Perla Tabares Hantman, the longtime chair of the Miami-Dade County School Board, has passed away, leaving behind a lasting legacy in Florida’s educational landscape. Her death marks a profound loss not only to the Miami-Dade community but also to educators, students, and families throughout the region. Known for her unwavering commitment to public education, Hantman’s life and career were defined by an exceptional dedication to improving the quality of education and creating opportunities for students in the Miami-Dade County School District. She was a guiding force in local education, and her contributions will be remembered for years to come.
Born in Cuba, Perla Tabares Hantman immigrated to the United States, where she quickly became a dedicated leader in both education and public service. Her story is one of perseverance, passion, and an unwavering belief that quality education is the foundation for upward mobility. This belief drove her to work tirelessly to ensure that every student, regardless of their background or circumstances, had access to the best possible education. Hantman’s commitment to this cause began when she first became involved in public education, and it continued throughout her career.
Hantman’s journey in education began in 1996 when she was first elected to the Miami-Dade County School Board. From the outset, her passion for improving public education and supporting teachers was evident. She quickly earned the respect of her colleagues, the community, and the people she served. Her deep understanding of the challenges students and educators faced, along with her dedication to addressing those challenges, made her an invaluable asset to the School Board and to the district as a whole. Throughout her time on the Board, she remained focused on the goal of improving educational outcomes and ensuring that all students had the tools they needed to succeed.
As the first Hispanic woman to serve as the chair of the Miami-Dade County School Board, Hantman made history. Her tenure, which spanned multiple terms, highlighted her extraordinary leadership skills and the trust the community placed in her vision for educational advancement. Her leadership was marked by a passion for progress, inclusivity, and educational excellence. Under her guidance, the school district made tremendous strides in expanding educational opportunities for students, increasing access to quality education, and working toward closing the achievement gap that existed for students from diverse backgrounds.
One of the hallmarks of Hantman’s leadership was her unwavering focus on expanding STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) initiatives within the district. She strongly believed that preparing students for the future meant equipping them with the knowledge and skills they would need to thrive in a rapidly changing world. Hantman worked tirelessly to promote STEM programs, ensuring that students had access to the resources and opportunities they needed to succeed in these critical fields. This focus on STEM, along with her efforts to expand magnet programs, helped to elevate the district’s educational offerings and provide students with a wider range of academic and career opportunities.
A particular area of focus for Hantman was literacy. She understood that literacy was the foundation for all academic success, and she worked tirelessly to advocate for robust literacy programs that ensured students developed the necessary skills to succeed academically and in life. Under her leadership, Miami-Dade schools saw significant improvements in literacy rates, a testament to her dedication to the students and her belief in the power of education to transform lives. Hantman was also instrumental in ensuring that all students had the support they needed to achieve their academic goals, regardless of their starting point.
In addition to her focus on academics, Hantman was deeply committed to ensuring the safety and well-being of students and staff. She worked closely with local and state officials to implement policies aimed at improving school safety, ensuring that students could learn in a secure and supportive environment. Her leadership in this area helped make Miami-Dade schools safer and better equipped to handle the challenges that often arise in today’s educational environments.
Hantman’s advocacy for infrastructure improvements also played a critical role in the growth and development of Miami-Dade’s schools. She was instrumental in securing funding for school renovations, technological advancements, and enhanced academic and extracurricular programs. Her work in improving the physical and technological infrastructure of the schools helped ensure that students had access to modern facilities and resources that supported their learning and development.
Perla Tabares Hantman’s passing leaves a significant void in the Miami-Dade County community. Her work in improving public education is her most enduring legacy, and her contributions to the district will continue to shape the future of education for years to come. While Hantman was recognized with numerous accolades for her service, her true legacy lies in the thousands of students and teachers whose lives she touched. Her compassionate and forward-thinking leadership earned her the admiration of all who worked with her, and she leaves behind a legacy of love, support, and a deep commitment to educational excellence.
As the community mourns her loss, many have suggested various ways to honor her memory. Scholarships and named school programs are among the ideas being discussed, ensuring that Hantman’s impact continues to benefit future generations of students. While it is impossible to replace someone as impactful as Hantman, the initiatives she championed will carry on her work and ensure that her vision for educational advancement remains a guiding force in the district.
Perla Tabares Hantman will always be remembered as a visionary leader whose passion for education transcended her position on the School Board. Her dedication to public service, her commitment to educational excellence, and her compassion for others will continue to inspire those who follow in her footsteps. Hantman’s legacy is one of integrity, perseverance, and a profound belief in the power of education to transform lives and open doors for future generations.
As we remember Perla Tabares Hantman, we celebrate a life well-lived—a life dedicated to making the world a better place through education. While her passing is a tremendous loss, her spirit will live on through the programs she initiated, the students she helped, and the educators she supported. In honoring her memory, we are reminded of the importance of working together to create educational opportunities for all students and to continue the work Hantman began in making education a tool for empowerment, growth, and success.
May Perla Tabares Hantman rest in peace, knowing that her legacy will continue to inspire and impact the future of education for years to come.
