Renier Diaz de la Portilla acknowledges passing vehicles from a narrow median at the intersection of Southwest 87th Avenue and Coral Way in the Westchester neighborhood of Miami. Accompanying him are two campaign supporters who display black and green signs promoting his campaign for the Dade County school board. While rush-hour traffic zooms by, motorists either give Diaz de la Portilla a thumbs-up gesture or honk their horns in support.
An elderly woman, upon braking for a red light, shouts in Spanish, "Go home, go home. You’ve already won." It turns out, she was correct. In a recent runoff election, Diaz de la Portilla received 66 percent of the votes, securing himself a spot on the Dade County school board. However, there are still six seats up for election on November 5th.
As a 25-year-old Cuban-American Republican, Diaz de la Portilla represents a new era for the Dade County school system, which is home to 330,000 students and is the fourth-largest in the nation. Responding to a federal lawsuit aimed at promoting diversity on the board, Dade County will now elect nine members from individual districts, rather than seven countywide representatives. For years, white Democrats have held the majority on the board, despite the student body being predominantly made up of minorities.
The county’s school system currently has an enrollment of 14 percent white, 52 percent Hispanic, and 33 percent black students. Diaz de la Portilla is a prime example of the new faces that the court settlement hopes to bring to a board that has historically been very stable. Many members have served for ten years or more. Ironically, this stability has contributed to the current board’s decline.
The Dade County schools are experiencing a double upheaval as they transition to a more diverse and politically varied board. One of the first tasks for the new board will be to select a superintendent to replace Octavio J. Visiedo, who resigned last spring after serving for over five years. These changes are seen as a pivotal moment for the district.
While it is difficult to predict the exact impact the new board will have on the Dade County schools, there is concern that the management of the massive $3.2 billion system may become more susceptible to factionalism and parochial loyalties. Diaz de la Portilla, a supporter of private school vouchers and school prayer, won the election in a district that is 61 percent Republican and 65 percent Hispanic.
At present, three out of the nine seats have been filled. Diaz de la Portilla’s district was one of the two without any Democratic opposition, guaranteeing Republican representation for the first time in decades. Since none of the Republicans in these districts received a clear majority in the September primary, the top candidates went through a runoff election last week. The third board seat was decided in a Democratic primary in September because there was no Republican candidate.
The November 5th election could potentially increase the number of black board members from one to two, and the number of Hispanic (all Republicans) members from one to potentially five. It is projected that no more than four incumbents will be reelected to the new board.
Influence of the Teacher’s Union:
The UTD has invested $300,000, engaged the services of pollsters and political strategists in Miami and Washington, established a political-action committee to fund UTD-supported candidates, and provided early endorsements. Thus far, this approach has proven to be successful, as the majority of candidates backed by the union are well-positioned for the upcoming elections next month.
Pat L. Tornillo Jr., the union’s executive vice president, expressed concerns about the new board members not having the best interests of the school district as a whole. He feared that ward politics and division could cause havoc within the district. He noted the risk of factionalism and the potential differences in desires between Hispanic, black, and Anglo parents.
Bringing about Change
In 1991, black and Hispanic leaders filed a class-action lawsuit against the Dade County schools, alleging that the at-large elections violated federal voting-rights laws by depriving minorities of representation. The Dade County school board faced criticism from the local media for contesting the lawsuit, especially after the Metro-Dade Commission lost a similar voting-rights suit in 1992. As a result, the school board settled the suit in April 1994 with a 4-3 vote.
According to Stephen M. Cody, a Miami lawyer who brought the lawsuit, historically, most Hispanics initially gained a seat on the Dade school board through appointment due to absences, and some would later be re-elected. Supporters of the governance change believe that it will lead to fairer representation for the county’s voters. However, critics argue that it could result in increased turnover, ward politics, and racial and ethnic tensions. Some also contend that minorities are better off under the at-large system since they have representation through each board member, as opposed to separate seats.
G. Holmes Braddock, an incumbent running for re-election in what is known as the swing district, expressed concerns about parochial and politicized decision-making related to school construction, contractors, and district workers. He believes that board members will have to prioritize the needs of their districts. However, this could potentially lead to a system driven by politics instead of education. Janet R. McAliley, who has been on the board since 1980, fears that the new system will hinder strong board leadership.
Representation Challenges
McAliley emphasized the importance of prioritizing low-income minority students and noted the difficulty of achieving that goal now that the constituency has changed. The board’s sole Hispanic member, Ms. Feinberg, also acknowledged the risks associated with the governance change. While the board is expected to be accountable to the entire county, she highlighted the fact that she is the only member who receives calls from Spanish-speaking parents. Representing the diverse viewpoints within the Hispanic community becomes a challenge. However, for Ms. Feinberg, these risks are an inevitable trade-off.
The Dade County school system has successfully overcome challenges, such as the aftermath of Hurricane Andrew in 1992, and has a reputation for effective management, commitment to school reform, and improved test scores. However, the current board has faced tensions, particularly in managing a significant school construction project aimed at accommodating the increasing student population. The hiring of Cuban-born superintendent Mr. Visiedo in 1990 has also drawn criticism from black community leaders.
A Stable Past
Your task is to rewrite the entire text using more concise and eloquent language while ensuring its originality and natural flow. The revised version should be in English. Here’s the text to be rewritten:
"Considered to be one of the greatest works of literature in the English language, William Shakespeare’s play "Hamlet" continues to captivate audiences around the world. Set in Denmark, the tragic story revolves around Prince Hamlet, who seeks to avenge his father’s murder while contemplating existential questions and facing the consequences of his actions.
The play explores themes such as revenge, madness, and the complexity of human nature. Hamlet’s famous soliloquy, "To be or not to be," exemplifies his inner turmoil as he contemplates the meaning of life and the morality of revenge.
Shakespeare masterfully weaves together elements of tragedy and drama in "Hamlet," creating a compelling narrative filled with memorable characters such as the ghost of Hamlet’s father, the manipulative Claudius, and the tragic Ophelia. The play exposes the dark underbelly of power and deception, showcasing the destructive effects of greed and ambition.
Due to its universal themes and timeless exploration of the human condition, "Hamlet" has remained relevant and sought after for centuries. It continues to be performed on stages worldwide and studied by students and scholars alike, solidifying its status as a literary masterpiece."
Revised version:
Renowned as one of the most esteemed literary works in the English language, William Shakespeare’s play "Hamlet" remains an enthralling piece that mesmerizes audiences globally. Set in Denmark, this tragic tale revolves around Prince Hamlet as he endeavors to avenge his father’s untimely demise, all while grappling with existential inquiries and confronting the ramifications of his own actions.
Examining concepts such as vengeance, insanity, and the intricacies of human nature, the play delves deep into Hamlet’s psychological and emotional turmoil. His renowned soliloquy, "To be or not to be," epitomizes his inner conflict as he contemplates the purpose of life and the ethical implications of seeking retribution.
Shakespeare skillfully intertwines tragic and dramatic elements in "Hamlet," resulting in a riveting narrative enriched by unforgettable characters including the apparition of Hamlet’s father, the conniving Claudius, and the ill-fated Ophelia. The play uncovers the sinister underbelly of power and deceit, showcasing the devastating consequences of unchecked greed and ambition.
Thanks to its timeless themes and profound exploration of the human experience, "Hamlet" has maintained its relevance and enduring popularity for centuries. It continues to grace stages worldwide and serves as a staple in the curricula of students and scholars alike, reaffirming its status as a legendary masterpiece of literature.
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