HCPS FL Logo Business
Action Item
DATE: Tuesday, December 13, 2011
TO: School Board Members
FROM: MaryEllen Elia, Superintendent
SUBJECT / RECOMMENDATIONS
Approve the Recommendation Regarding the Purchase of "Robotic Kits" from Project Lead The Way, Inc. (Sole-Source Provider) (Business Division)
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
This Vex Robotics equipment and software from Project Lead The Way (PLTW) is considered sole-source and is exempt from the bidding process per Florida Department of Education 6A-1.012 purchasing policies.

The Engineering Program at Middleton High School is based upon the award-winning curriculum from PLTW.  This curriculum has been developed by teachers and engineers to promote critical thinking, creativity, innovation, and problem solving skills in students.  These hands-on, project-based courses engage students and provide them with an excellent foundation in a variety of engineering fields.

The curriculum is provided free of charge to schools that register with PLTW.  The main cost related to the program is classroom and lab equipment such as computers, software, kits for hands-on activities, robotic components, and a variety of test apparatus.  All of this equipment must be updated regularly to keep in step with the changes in the curriculum.  The requested items are required for the latest version of the curriculum.

STRATEGIC OBJECTIVES
• Motivate students to become responsible learners • Challenge and support all students with an appropriate curriculum • Align financial resources to support the district’s strategic goals • Demonstrate best financial practices
FINANCIAL IMPACT (Budgeted:  Yes)
Funds in the amount of $62,995 will be available from Race to the Top, Project 2258.
EVALUATION
Evaluation of this project will be based upon the students success in passing the PLTW End of Course examinations.
SUBMITTED BY:  Joanne Albarelli, Supervisor of Industrial and Technology Education
Wynne A. Tye   Gretchen Saunders
Assistant Superintendent, Curriculum and Instruction
(813) 272-4221
  Chief Business Officer
(813) 272-4270
    A 5.26
Hillsborough County Public Schools (Florida) * Mtg.#20111213_480 (Board Meeting) * Section A Item# 5.26