Outreach and School Improvement Information Item

DATE:	Tuesday, May 1, 2018
TO:	School Board Members
FROM:	Jeff Eakins, Superintendent
SUBJECT / RECOMMENDATIONS
District Staff Worked Together to Improve Challenges Faced By Families Displaced by Hurricane Maria (Outreach and School Improvement)
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
Approximately 1100 students have enrolled in Hillsborough County Public Schools since October from Puerto Rico and other Caribbean territories displaced by Hurricane Maria.  Current migration and resettlement enrollment data suggests that on average approximately 70 percent of the students consistently remain enrolled in our schools. Hillsborough County is one of three counties that has been identified by the state to provide resources, direct services, and other supports to assist in stabilizing the children and their families. Using the structure of the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act, the district has collaborated with more than 20 local and national organizations to provide community resources, tutoring, transportation, health screenings, employment, literacy and postsecondary options.  To date the following supports and resources have been secured:  3 Bienvenidos community outreach events served more than 400 participants in our North Tampa, Brandon/Riverview and Town n’ Country communities 6 orientations and trainings have been scheduled in Spanish to assist families in acculturating to the education process and ESE services Tuition waivers have been secured for adult education and technical colleges Coordination for graduation is scheduled for approximately 50 seniors to receive a Florida or Puerto Rican diploma Training for 250 school leaders with culturally responsive strategies to support these families through this transitional crisis and trauma has occurred since November 2017 Donations of over $16,000 were received by the District and a check was sent to the Education Secretary in Puerto Rico to help rebuild the educational system
STRATEGIC OBJECTIVES
• Provide a student-centered learning environment that engages every child • Develop a culture of respect, trust, and collaboration
FINANCIAL IMPACT (Budgeted:  No)
The District is being provided with additional grant funds for students identified through the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance federal reimbursement program.
EVALUATION
N/A
SUBMITTED BY:  MaryLou Whaley, Director, Community Engagement & Philanthropy

		Larry Sykes, Ed.D.
		Assistant Superintendent (813) 231-1874
		C 13.09
Hillsborough County Public Schools (Florida) * Mtg.#20180501_871 (Board Meeting followed by Public Hearing) * Section C Item# 13.09