Staff Report

Courtesy of Blogging Black Miami

MIAMI-DADE – Veteran educator Dr. Steve Gallon III was sworn-in as Miami-Dade County School Board Member for District 1, on Tuesday, November 22 before a standing room-only audience in the School Board Administration Building Auditorium.

After being sworn-in by his mentor, former School Board chair, retired educator and school district administrator Dr. Solomon C. Stinson, Gallon delivered rousing and heartfelt remarks from the dais. It would not be an exaggeration to describe it as a Barack Obama-like moment as evidenced by the cheers from the audience.

The celebration continued the same evening with a community swearing-in ceremony in District 1. During his campaign, Gallon stressed the importance of community engagement for the students, parents and stakeholders in District 1 – which includes Miami Gardens, North Miami, Opa- Locka, and portions of Miami Lakes and North Miami Beach.

The staff of the North Region Office, Carol City Middle School and the 5000 Role Models collaborated to present a wonderful event highlighted by student performances and Grammy-nominated spoken word artist Rebecca “Butterfly” Vaughns.

At the ceremony, Dr. Stinson stood with Dr. Gallon as the oath of office was administered by Dr. Gallon’s daughter, Kastevia Gallon-Martin. Greetings were given by City of Miami Gardens Mayor Oliver Gilbert. Remarks were given by Superintendent Alberto Carvalho and City of North Miami Vice Mayor Alix Desulme made a presentation on behalf of his city.

Additional dignitaries joining in the community celebration included Commissioner Audrey Edmonson, Commissioner Betty T. Ferguson and UPPAC leaders, Attorney Larry Handfield, Pastor Dwayne Richardson, Pastor Johnny Barber, James Wright, Terry Wright, Councilman David Williams Jr., Councilwoman Felicia Robinson, Retha Boone-Fye and PTA/PTSA representatives from surrounding schools.

Gallon rose through the ranks of education first as teacher. He went on to become an assistant principal, elementary and high school principal, district administrator, professor and finally a Superintendent of Schools.

He defeated long-standing incumbent Wilbert “Tee” Holloway in a run-off after a challenging race.

A staunch advocate of equitable distribution of school resources and higher teacher pay, Gallon promised to fight for his community. On his website, Gallon is quoted as saying, “I will always advocate for issues that improve the education of our children and ensure the fair treatment of our community. I always have and always will. Always.”

Vanessa Woodard-Byers and Isheka N. Harrison contributed to this report.