Perla Tabares Hantman, a longtime leader and advocate for education, has passed away, leaving behind a lasting impact on Miami-Dade County’s school system and the many students, teachers, and families she served.
Support US and Our Work, Donate to US
As the chair of the Miami-Dade County School Board, Hantman was a respected figure in Florida’s educational landscape, known for her dedication to improving public education, expanding opportunities for students, and ensuring academic excellence across the district.
A Life of Public Service and Dedication to Education
Born in Cuba, Perla Tabares Hantman immigrated to the United States, where she built a distinguished career in education and public service. She was deeply committed to fostering quality education for all students, believing that access to excellent schooling was the key to success and upward mobility.
With a strong passion for educational policies that benefited students of all backgrounds, she worked tirelessly to shape the future of Miami-Dade’s public schools.
Hantman was first elected to the Miami-Dade County School Board in 1996, and over the years, she earned the respect of colleagues, educators, and the community.
Her leadership led to significant improvements in school policies, curriculum enhancements, and infrastructure development. Her tenure saw initiatives aimed at increasing student achievement, supporting teachers, and ensuring that Miami-Dade’s public schools remained among the best in the nation.
A Trailblazer in Miami-Dade County Education
Throughout her career, Hantman served multiple terms as the chair of the Miami-Dade County School Board, becoming the first Hispanic woman to hold the position. She was re-elected as chair numerous times, a testament to her strong leadership and the trust the community placed in her vision for education.
Under her leadership, the school district saw remarkable progress, including the expansion of magnet programs, the promotion of STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) initiatives, and the implementation of policies aimed at closing achievement gaps among students.
Hantman was particularly passionate about literacy programs and ensuring that students had access to resources that would set them up for long-term success.
One of her significant contributions was advocating for school safety measures, working closely with local and state officials to create policies that prioritized student and staff well-being.
She was instrumental in securing funding for school renovations, technology upgrades, and programs that enhanced both academic and extracurricular activities.
A Legacy That Lives On
Perla Tabares Hantman’s passing is a profound loss to the Miami-Dade County community and the world of education. Her decades of service and unwavering commitment to students, teachers, and families have left an indelible mark on the school district.
Her dedication was recognized through numerous awards and accolades, but her greatest legacy lies in the thousands of students whose lives she positively influenced.
Those who had the privilege of working with her describe her as a compassionate, intelligent, and forward-thinking leader who truly cared about the well-being of students and educators.
As the Miami-Dade County School Board and the broader community mourn her passing, there is a collective sense of gratitude for her years of service. Moving forward, her work will continue to inspire future leaders in education, and the policies she helped put in place will benefit generations of students.
Her family, friends, colleagues, and the entire Miami-Dade County community remember her not only as a dedicated public servant but as a woman of integrity, wisdom, and deep commitment to education.
Honoring Her Memory
In remembrance of Perla Tabares Hantman, many have called for initiatives to honor her legacy, whether through scholarships, renaming school programs, or continuing the work she championed in the field of education. Her passing is a solemn moment, but her influence will endure in the schools, policies, and programs she helped shape.
Her contributions to Miami-Dade County’s educational system will be felt for years to come, and she will be remembered as a visionary leader who dedicated her life to the betterment of public education.
