Miami-Dade County, Florida — Dr. Bernard W. H. Jennings, candidate for the Miami-Dade County School Board, District 1, today unveiled an ambitious vision to generate new revenue for Miami-Dade County Public Schools while addressing one of the district's greatest challenges: attracting and retaining outstanding teachers and school employees.
Drawing upon his experience as Chairman of the Board of Trustees of Florida Memorial University, where he has helped develop innovative educational partnerships spanning multiple continents, Jennings believes Miami-Dade County Public Schools should begin thinking beyond traditional funding sources and position itself as a national leader in educational innovation.
Building International Educational Partnerships
Jennings proposes that Miami-Dade County Public Schools explore creating international educational partnerships with schools throughout Africa that align with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal No. 4 — Quality Education and the African Union's commitment to expanding digital learning opportunities.
Building upon educational models currently being advanced through Florida Memorial University's international collaborations, Jennings envisions relationships between schools in District 1 and partner schools throughout Africa and South America enabling asynchronous online learning, teacher collaboration, cultural exchanges, digital literacy, STEM education, entrepreneurship, and global citizenship education.
"District 1 represents one of the most culturally diverse communities in America. Our students should not only learn about the world — they should learn with the world."
Reimagining Closed School Facilities
Jennings also announced a proposal to transform selected closed or underutilized school facilities into affordable workforce housing reserved primarily for Miami-Dade County Public Schools employees.
Former classrooms could be thoughtfully converted into modern apartments, giving teachers, paraprofessionals, school police officers, bus drivers, custodians, cafeteria workers, and other district employees the first opportunity to lease affordable housing close to the communities they serve.
Creating Sustainable Revenue
Rental income generated from these redeveloped properties could support ongoing maintenance and operations, repay redevelopment investments over time, and generate additional revenue that could be directed toward teacher recruitment and retention, employee support programs, and educational innovation — subject to applicable law and School Board policy.
"This is about creating assets instead of liabilities. Every closed school represents an opportunity to strengthen our communities rather than weaken them."
Thinking Like Educational Entrepreneurs
Jennings believes School Board members must approach governance with an entrepreneurial mindset — building partnerships, pursuing innovation, and leveraging assets to create opportunities.
- International educational partnerships
- Workforce housing initiatives
- Expanded public-private partnerships
- Corporate sponsorships for career academies
- Educational research collaborations
- Workforce development partnerships
- Technology and innovation grants
- Alumni and philanthropic engagement
A Vision for the Future
Every proposal would require careful financial analysis, community input, legal review, and Board approval before implementation.
"I believe Miami-Dade County Public Schools can become a national model — not only for academic excellence, but for financial innovation. By building global educational partnerships, reimagining underused public assets, and creating sustainable new revenue sources, we can strengthen our schools, support our employees, and provide our students with opportunities that prepare them to compete in a global economy."
Media Contact
Friends of Dr. Bernard W. H. Jennings — Candidate for Miami-Dade County School Board, District 1
www.District1Schools.com · 786.486.7217
"The School Board should not simply ask how we can spend more money. We should ask how we can create more opportunities, generate new revenue, and invest those resources back into our students, teachers, and classrooms."