HCPS FL Logo Teaching and Learning
Action Item
DATE: Tuesday, February 7, 2017
TO: School Board Members
FROM: Jeff Eakins, Superintendent
SUBJECT / RECOMMENDATIONS
Approve the Purchase of LEGO Education Materials and Curriculum and Related Professional Development Workshops from LEGO Education (Sole-Source Provider) (Office of Teaching and Learning)
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
These learning tools have been specifically chosen based on the grade levels served by each school at various elementary and middle schools. LEGO robotics equipment and curriculum offers students the following benefits:

  • integrates the power of robotics technology with inquiry-based content and assessment
  • encourages and enhances a discovery-based science learning environment
  • brings twenty-first century technology into the Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) classroom

LEGO Education is designated as sole-source and is the exclusive United States distributor of all LEGO Educational Division school-range products, curriculum, and related workshops.  Therefore, this purchase is exempt from the requesting competitive solicitations by the Florida Department of Education 6A-1.012 Purchasing Policies (12)(d).
STRATEGIC OBJECTIVES
• Improve the high school graduation rate • Provide a student-centered learning environment that engages every child
FINANCIAL IMPACT (Budgeted:  Yes)

Expenditures were $1,314.01 for the fiscal year 2015/2016. Funds in the amount of $68,108.64 will be available for anticipated purchases for the 2016/2017 fiscal year from the following (remaining balances as of 01/18/17):

  • 101 General, Project 6011 - Instructional STEM:  $20,000; remaining balance $34,800.00
  • 101 General, Project 4506 - Categorical Science Lab:  $4,408.64; remaining balance $29,858.39
  • 420 Federal, Project 3138 - Math/Science Partnership (MSP) Grant:  $5,000; remaining balance $19,021.36
  • 420 Federal, Project 9541 - Perkins/Secondary:  $38,700; remaining balance equaled $110,649.93
EVALUATION
Schools are continually monitored by district staff to ensure robotics and other equipment are used appropriately during the academic day and during out-of-school time.  In addition, evaluations are performed for all funded grants as required by the grant.
SUBMITTED BY:  Elizabeth Agresta, Chief Academic Officer, Office of Teaching and Learning
Larry R. Plank, Ed.S., Director of K-12 Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics
Gretchen Saunders   Dr. Alberto Vázquez
Chief Business Officer
(813) 272-4270		   Chief of Staff
(813) 272-4986
    C 6.03
Hillsborough County Public Schools (Florida) * Mtg.#20170207_806 (Board Meeting) * Section C Item# 6.03