The county's school system ranks as one of the largest school systems in the country, with only those of New York City, Los Angeles, and Chicago being larger, according to the grand jury report. Each year since 1994, between 12,000 and 20,000 new foreign-born students have enrolled in the county's schools. Where they will fit is the question that has not been addressed. Fitting all those new students into classrooms has resulted in tough decisions, Carvalho said. Most principals have had to make difficult choices and have created two classrooms out of one.
Principals have to be very creative to maximize the square footage in their schools.
Some are even utilizing closets as classrooms. The grand jury found that custodial closets, computer labs, teacher's lounges, book storage rooms, alcoves, and even locker rooms have been converted into classrooms. Those classrooms often smell of mold and have inadequate air-conditioning. It cited the conditions as a factor that contributes to the county's growing teacher shortage. The Miami-Dade County Board of Education agrees with the grand jury report and is currently exploring a recommendation to sue the state if the legislature does not provide adequate funding, Carvalho said.