Hillsborough County Public Schools Business
Action Item

DATE: Tuesday, June 9, 2009
TO: School Board Members
FROM: MaryEllen Elia, Superintendent

SUBJECT / RECOMMENDATIONS

Approve Continuation Grant Application to the Florida Department of Education (FDOE), and if Approved, Accept Funds for the Florida Instructional Materials Center for the Visually Impaired (FIMC-VI), 2009/2010 (Curriculum and Instruction Division/Florida Instructional Materials Center for the Visually Impaired FIMC-VI)

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

We request approval to submit the continuation grant application to FDOE for 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 County Public Schools (HCPS) has operated FIMC-VI as the fiscal agent for the past 36 years. A summary of this grant proposal is attached.

Approval of the grant application will allow for the continuation of activities to provide Braille, large print and audio/digital textbooks, and specialized equipment statewide. Having FIMC-VI located in Hillsborough County provides our students immediate access to specialized instructional materials for the visually impaired. FDOE has consistently praised HCPS for the service provided to the state.

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

All Strategic Objectives

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 ($2,001,154), State General Revenue funds ($147,822) and State General Revenue/Instructional Materials’ funds ($145,585) provided by FDOE, Bureau of Exceptional Education and Student Services.

EVALUATION

Performance evaluation measures are determined by FDOE. The completed annual state performance report will be completed in September 2010. The results of the evaluation will be shared with all stakeholders.

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 5.22
Hillsborough County Public Schools (Florida) * Mtg.#20090609_352 * Section A Item# 5.22