Hillsborough County Public Schools Curriculum and Instruction
Action Item

DATE: Tuesday, August 10, 2010
TO: School Board Members
FROM: MaryEllen Elia, Superintendent

SUBJECT / RECOMMENDATIONS

Approve Renewal of Agreements for Technical Services Provided to Visually Impaired Grant - (Curriculum and Instruction Division, Florida Instructional Materials Center for the Visually Impaired – FIMC-VI)

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

We request approval of renewal of Agreements for Technical Services for the following services provided annually to FIMC-VI:
  • SyLNX, Inc. will provide continuing support for FIMC-VI’s existing online textbook ordering and student registration system which uses the specially designed DataLNX-IRC (Instructional Resource Centers) database management software, a proprietary product of SyLNX, Inc., in order to evaluate the circulation timelines and report outcome data on instructional materials distributed to blind and visually impaired students. At the request of the Florida Department of Education, SyLNX, Inc. will develop a more efficient and modern version of DataLNX-IRC. Services have been provided since 1999. ($80,055)
  • SyLNX, Inc. will provide continuing support for the proprietary database management software which is used to track orders and delivery of materials for eligible students with physical limitations and/or print disabilities as defined in the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). An IDEA component known as the National Instructional Materials Accessibility Standard (NIMAS) requires states to convert electronic publisher files into an accessible format and distribute to districts in a timely manner. The consultant will also provide assistance with the evaluation of circulation timelines and reporting of outcome data for this broader population of students. NIMAS/Florida database activities, including initial system development, have been provided since 2008. ($49,551)
  • Lucinda Collins will continue to transcribe state-adopted textbooks, workbooks, and supplemental instructional materials for students requiring Braille. Services have been provided since 2003. ($23,000)

    Continued on attachment.

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

    * Increase promotion rates at all grade levels and the percentage of high school graduates, * Challenge and support all students with an appropriate curriculum

    FINANCIAL IMPACT (Budgeted: Yes)

    Funds of $279,246 are included in divisional special revenue/federal programs budget (Project 1917) and $42,500 (Project 1939) FIMC-VI.

    EVALUATION

    SUBMITTED BY: Joyce L. Wieland, General Director, Department of Exceptional Student Education
     Suzanne A. Dalton, Supervisor, FIMC-VI

    Wynne A. Tye
    Assistant Superintendent, Curriculum and Instruction
    (813) 272-4221     		Gretchen Saunders
    Chief Business Officer
    (813) 272-4270
    A 5.08
    Hillsborough County Public Schools (Florida) * Mtg.#20100810_417 * Section A Item# 5.08