Perla Tabares Hantman
Perla Tabares Hantman, the longtime and first Hispanic woman chair of the Miami-Dade County School Board, has passed away, leaving behind a lasting legacy in Florida’s educational system. Her passing is a profound loss to the Miami-Dade community, educators, students, and families. Hantman’s unwavering commitment to public education shaped the future of learning in Miami-Dade, fostering opportunities and setting high academic standards.
Sylvester Turner Obituary: A Legacy of Leadership and Service
A Journey of Perseverance and Passion
Born in Cuba, Hantman immigrated to the United States and devoted her life to public service and education. She believed that quality education is a key pathway to upward mobility and worked tirelessly to enhance educational opportunities for all students. Her career began when she was first elected to the Miami-Dade County School Board in 1996, where she focused on improving public education and ensuring every student, regardless of background, had the resources to succeed.
Historic Leadership and Impact
As the first Hispanic woman to serve as chair of the Miami-Dade County School Board, Hantman played a pivotal role in shaping the district’s future. Her leadership was instrumental in promoting educational progress, inclusivity, and excellence. She worked to close the achievement gap and expand opportunities for students from diverse backgrounds, ensuring greater access to quality education throughout Miami-Dade.
Championing STEM Education and Literacy
One of Hantman’s major contributions was her advocacy for STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) education. She recognized the importance of preparing students for a rapidly evolving world and pushed for initiatives that equipped them with essential skills. Her efforts helped elevate the district’s STEM programs, giving students access to valuable resources and career opportunities.
Additionally, Hantman was a staunch supporter of literacy, understanding that reading and writing are fundamental to academic success. She worked to implement literacy programs that improved student performance and helped boost literacy rates across the district. Her passion for education left a lasting mark on Miami-Dade’s academic landscape.
Dedication to School Safety and Infrastructure
Beyond academics, Hantman prioritized the safety and well-being of students and staff. She collaborated with local and state officials to enhance school security, ensuring that schools provided a safe learning environment. Her leadership helped Miami-Dade schools become more secure and adaptive to modern educational challenges.
Hantman also played a key role in securing funding for school infrastructure improvements. She championed projects that led to school renovations, technological advancements, and enhanced academic programs, ensuring that students had access to state-of-the-art facilities and learning resources.
A Lasting Educational Legacy
Perla Tabares Hantman’s passing leaves a deep void in the Miami-Dade community, but her legacy will endure through the many programs and initiatives she championed. Scholarships, school programs, and other tributes being considered in her memory will ensure that her contributions continue to benefit future generations.
Her unwavering dedication to public service, passion for education, and commitment to student success will continue to inspire educators, students, and leaders. Her legacy is one of perseverance, integrity, and a steadfast belief in the power of education to transform lives.
Honoring a Visionary Leader
As we remember Perla Tabares Hantman, we pay tribute to a visionary leader who dedicated her life to improving education and enriching the lives of students. Though she is no longer with us, her influence will be felt for generations. Her spirit will live on in the schools she helped shape, the educators she inspired, and the students she empowered. May she rest in peace, knowing her legacy of educational excellence will continue to shine brightly.