Educational Access, Opportunity, and Alternatives Action Item

DATE:	Tuesday, June 27, 2017
TO:	School Board Members
FROM:	Jeff Eakins, Superintendent
SUBJECT / RECOMMENDATIONS
Approve Purchase of Assistive Technology from Florida Reading and Vision Technology, Inc., for Use by Students with Visual Impairments (Sole-Source Provider) (Educational Access, Opportunity, and Alternatives)
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
When a student’s Individual Educational Plan (IEP) Team determines that he/she requires means to access their learning environment unique to a student with a visual impairment, the district must provide that equipment or software per the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) and the School Board approved Special Policies and Procedures (SP&Ps). Additionally, in order to continue to meet each student's need to access educational materials, visual and braille technology equipment/software must be maintained and upgraded regularly. Maintenance and upgrades are an integral component for technology access for students who are visually impaired and in need of equipment for their day-to-day access to educational learning materials. Florida Reading and Vision Technology, Inc., is designated as sole-source for multiple manufactured devices and software used regularly in the field of visual impairment and blindness. The purchase is therefore exempt from the requesting competitive solicitations by the Florida Department of Education 6A-1.012 Purchasing Policies (12)(d).
STRATEGIC OBJECTIVES
• Improve the high school graduation rate • Provide a student-centered learning environment that engages every child • Establish a strong foundation of financial stewardship
FINANCIAL IMPACT (Budgeted:  Yes)
Grant funds of approximately $200,000 over a three-year period will be included in the divisional special revenue/federal programs budget, IDEA. For tracking purposes, the project numbers specific to this agenda item are 3331, 3531, and 3731.
EVALUATION
Equipment functionality and student usage is continually monitored by school-based and district staff through quality three-year re-evaluations to include Functional Vision Learning Media Assessment and Expanded Core Curriculum Assessment.
SUBMITTED BY:  Wynne A. Tye, Assistant Superintendent, Educational Access, Opportunity, and Alternatives (813) 273-7033 Kimberly Workman, General Director, Exceptional Student Education

Gretchen Saunders		Dr. Alberto Vázquez
Chief Business Officer (813) 272-4270		Chief of Staff (813) 272-4986
		C 6.04
Hillsborough County Public Schools (Florida) * Mtg.#20170627_815 (Board Meeting) * Section C Item# 6.04