Miami-Dade School Board chairwoman Perla T. Hantman overwhelmingly defeated Hialeah Miami Lakes High School teacher Duysevi “Sevi” Miyar to retain her seat that she has held since 1996.
During the August election, Hantman collected 81 percent of the votes to resume representing District 4 that represents the cities of Miami Lakes and Hialeah and unincorporated areas.
Hantman, a longtime Miami Lakes resident, was overwhelmed herself over the results and vowed to continue doing what she has done for the past 18 years.
“I would like to thank District 4 voters who elected me to another four year term,” Hantman said. “I am committed to continue working in the best interests of our students, parents, teachers and the entire community. The next four years will be filled with exciting fresh new ideas. Together we will work with energy and enthusiasm for the betterment of public education.”
Hantman is serving as the board’s chair for the seventh time.
During her stint on the School Board, she has improved the graduation rate to an all-time high 77.2 percent, which is higher than the state’s average.
She also has strengthened bilingual education programs, bringing new technology to classrooms, upgrading student safety and traffic programs, significantly increasing the number of magnet programs, including the prestigious Cambridge Academy.
Hantman has received national and state accolades that recognized Miami-Dade Public Schools as one of the most efficiently and effectively-run schools districts in the nation.