Hillsborough County Public Schools Business
Action Item

DATE: Tuesday, January 12, 2010
TO: School Board Members
FROM: MaryEllen Elia, Superintendent

SUBJECT / RECOMMENDATIONS

Approve the Payment to the University of South Florida (USF) for Services Associated with Their Partnership in Hillsborough County Public Schools (HCPS) Magnet Schools Assistance Program (MSAP) Grant, Project #U165A070059-09 (Division of Student Services and Federal Programs)

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

The U.S. Department of Education (USDOE) awarded $9,598,710 to HCPS for the district’s MSAP grant project. The purpose of the program is to support magnet schools that are part of an approved desegregation plan. The awarded amount for Year 3 of the three year project is $3,192,602. Of this total amount, $164,630 is for project services rendered by USF. Faculty and staff from USF College of Education’s Anchin Center, through the Tampa Bay Educational Partnership, a formal partnership between the district and the university, are providing training in culturally competent classroom and school site leadership to assist teachers and administrators in gaining the specialized skills necessary to be effective leaders and instructors at diverse schools. Training topics include 1) creating and fostering a “learning culture” in the school and community, 2) using achievement data to eliminate cycles of academic failure, 3) fostering innovation, accountability, and results in the classroom, and 4) effectively communicating the value that individual schools bring to the community. Year Three of the project began October 1, 2009, and ends September 30, 2010.

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

* Increase promotion rates at all grade levels and the percentage of high school graduates, * Demonstrate consistent and effective teaching methods, * Motivate students to become responsible learners, * Challenge and support all students with an appropriate curriculum, * Recruit, develop, and retain a highly effective, diverse workforce

FINANCIAL IMPACT (Budgeted: No)

Funding for this project is provided by the USDOE. HCPS is the grant’s fiscal agent and project funds reside with the district.

EVALUATION

Under the terms of the grant, HCPS is responsible for project evaluation. A copy of the annual reports and final evaluation report will be provided to HCPS Office of Assessment and Accountability. The anticipated date for the Year Three annual report is December 30, 2010.

SUBMITTED BY: Lynn 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 5.18
Hillsborough County Public Schools (Florida) * Mtg.#20100112_390 * Section A Item# 5.18