Alternative Schooling Options Proliferation
-Host in partnership with municipalities and local businesses education resource fairs/forums to review local educational landscape and available options.
-Establish partnerships with consular community to recruit new students.
-Partner with local hospitals and municipalities to create "New Family Welcome Package" with public education options listed prominently.
Teacher Shortage
-Increase teacher pay to meet market rates
-Honor the "best of the best" of the teaching profession (in all categories including assistants and para professionals)
-Expand Teaching Academy's
Lack of confidence in the benefits of public education
-Provide more access and transparency for families, stakeholders, and community (property tax payers) to schools.
-Involve stakeholders in the decision-making processes (local town hall meeting, ad-hoc committees and boards, special interest volunteer groups)
-Publish annual Public Schools Report
To make a selection for a candidate you must first find your races. Would you like to find your races now?
You have already selected the maximum number of candidates for this race.
You must uncheck an existing selection before making another selection.