HCPS FL Logo Educational Access, Opportunity, and Alternatives
Action Item
DATE: Tuesday, June 19, 2018
TO: School Board Members
FROM: Jeff Eakins, Superintendent
SUBJECT / RECOMMENDATIONS
Approve the Memorandum of Agreement with Gracepoint for Exceptional Student Education Services, 2018/2019 (Educational Access, Opportunity, and Alternatives)
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
We request approval of the agreement with Gracepoint for the continuation of services for the 2018/2019 school year.  Since August 1994, the district has contracted with Gracepoint to provide therapeutic services for students and their families being served in the Emotional/Behavioral Disabilities (E/BD) program.  The goal of this service is to improve behavior and increase the academic success of our E/BD students.

During the 2017/2018 school year, Gracepoint provided psychiatric, respite, counseling, and wrap-around services for approximately 81 E/BD students (Pre-K – High School) and families.  We had a full-time program supervisor, two full-time therapists, a full-time case manager, and a therapeutic mentor serving students and families at two school sites.  The therapists provided individual, family, and group therapy to students and their families, and helped to provide referrals to other resources within the community.  They work collaboratively with the school teams on behavior and mental health for students with disabilities.  When students transition from an E/BD placement back to a less restrictive environment or a new school, the therapists follow them to assist in making the change a positive experience. 

In addition, counseling services are also provided to students with disabilities by the district’s School Social Work and School Psychology departments.  
STRATEGIC OBJECTIVES
• Improve the high school graduation rate
FINANCIAL IMPACT (Budgeted:  Yes)
Funds in the amount of $313,183 will be available to serve E/BD students:  $297,523.85 from the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, and $15,659.15 from the divisional general operating budget.  For tracking purposes, the project numbers specific to this agenda item are 3531 and 5323.
EVALUATION
Academic and behavioral progress will be measured using the student’s Individual Educational Plan objectives.
SUBMITTED BY:  Kimberly Workman, General Director, Exceptional Student Education
Wynne Tye, Assistant Superintendent   Gretchen Saunders
Educational Access, Opportunity, and Alternatives
(813) 273-7033
  Chief Business Officer
(813) 272-4270
    C 6.10
Hillsborough County Public Schools (Florida) * Mtg.#20180619_886 (Board Meeting) * Section C Item# 6.10