Our School is the Cornerstone of our Community
Published on September 03, 2024
By Larisa Svechin, Mayor
As we kick off another school year, I am filled with pride to see our students returning to NSE Sunny Isles Beach K-8, an A-rated school that has become the cornerstone of our community. The school, governed by the Miami-Dade County Public School (MDCPS) system, is a product of the vision and determination of past city leaders, both elected officials and residents, as well as supporters from outside our city—a journey that began over two decades ago.
In the early 2000s, families with school age children began moving to Sunny Isles Beach. It became clear that building a school within our city limits was not a priority but a necessity. In 2004, the Sunny Isles Beach Commission approved a plan that would change the demographic makeup of our city. This concept directed us to partner with MDCPS, offering both resources and land, with an investment of a $12 million grant to the school district, helping acquire a 2.1-acre site for the school. They knew then that a land investment is key for future community needs.
This passion and commitment was instrumental in bringing this vision to life. When NSE/SIB K-8 opened its doors in 2008, it immediately set a high standard of excellence. The founding principal was committed to creating an A-rated school, knowing that this required both talented teachers and top-performing students. To achieve this, she recruited the best educators from nearby schools, but also brought in high achieving students from Eastern Shores and surrounding areas, setting NSE/SIB K-8 on a path to success from the very beginning. At that time, we did not have enough students to fill the school. Well, that lasted only one year.
As the school’s reputation for excellence grew, so did enrollment, leading to overcrowding as quickly as the second year. To address this, transfers into the school from outside the designated boundaries are no longer being authorized. This measure ensures that our local children continue to have the best access to high-quality education.
Our school is the cornerstone of our community. It is what brings us all together and sometimes provides for animated discussions. It is a place where our children receive top-notch education in a nurturing environment. As we move forward, I ask for your support and cooperation to keep this school the best place for Sunny Isles Beach kids. Ensuring that our children have access to the best education possible is a responsibility we all share.
Contact Mayor Larisa Svechin at lsvechin@sibfl.net or 305.792.1753.