Haitian-American Linda Cothiere advances to November runoff for Miami-Dade County School Board

Linda Cothiere, a longtime educator and Haitian-American community advocate, has advanced to the November runoff in the race for Miami-Dade County School Board, District 1.

Cothiere, who has more than 35 years of experience in education and workforce development, is the wife of Florida State Rep. Wallace Aristide, who represents House District 107 and spent more than three decades working for Miami-Dade County Public Schools, including as principal of Miami Northwestern Senior High School.

Following Tuesday's election, Cothiere thanked voters and supporters for helping her advance to the runoff.

"From the bottom of my heart, I thank every voter who placed their trust in me, every volunteer who gave their time, and every resident who welcomed us into their community," Cothiere said in a statement. "You helped me get here, and I do not take that responsibility lightly. Now, we have an opportunity to finish what we started together."

Born in Cap-Haïtien, Haiti, and raised in Carol City, Cothiere is a graduate of Miami Carol City Senior High School. She later earned an associate degree from Miami Dade College and a bachelor's degree in education from St. Thomas University.

Her campaign has focused on issues including teacher pay and retention, school safety, infrastructure and parental involvement in decisions affecting schools.

Cothiere supports reducing administrative burdens on teachers and giving educators a greater voice in decisions affecting their classrooms. She has also called for greater accountability and transparency around school facility investments and highlighted issues such as air conditioning, school repairs and classroom technology.

On school closures, consolidations and changes to attendance boundaries, Cothiere has called for greater parental involvement before decisions are made.

She has also made communication with Miami-Dade's diverse population a campaign priority, calling for school district information to be accessible in English, Haitian Creole and Spanish.

Cothiere has said she is proud of her Haitian-American background but does not intend to represent only one demographic if elected.

"I am incredibly proud of where I come from and of my Haitian-American heritage, but I am not running to represent one community or one demographic," she said. "I am running to represent every student, every parent, every family, and every educator who deserves to know that their voice matters."

Cothiere has also highlighted her background as an immigrant and educator in discussing school safety and the concerns of immigrant families.

The November runoff will determine who represents District 1 on the Miami-Dade County School Board.

Cothiere is a certified mediator and a deaconess at Good News Church. Her community involvement has included school-supply drives, food distributions and holiday outreach, according to her campaign.

She has also worked in adult education and workforce development, including programs designed to connect residents with career opportunities.

Her husband, Aristide, served with Miami-Dade County Public Schools for more than 30 years, including more than a decade as principal of Miami Northwestern Senior High School.

As the campaign moves toward the November runoff, Cothiere said she plans to continue meeting with residents throughout District 1.

"This runoff is about the future of our children and the strength of our public schools," Cothiere said. "I'm ready to continue listening, showing up, and working alongside the people of District 1."