Approve the Payment to Dr. Krista Kutash, Florida Mental Health Institute (FMHI), University of South Florida (USF) for Services Associated with the Partnership in Hillsborough County Public Schools (HCPS) Federal Integration of Schools and Mental Health Systems Grant, PR Award #Q215M100047 (Student Services and Federal Programs Division)

The United States Department of Education (USDOE) awarded $400,000 to HCPS for the district’s Integration of Schools and Mental Health Systems grant project. Of this total amount, $15,050 is for project services rendered by Dr. Krista Kutash, FMHI, USF. The purpose of the project is to enhance the current collaborative efforts between existing school-based systems and mental health systems to improve prevention, diagnosis, and treatment services to students. Dr. Kutash will provide the staff and resources to conduct a district-wide resource mapping survey, key informant interviews, focus groups, and data analysis. The project began July 1, 2010, and ends June 30, 2012.

Funding for this project is provided by USDOE’s Integration of Schools and Mental Health Systems Grant award (#Q215M100047). HCPS is the grant’s fiscal agent and project funds reside with the district.

Under the terms of the grant, Dr. Oliver Massey, FMHI, USF will perform the project evaluation. A copy of the final evaluation report will be provided to HCPS Office of Assessment and Accountability. The anticipated date for project evaluation is September 2012.