Educational Access, Opportunity, and Alternatives Action Item

DATE:	Tuesday, April 3, 2018
TO:	School Board Members
FROM:	Jeff Eakins, Superintendent
SUBJECT / RECOMMENDATIONS
Approve the Continuation Grant Application to the Florida Department of Education (FLDOE), and, if Approved, Accept Funds for the Florida Instructional Materials Center for the Visually Impaired (FIMC-VI) for 2018/2019 (Educational Access, Opportunity, and Alternatives Division)
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
We request approval to submit the continuation grant application to FLDOE for FIMC-VI.  As defined by Florida Statute 1003.55, FIMC-VI will produce, distribute, re-circulate, and house accessible instructional materials for students who are blind, visually impaired, and/or print disabled enrolled in Florida schools.  Hillsborough County Public Schools has served as FIMC-VI's headquarters for the past 45 years.  A summary of this grant proposal is attached. Approval of the grant application will allow for the continuation of activities to provide Braille, large print and audio/digital textbooks, specialized equipment, statewide assessments, and professional development.  Having FIMC-VI located in Hillsborough County provides our students who are blind and visually impaired immediate access to instructional materials produced in needed formats.  FLDOE has consistently praised our district for the service provided to the state.
STRATEGIC OBJECTIVES
• Improve the high school graduation rate • Provide a student-centered learning environment that engages every child • Engage and communicate with families and stakeholders
FINANCIAL IMPACT (Budgeted:  Yes)
FLDOE/Bureau of Exceptional Education and Student Services will provide the district approximately $1,983,561 in Federal Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) funds, State General Revenue funds of $108,119, and Federal IDEA trust funds of $270,987 to distribute instructional materials in specialized formats statewide.  If approved, the estimated total grant funds that will be available in the divisional special revenue/federal programs budget is approximately $2,362,667.  For tracking purposes the project numbers specific to this agenda item are 3516, 3517, and 3603.
EVALUATION
Performance evaluation measures are determined by FLDOE.  The completed annual state performance report will be completed in September 2019.  The results of the evaluation will be shared with all stakeholders.
SUBMITTED BY:  Kimberly Workman, General Director, Exceptional Student Education

Wynne A. Tye, Assistant Superintendent		Gretchen Saunders
Educational Access, Opportunity, and Alternatives (813) 273-7033		Chief Business Officer (813) 272-4270
		C 6.07
Hillsborough County Public Schools (Florida) * Mtg.#20180403_869 (Board Meeting) * Section C Item# 6.07