One would think that educators would be more aware of environmental issues and the importance of trees to the ecosystem, particularly in South Florida where trees have been beaten to death by hurricanes and chopped by butchers masquerading as landscapers. Not so at Miami Lakes Elementary (new name K-8 Center) where a number of beautiful 30 to 40-year old Mahogany trees were destroyed and others maimed by a bucket digging machine at the end of August 2006. The tree destruction was caused by a moronic plan to add a new drop-off/pickup driveway in the green area between the school and NW 67th Avenue, which will surely snarl traffic on 67th Avenue when the driveway overflows with parents dropping off or picking up students. Proponents and supporters of the K-8 Center never told anyone that such low-class tree destruction was included in the plan to expand the former K-5 elementary into a K thru 8 ele/middle school that is chock full of children who don't even live in the school's attendance area. This school is located in one of the few areas of the county where trees are plentiful and the community is a bird sanctuary. How inconsiderate can the school and school system be by destroying old protected trees to add even more pavement? What kind of example are they setting for the students who see old trees being destroyed in favor of more pavement? Perhaps Dr. Rudy Crew, our $350K a year school superintendent, and Rosie Calvo, $(figure coming) school principal, should reimburse the school system for the value of these trees that were owned by the taxpayers of this county? Why weren't these trees root-pruned and trimmed so they could be relocated instead of being destroyed and taken to a landfill? Inquiring minds want to know!

You can complain about this tree destruction by calling Principal Rosie Calvo at 305-822-7757 (fax 305 557-6595), Superintendent Dr. Rudy Crew at 305-995-1000, or School Board member Perla Tabares-Hantman at 305-995-1334.

Click on the photos to see larger versions of the tree destruction.