Approve the Crossing Church, 10130 Causeway Blvd., Tampa, 33619, as the Site for the 2006 Elementary Battle of the Books District Competition.

The District Battle of the Books is the last level of battle competition for elementary schools. Seven teams, one per area, compete for the District championship. All battle schools are encouraged to bring their teams to watch this final battle. The event usually has more than 500 students in attendance.

The site has been changed from Tropicana Field due to the distance, cost, and being located in another county. In the past, the District paid the cost of the charter buses for the seven winning schools to attend the event. Though Tropicana Field representatives were very gracious in donating the use of their facility, holding the event within the District allows schools to use school buses for transportation. Other suitable sites for the battle within the District are estimated to cost approximately $4,000.

Goal 1: The percentage of students scoring at Level 3 or higher on FCAT reading will increase a minimum of 5 percentage points.

The Crossing Church is donating the use of the facility for the District battle.

Battle of the Books results will be shared with the Board as a recognition item honoring the school winners and the District champion.