Hillsborough County Public Schools Curriculum and Instruction
Action Item

DATE: Tuesday, June 10, 2008
TO: School Board Members
FROM: MaryEllen Elia, Superintendent

SUBJECT / RECOMMENDATIONS

Approve Continuation Grant Application to the Florida Department of Education, and if Approved, Accept Funds for Florida Instructional Materials Center for the Visually Impaired, 2008/2009, $2,226,266 (Exceptional Student Education)

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

We request approval to submit a continuation grant application to the Florida Department of Education for the Florida Instructional Materials Center for the Visually Impaired (FIMC-VI).

As defined by Florida Statute, FIMC-VI will produce, distribute, re-circulate and house specialized materials for blind and visually impaired students enrolled in Florida’s schools. Hillsborough District has operated FIMC-VI as the fiscal agent for the past 35 years. Approval of the Grant Application will allow for the continuation of activities to provide Braille, large print and recorded/digital textbooks, and specialized equipment statewide. Having this center located in Hillsborough County provides our students immediate access of instructional materials for the visually impaired.

The state department has consistently praised Hillsborough District for the service provided to the state.

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

All District Goals and Critical Success Factors

FINANCIAL IMPACT (Budgeted: Yes)

If approved, grant funds will be included in the divisional special revenue/federal programs budget. The Project is financed by Federal IDEA funds ($1,801,154), State General Revenue funds ($185,112) and State General Revenue/Instructional Materials’ funds ($240,000) provided by the Florida Department of Education, Bureau of Exceptional Education and Student Services.

EVALUATION

Performance evaluation measures are determined by the Florida Department of Education. The completed annual state performance report will be completed in September 2009. The results of the evaluation will be shared with all stakeholders.

SUBMITTED BY: Suzanne A. Dalton, Supervisor; Florida Instructional Materials Center for the Visually Impaired

Wynne A. Tye
General Director, Exceptional Student Education
(813) 273-7025
Michael A. Grego
Assistant Superintendent, Curriculum and Instruction
(813) 272-4221
A 1.02b
Hillsborough County Public Schools (Florida) * Mtg.#20080610_330 * Section A Item# 1.02b