Dr. Larry Feldman: A teacher with a true vocation
- "Working with and for children is what I enjoy the most. I enjoy the excitement of learning and bringing exciting opportunities to our schools and students”; that’s how Dr. Larry Feldman, Chairperson of The School Board of Miami-Dade County, thinks. Dr. Feldman has been representing District 9 for the past eight years.
Dr. Feldman, whose favorite hobby is rock climbing, has worked as a teacher, assistant director, director and regional director and received awards from the South Dade Community Leadership Award and Jose Marti Community Service Award among others.With his vast experience, this cheerful and helpful educator tells us why he is still serving the students of Miami Dade County.
1.What motivated you to become a board member?
I was retiring in 2008, but I wanted to see my first class of 8th graders ‘graduate’ from the neighborhood elementary school turned K-8. At that time, I offered the School Board and Superintendent my continued services for $1. They called me the “Dollar Principal.” They rejected the offer. I was saddened when my offer was rejected despite a devastating economic crisis and depleted school district reserves.
I knew then that although I could not continue to serve the children and community of my own neighborhood, I could make a difference in the lives of many more children, teachers and communities.
2.What advantage does your district have?
District 9 has the most multi-culturally and economically diverse communities throughout Miami. I have come to know and be a part of the Cutler Bay, Florida City, Homestead, Naranja, Palmetto Bay, Perrine, Pinecrest, and Richmond Heights communities as I have worked with neighborhood schools to increase academic achievement and broaden opportunities for all students.
3. What projects have you done in your district?
During the past eight years, I am honored to have played a role in new schools opening in the deep south like MAST @ Homestead and The Center for International Education: A Cambridge Associate School; proud of working to open new schools in Richmond Heights and Goulds like BioTech@Richmond Heights and Arthur and Polly Mays Conservatory of the Arts.
Another point of pride for me is the FBI program at Miami Palmetto Senior High, offering AP Capstone courses for high-level learning and challenging curriculum.
With now 43 years of experience in schools throughout the district, I see opportunities to improve education and security for our students. I have successfully sponsored agenda items that:
• Prohibited the use of data transmission devices (texting or cell phone use) while operating school-board-owned vehicles.
• Strengthened current policies and practices related to head and brain injuries sustained during athletic events and physical education classes.
• Ensured each middle and high school is staffed with a School Board Police Officer to enhance student safety.
• Expanded a powerful Digital Citizenship Awareness Campaign to educate all students, parents, and guardians of their rights, responsibilities, and available resources as digital citizens.
• Implemented the Sandy Hook Promise “See Something, Say Something” gun-violence prevention programs and trainings and “Start with Hello” program which teaches children, teens and young adults how to be more socially inclusive and connected to one another. All training is paid for by Sandy Hook Promise.
4. What plans do you want to implement in your district?
As School Board Chair, I remain determined, passionate, and committed to continuing an emphasis on students as its central focus and those that serve our students, teachers, administrators, staff and parents.
This School Board is convinced that we along with our superintendent and employees must and will prove that beyond all, children can learn … more importantly, all children shall learn and thrive at higher levels of success, self-esteem, confidence, empathy, dedication, and love.
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