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Miami-Dade County School Board District 1 produced one of the most closely watched school board contests in North Dade this year. After a crowded primary, Linda Cothiere and Katrina Wilson advanced to the November runoff.
The County is making a dual endorsement, recommending both candidates for the seat.
That may seem unusual. It is also appropriate for a race in which both finalists bring substantial and complementary experience to the work of governing Miami-Dade County Public Schools.
Linda Cothiere brings the perspective of a longtime public-school educator and community leader. Her experience in building adult-learning programs gives her a direct understanding of the challenges facing teachers and students, knowledge that cannot be acquired simply by studying education policy from outside the system. Her strong performance in North Miami and North Miami Beach also reflects her connection to communities throughout the district.
Katrina Wilson brings a different but equally relevant perspective. A former public-school teacher and principal, Wilson has spent years working at the intersection of education administration, school choice and community leadership. She also previously served on the Miami Gardens City Council.
The candidates differ on important questions about how public education should evolve. Wilson has emphasized school choice and the role that educational options can play for families, while Cothiere's background is rooted more directly in traditional public-school education. Those differences deserve major consideration by voters.
But both candidates demonstrate the experience necessary to take the responsibilities of a school board member seriously.
District 1 is entering a consequential period. Miami-Dade schools are dealing with declining enrollment, budget pressures, school closures and consolidation, changes in state education policy, and a transition in district leadership.
In that environment, voters would benefit from having either of these experienced educators and community leaders on the board.
For Miami-Dade County School Board, District 1, The County recommends LINDA COTHIERE and KATRINA WILSON.
