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At the School Board Meeting of May 14, 2025, School Board Member Danny Espino, District 5, proffered agenda item B-3, celebrating the lifelong contributions of commissioner Manolo Reyes to education and the community.
Commissioner Manolo Reyes dedicated his life to advancing education, civic responsibility, and community empowerment across Miami-Dade County. A respected educator and public servant, he built a legacy rooted in service, equity, and opportunity for all. Through decades of tireless work in classrooms, city government, and community initiatives, Commissioner Reyes uplifted students and families while championing access to quality education and resources.
A graduate of the University of Florida, where he earned both his bachelor’s and master’s degrees in economics, Commissioner Reyes began his professional career in education as an adjunct professor at Miami Dade College, enriching the lives of countless students with his passion for learning and mentorship. He later served as a math and economics teacher at Westland Hialeah Senior High School, where he also led the school’s Florida International University dual enrollment program in economics, providing students with college-level academic opportunities and preparing them for future success.
Commissioner Reyes’ work extended beyond the classroom. As a principal budget analyst for Miami Dade County Public Schools, Commissioner Reyes played a key role in ensuring schools had the financial resources needed to support teaching and learning. His commitment to academic access and opportunity was matched by his devotion to addressing students’ broader needs.
Commissioner Reyes organized annual school backpack distribution events, where he provided thousands of students with essential supplies to begin the school year prepared and confident. In 2024
alone, he facilitated the distribution of more than 8,000 backpacks across schools, camps, and community centers, including the Boys and Girls Club of Miami-Dade. He also hosted community support events, such as a free food distribution at Auburndale Elementary School, ensuring that no child went without basic needs.
A proud alum of Miami Senior High School, Commissioner Reyes remained deeply connected to his roots, frequently supporting his alma mater and visiting various schools throughout the city and his district, most notably Henry Flagler Elementary School. His continued involvement and support reflected his belief in the power of education to transform lives and serve as a foundation for future leadership.
Commissioner Reyes was also an active member and supporter of La Liga Contra El Cancer, the United Way, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, and Los Tuneros, where he continued to shape community development, educational equity and access to healthcare for our community’s most vulnerable citizens and continued his fight for democracy in his native Cuba. Commissioner Reyes lived with purpose and led with compassion, inspiring generations to serve with integrity and believe in the transformative power of opportunity. His efforts reflect the values our District upholds—equity, service, and community investment. His legacy is one of hope, access, and tireless advocacy for all learners.
This resolution honors the life and legacy of Commissioner Manolo Reyes, whose unwavering dedication to education, public service, and community upliftment leaves a lasting imprint on the heart of Miami-Dade County. With gratitude and admiration, we recognize his profound impact and celebrate a legacy that will continue to shape lives for years to come.
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