MIAMI-DADE COUNTY, Fla. — Miami-Dade County students are heading back to school on Aug. 13.

In preparation, the Betty T. Ferguson Recreational Complex in Miami Gardens was packed with students and parents picking up supplies and backpacks.

Parents and students could also pick up gently used uniforms.

On Sunday, Local 10 News’ Bridgette Matter sat down with incoming Miami-Dade Schools Superintendent Rafael Villalobos, who will replace current Superintendent Jose Dotres when he leaves his position in February.

They went over some changes parents should know about, including the school breakfast and lunch program.

The district was recently reassessed by the federal government, and free breakfast and lunch will be offered at 121 qualifying schools.

“The other families that are not part of the 121 schools, we did reach out to them directly, letting them know and encouraging them to apply,” said Villalobos. “And the reason we did that is so that people could prepare coming into the school.”

If your child’s school does not qualify, you can apply for free or reduced meals and will receive that if eligible.

And like in Broward County, Miami-Dade is also seeing declining enrollment.

“We have had a steady decrease of student enrollment, and we know that that decrease, there’s multiple factors that are related to it,” he said.

This school year, nine schools are set to be closed or repurposed in an effort to consolidate.

The district is also reminding drivers to be patient as buses and school traffic return to the roads.

“That said, we want to wish you an awesome beginning of the school year and thank you for choosing Miami-Dade County because we are your best choice,” said Villalobos.

Additionally, the district wanted to remind parents to have their contact information up to date with their child’s school.

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