Student Services and Federal Programs Action Item

DATE:	Tuesday, February 14, 2012
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 Partnerships in Hillsborough County Public Schools (HCPS) Voluntary Public School Choice (VPSC) Grant, Project #U361A070017-11B, and Magnet Schools Assistance Program (MSAP) Grant, Project #U165A100060-11 (Student Services and Federal Programs Division)
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
The U.S. Department of Education (USDOE) awarded $10,866,173 to HCPS for the district’s VPSC project, and $7,637,057 for the district’s MSAP project.  The purpose of these programs respectively, is to establish or expand a public school choice program and to support magnet schools that are part of an approved desegregation plan.  The nature of each of these grants warrants extensive research studies and evaluation.  To that end, a Graduate Research Assistant (GRA) from USF will assist district personnel in conducting comprehensive research studies and program evaluation for both grants.  Since the supervision of the GRA will be of a collaborative nature with USF, the university will cover 10% of the unit.  The remaining 90% will be covered via grant funds, totaling $30,409.  Approximately 65 percent of that total will be paid from the MSAP grant, and the remaining 35 percent will be paid from the VPSC grant.
STRATEGIC OBJECTIVES
• 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
FINANCIAL IMPACT (Budgeted:  No)
Funding for this project is provided by the USDOE VPSC grant, Project # U361A070017-11B, and the MSAP grant, Project #U165A100060-11.  HCPS is the fiscal agent of both grants, and project funds reside with the district.
EVALUATION
Under the terms of the grants, HCPS is responsible for project evaluation.  A copy of the annual reports and final evaluation reports will be provided to the HCPS Office of Assessment and Accountability. The anticipated date for the annual reports is December 30, 2012.
SUBMITTED BY:  Pansy Houghton, Director, Student Planning and Placement Lisa Cobb, Assistant Director, Grants and Research Operations

Gwendolyn L. Luney, Assistant Superintendent		Gretchen Saunders
Student Services and Federal Programs (813) 272-4879		Chief Business Officer (813) 272-4270
		A 5.09
Hillsborough County Public Schools (Florida) * Mtg.#20120214_493 (Board Meeting) * Section A Item# 5.09