Hillsborough County Public Schools Curriculum and Instruction
Action Item

DATE: Tuesday, March 18, 2008
TO: School Board Members
FROM: MaryEllen Elia, Superintendent

SUBJECT / RECOMMENDATIONS

Approve Increase in Renewal Contractual Agreement with Professional Interpreting Consultants for Sign Language Interpreting Services for Exceptional Student Education, 2007/2008 – Approximately $25,000 (Exceptional Student Education)

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

Agenda Item E1.08 was approved by the School Board on April 10, 2007, with Professional Interpreting Consultants in the amount of $35,000. We request approval of an increase from $35,000 to $60,000 for Professional Interpreting Consultants to provide sign language interpreting services to the district. Due to a shortage of qualified sign language interpreters, the impact of several maternity leaves, and the high number of requests from schools to provide interpreters for deaf parents participating in conference and school activities district sign language interpreter services have resulted in a greater dependence upon our contract agency, Professional Interpreting Consultants.

Sign language interpreter services are utilized as needed by approximately 220 deaf and hard-of-hearing students to access their regular education classes. Interpreter services are provided for short-term assignments and substitutes at school sites, and services are also provided to deaf and hard-of-hearing parents whose hearing children attend our schools and require a sign language interpreter. These interpreter services to parents provide access to parent-teacher conferences, assemblies, and performances in which their children participate. Interpreter services for deaf and hard-of-hearing students are required by federal laws including Title IX of the Educational Amendments of 1974, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, and the Americans with Disabilities Act.

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

All District Goals and Critical Success Factors

FINANCIAL IMPACT (Budgeted: Yes)

Additional funding of approximately $25,000 will be provided through the Individuals with Disabilities Educational Act (IDEA) Grant, project 1331.

EVALUATION

SUBMITTED BY:

Wynne Tye
General Director, Exceptional Student Education
(813) 273-7025
Michael A. Grego, Ed.D.
Assistant Superintendent, Curriculum and Instruction
(813) 272-4221
A 1.06
Hillsborough County Public Schools (Florida) * Mtg.#20080318_290 * Section A Item# 1.06