Hillsborough County Public Schools Curriculum and Instruction
Action Item

DATE: Tuesday, May 16, 2006
TO: School Board Members
FROM: MaryEllen Elia, Superintendent

SUBJECT / RECOMMENDATIONS

Approve Agreement for Technical Services with Physical Therapist Kimberlee J. Vickers for Exceptional Student Education, Extended School Year 2006 - $7,632 (Curriculum and Instruction Division)

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

Federal Statute 486.021 State Board Rule 6A-6.03024 mandates school districts provide 100% of the physical therapy (PT) services that are indicated on an exceptional education student's Individual Educational Plan (IEP). Currently, the district, state, and nation are facing a shortage of qualified physical therapists. The District requires additional PT services during June and July in preparation for the 2006/2007 school year. For the past several years, the district has been unable to either directly hire or contract with agencies to fill all of the existing PT vacancies.

This contract secures the services of a private therapist to deliver the PT services as mandated on the IEP and the possible compensatory services. The contract for the private therapist is consistent with the district therapist salary range and the pay schedule of other contract agencies. The terms of the agreement include bi-monthly payments of $50 per hour for a contract total of 150 hours and mileage reimbursement for a maximum of 400 miles at $.33 per mile.

ANNUAL DISTRICT GOAL(S) AND CRITICAL SUCCESS FACTOR(S)

Goal 1 - The percentage of students scoring at Level 3 or higher on FCAT reading will increase a minimum of 5 percentage points.
Goal 2 - The percentage of students scoring at Level 3 or higher on FCAT mathematics will increase a minimum of 5 percentage points.
Goal 3 - Student performance on FCAT Science will increase a minimum of 5 percentage points.
Goal 4 - The percentage of students achieving a score of 4.0 or higher on FCAT Writing will increase a minimum of 5 percentage points.

FINANCIAL IMPACT (Budgeted: Yes)

Funds of $7,632 are included in the divisional special revenue budget under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, Project 1031. There is no additional cost to the District.

EVALUATION

SUBMITTED BY: Edward H. McDowell, Jr., General Director for Exceptional Student Education 
Sheree Glass, Coordinator, Occupational Therapy/Physical Therapy Program

Michael A. Grego, Ed.D
Assistant Superintendent, Curriculum and Instruction
(813) 272-4221
Gretchen Saunders
Chief Business Officer
(813) 272-4270
5.20
Hillsborough County Public Schools (Florida) * Mtg.#20060516_176 * Section E Item# 5.20