Educational Access, Opportunity, and Alternatives Action Item

DATE:	Tuesday, November 14, 2017
TO:	School Board Members
FROM:	Jeff Eakins, Superintendent
SUBJECT / RECOMMENDATIONS
Approve Memorandum of Understanding with Seniors in Service of Tampa Bay, Inc., for the Foster Grandparent Program, 2017/2018 (Educational Access, Opportunity, and Alternatives)
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
We request approval of this Memorandum of Understanding with Seniors in Service of Tampa Bay, Inc., for the Foster Grandparent Program to provide tutoring and mentoring.  The Foster Grandparent Program is a nationally-affiliated program offering individuals 55 years of age and over the opportunity to tutor and mentor students in their schools. Foster grandparent volunteers are role models and friends to children with exceptional needs.  For children who are struggling in school, the support of a foster grandparent can help build confidence and stability. District staff assign the foster grandparents to appropriate students commensurate with their skills and training.  The nurturing services provided by foster grandparents are extremely beneficial to general education students and students with disabilities.  The District has contracted for over 38 years with Seniors in Service of Tampa Bay, Inc., for foster grandparents.
STRATEGIC OBJECTIVES
• Improve the high school graduation rate • Provide a student-centered learning environment that engages every child
FINANCIAL IMPACT (Budgeted:  Yes)
Funds in the amount of $70,544 will be available to serve general education students and students with disabilities:  $34,494 from the divisional general operating budget and $36,050 from the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act.  For tracking purposes, the project numbers specific to this agenda item are 5323 and 3331.
EVALUATION
Teacher surveys will be used to determine if student academic progress or improvement in student behavior has been achieved.  During the 2016/2017 school year, teachers appraised students’ success rate of skills in identified area of need between 93 and 97 percent.  Attached is the Foster Grandparents Impact In Hillsborough County Schools report.
SUBMITTED BY:  Wynne A. Tye, Assistant Superintendent, Educational Access, Opportunity, and Alternatives, (813) 273-7033 Kimberly Workman, General Director, Exceptional Student Education, (813) 273-7025

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.#20171114_823 (Reorganization/Board Meeting) * Section C Item# 6.04