TO: Mayor and Commissioners
FROM: Janai Bowens, Assistant Director, Education Liaison, Neighborhood and Community Services
THROUGH: Terrence R. Moore, ICMA-CM
DATE: November 2, 2026
Title
DISCUSSION REGARDING THE ESTABLISHMENT OF AN EDUCATION TASK FORCE AND WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT TASK FORCE
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Recommended Action:
Recommendation
Motion to discuss and provide direction regarding the establishment of an Education Task Force and a Workforce Development Task Force to advance the City's education and workforce development priorities identified during the 2026 City Commission Visioning Exercise and the Mayor's Education Roundtable held on August 27, 2026.
Staff requests City Commission direction regarding the proposed composition, membership qualifications, appointment procedures, terms of service, and goals and objectives of each task force.
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Background:
On August 27, 2026, the City of Delray Beach hosted the Mayor's Education Roundtable in collaboration with the School District of Palm Beach County, Delray Chamber Education Fund, and Delray Beach Library. The roundtable brought together education stakeholders, community leaders, business representatives, and local partners to identify actionable strategies to advance the education and workforce development priorities established by the City Commission during its 2026 Visioning Exercise.
The roundtable was organized around five priority areas:
1. Restoration of the Delray Beach Education Board
2. Expansion of Youth Internship Opportunities
3. Development of a Haitian Creole Dual Language Program
4. Expansion of Mentorship and Afterschool Programs
5. Advancement of Workforce Development Opportunities
Participants engaged in facilitated discussions to identify opportunities, challenges, and recommendations for addressing each priority area. The following recommendations emerged from the roundtable discussions:
1. Restoration of the Delray Beach Education Board
Participants recommended establishing a task force of community leaders, supported by City staff, to review and update the Education Element of the Always Delray Comprehensive Plan and pursue a data-sharing agreement with the School District of Palm Beach County. This approach would provide a structured mechanism for community collaboration while establishing measurable education priorities and a framework for monitoring student outcomes and community progress.
2. Expansion of Youth Internship Opportunities
Participants recommended developing a centralized database of existing internship and work-based learning opportunities and engaging the local business community to identify current and emerging workforce needs. Connecting students with meaningful internship experiences would strengthen career readiness, support local businesses, and establish a sustainable pipeline of future talent.
3. Development of a Haitian Creole Dual Language Program
Participants recommended establishing a task force to conduct a comprehensive needs and feasibility assessment for a Haitian Creole Dual Language Program. The assessment would evaluate student and family demand, instructional resources, teacher availability and professional development, curriculum requirements, and potential implementation models. This process would support informed decision-making regarding the feasibility and sustainability of a high-quality dual language program in partnership with the School District.
4. Expansion of Mentorship and Afterschool Programs
Participants recommended exploring opportunities for the City and its community partners to address transportation barriers that limit student access to existing mentorship and afterschool programs. Recommendations included identifying potential transportation funding and expanding access to sports and recreational activities. These efforts would focus on strengthening existing community resources and increasing student participation without unnecessarily duplicating established services.
5. Advancement of Workforce Development Opportunities
Participants recommended developing clearer pathways from education to employment for Delray Beach students, particularly those enrolled in Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs. Recommendations included strengthening partnerships among educational institutions, employers, workforce training providers, and the Greater Delray Beach Chamber of Commerce to expand access to internships, industry-recognized credentials, career exploration, employment opportunities, and professional advancement. These efforts would support local workforce needs while improving opportunities for students to obtain meaningful employment and remain connected to the Delray Beach community.
During the October 6, 2026, City Commission meeting, discussion occurred regarding the potential establishment of an Education Task Force and a Workforce Development Task Force to advance these priorities. The City Commission expressed interest in further discussing the structure and purpose of the proposed task forces.
The November 2, 2026, workshop provides an opportunity for the City Commission to establish a framework for the creation of both task forces and provide direction to staff regarding their development and implementation.
City Attorney Review:
Not Applicable
Funding Source/Financial Impact:
Not Applicable
Timing of Request:
Not Applicable