Seven public schools in Doral, located in Miami-Dade County, will offer a virtual learning option on December 14 and 15, when the G20 summit takes place at the Trump National Doral resort, while several charter and private schools will also adjust their activities.
The measure was detailed this Wednesday during a press conference led by Mayor Christi Fraga and representatives from the educational and security authorities, according to reports from local channel WSVN 7News and included in a municipal statement released by Doral Family Journal.
According to a memo from the Miami-Dade Public Schools issued on Monday, the district received authorization to offer virtual classes at seven educational centers in the area during the two days of the international meeting.
The seven identified public schools are: Eugenia B. Thomas K-8 Center, J.C. Bermudez Doral Senior High School, Dr. Rolando Espinosa K-8 Center, John I. Smith K-8 Center, Dr. Toni Bilbao Preparatory Academy, Andrea Castillo Preparatory Academy y Ronald W. Reagan/Doral Senior High School.
The decision responds to the difficulties that students, families, and teachers could face in reaching schools due to security checks, circulation restrictions, and possible traffic congestion.
The Miami-Dade School Board member, Danny Espino, explained that one of his main concerns is that parents may not be able to transport their children or that teachers may not arrive on time to schools.
Espino compared the planned virtual teaching with the modality used during the COVID-19 pandemic, while school superintendent Rafael A. Villalobos highlighted the experience gained by the district with that system.
The district is still coordinating the instructional modalities, attendance requirements, modifications to school transportation, and potential changes to before and after school care programs.
The authorities indicated that each school community will receive additional instructions, so parents should consult the communications from their respective centers directly.
In the case of charter and private schools, the city confirmed that Downtown Doral Charter Schools, Doral Academy Elementary, Middle and High School, as well as Shelton Academy, will be conducting virtual classes on December 14 and 15.
On its part, Divine Savior Academy will suspend classes entirely during those two days.
Families whose children attend other charter or private schools should contact the institutions to confirm their schedules and any potential changes.
The transformation of school activities is part of a security operation that will involve the U.S. Secret Service, the FBI, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), the Doral Police, and the Miami-Dade Sheriff's Office, among other institutions.
The G20 summit was designated as a Special National Security Event, which places the Secret Service in charge of coordinating measures to protect international leaders and participating delegations.
During the conference, the Chief of Police of Doral, Matthew Castillo, introduced a new mobile command center equipped with communication and operational coordination technology, which will be located near the meeting venue.
The Secret Service agent Joseph "Sonny" Berrios stated that, as of this Wednesday, no specific threats related to the summit had been identified, although authorities will continue to assess potential risks.
The device also includes preparations for potential demonstrations, due to the presence of international leaders and the political controversies that may surround the meeting.
The traffic disruptions could begin as early as December 10, four days before the summit, especially in the vicinity of Trump National Doral.
Authorities anticipate road closures, detours, checkpoints, and access restrictions, which may significantly impact NW 87 Avenue and NW 36 Street.
The City Hall also announced that Doral Central Park will remain closed to the public from December 11 to 16 to facilitate operations related to the event, while certain recreational activities will be moved to other parks.
Companies located in the potentially affected areas should anticipate delays in the movement of their employees, suppliers, and customers.
The municipal administration recommends considering remote work during the summit, when functions permit, and has prepared a letter that employees can share with their employers to explain the anticipated mobility challenges.
The recommendation does not constitute a general mandate to work from home nor does it imply that all businesses in Doral must close.
To inform the residents, the city announced two community meetings: on Wednesday, November 4, from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., at Doral Central Park, and on Saturday, November 14, from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., at Doral Legacy Park.
Residents can also check for updates on the official Doral page dedicated to the G20 and subscribe to the municipal alert system to stay informed about upcoming traffic and safety notices.
The city had already warned about the consequences of the international meeting for the daily lives of the residents.
On October 20, it was reported that street closures, possible school disruptions, and recommendations for telecommuting would be part of the G20 preparations, although specific educational measures had not yet been announced at that time.
The summit will bring together leaders from the world's major economies in Doral, with extensive security measures and a diplomatic agenda that has also sparked controversy due to the invitation extended to Russian President Vladimir Putin, whose attendance was not confirmed in the consulted information.
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