During a recent government meeting, community members, students, and educators gathered to discuss pressing issues surrounding safety and health in Miami-Dade County schools. The focus of the evening was on the implementation of restorative practices and the urgent need for improved health resources within educational institutions.

Daryl Mezdou, a recent graduate, shared his experiences of violence and conflict in schools, emphasizing the detrimental impact of physical altercations on the learning environment. He advocated for the expansion of restorative practices, arguing that they could equip students with the skills to manage conflicts and emotions, ultimately fostering a safer school atmosphere. Mezdou called for an annual evaluation of the restorative practices program to ensure its effectiveness.

Angela Ortiz highlighted the importance of student voices in shaping safety measures within schools. She noted that students have been actively engaged in understanding their role in the community and recognizing that budget allocations reflect institutional priorities. Ortiz urged the school board to consider student recommendations on what safety and care should look like in their schools.

Alison Najera, a student from Little Haiti, addressed the critical shortage of health resources, specifically the need for full-time, non-discretionary nurses in schools. She recounted her own experiences of inadequate medical support, stressing that current nurse availability is insufficient for the needs of students. Najera's testimony underscored the broader issue of health and safety in schools, calling for the school board to prioritize these concerns.

Jandrick Castro, a member of the advocacy group Poweru, shared alarming insights into the conditions of Miami-Dade public schools, including a lack of basic supplies and health education. He pointed out the absence of essential resources such as toilet paper and menstrual products, as well as the need for comprehensive health education to empower students with knowledge about their bodies.

The meeting underscored a collective call for action to enhance safety and health resources in schools, with community members urging the school board to prioritize these critical issues in their decision-making processes.