Hillsborough County Public Schools Student Services and Federal Programs
Action Item

DATE: Tuesday, December 11, 2007
TO: School Board Members
FROM: MaryEllen Elia, Superintendent

SUBJECT / RECOMMENDATIONS

Approve $12,960 Payment to Dr. Krista Kutash, Florida Mental Health Institute (FMHI), University of South Florida for Services Associated with Partnership in Hillsborough County Public Schools Federal Integration of Schools and Mental Health Systems Grant, PR Award #Q215M070028 (Student Services and Federal Programs Division)

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

The United States Department of Education (USDOE) awarded $322,756 to Hillsborough County Public Schools (HCPS) for the District’s Integration of Schools and Mental Health Systems grant project. Of this total amount, $12,960 is for project services rendered by Dr. Krista Kutash, FMHI, University of South Florida (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 training and technical assistance in implementing evidence-based practices that lead to effective integration of schools into a fully collaborative system that includes local mental health providers. The project began July 1, 2007, and ends January 31, 2009.

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

GOAL 5 - The District will eliminate the FCAT achievement gap by a minimum of 10 percentage points as reported by No Child Left Behind.

FINANCIAL IMPACT (Budgeted: No)

Funding for this project is provided by USDOE Integration of Schools and Mental Health Systems Grant award (#Q215M070028). HCPS is the grant’s fiscal agent and project funds reside with the district.

EVALUATION

Under the terms of the grant Dr. Oliver Massy, FMHI, USF will perform the project evaluation. A copy of the final evaluation report will be provided to the district office of Assessment and Accountability. The anticipated date for the final evaluation is April 30, 2009.

SUBMITTED BY: Lynn R. Fell, Grants and Research Operations Officer

Gwendolyn L. Luney
Assistant Superintendent, Student Services and Federal Programs
(813) 272-4879
Gretchen Saunders
Chief Business Officer
(813) 272-4270
A 5.14
Hillsborough County Public Schools (Florida) * Mtg.#20071211_271 * Section A Item# 5.14