Academic Support and Federal Programs Action Item

DATE:	Tuesday, December 5, 2017
TO:	School Board Members
FROM:	Jeff Eakins, Superintendent
SUBJECT / RECOMMENDATIONS
Approve the Agreement for Technical Services with Alma Advisory Group, LLC (Alma) (Academic Support and Federal Programs Division)
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
Student Services will continue to build capacity to strategically plan and coordinate interventions to meet the needs of the diverse student population served across Hillsborough County Public Schools (HCPS).  Consultants from Alma will continue to work with student services personnel to fine-tune systems of support that are designed to provide for the unique needs of the whole child identified in school sites throughout the District.  Support and coaching will further strengthen the collaboration between and Area Leadership Teams. Efforts will also result in the creation and utilization of transparent, high-level standards guiding student service delivery at both the District and school levels.
STRATEGIC OBJECTIVES
All Strategic Objectives
FINANCIAL IMPACT (Budgeted:  Yes)
Funds in the amount of $30,000 will be available in the Project Prevent grant budget.  For tracking purposes, the project number specific to this agenda item is 3310.  As of October 31, 2017, the remaining balance less encumbrances for this line item equaled $30,000. This amount is approximately three percent of $750,000 for year four budget allocation.  The scope of work with Alma allows for gradual release of intensity of support provided and the strengthening of internal capacity so the impact of these efforts can be sustained after the grant funding ends.
EVALUATION
Under the terms of the grant, an external evaluator, contracted by HCPS, will evaluate the project providing annual reports to the project directors, Office of Assessment and Accountability, and the United States Department of Education.  Copies of the report and the final evaluation report will be provided annually to HCPS and the Office of Assessment and Accountability.  Alma boasts consultants with a proven track record of providing lasting results while improving the District's way of work.
SUBMITTED BY:  Kristine Hensley, Supervisor, Student Services Holly Saia, Ed.S., Director, Student Services Tracye H. Brown, Assistant Superintendent, Academic Support and Federal Programs

Gretchen Saunders		Dr. Alberto Vázquez
Chief Business Officer (813) 272-4270		Chief of Staff (813) 272-4986
		C 6.05
Hillsborough County Public Schools (Florida) * Mtg.#20171205_824 (Board Meeting) * Section C Item# 6.05