Government Relations Action Item

DATE:	Tuesday, February 17, 2015
TO:	School Board Members
FROM:	MaryEllen Elia, Superintendent
SUBJECT / RECOMMENDATIONS
Approve Letter of Engagement with Holland & Knight, LLP for Governmental Consulting Services (Government Relations Division)
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
On December 10, 2013, the Board approved a Letter of Engagement with Holland & Knight, LLP for government consulting services for the 2014 legislative session.  Florida legislative, executive, and agency officials have a continuing and increasing impact on education issues.  Additionally, the initiatives with the Empowering Effective Teachers project, as well as our various grant projects require multi-agency communication and collaboration.  Special professional services enhance continued effective communication between government officials, agencies, and our school district.  Hillsborough County Public Schools (HCPS) has successfully utilized the unique experience and abilities of former Governor Bob Martinez of Holland & Knight, LLP, to support our communication goals.
STRATEGIC OBJECTIVES
All Strategic Objectives
FINANCIAL IMPACT (Budgeted:  Yes)
For services rendered by Holland & Knight, LLP, the HCPS will be billed $35,000 at $5,000 per month for a seven-month period beginning March 1, 2015, and ending August 31, 2015.
EVALUATION
SUBMITTED BY:

Connie Milito		Gretchen Saunders
Chief Government Relations Officer (813) 272-4519		Chief Business Officer (813) 272-4270
		A 6.11
Hillsborough County Public Schools (Florida) * Mtg.#20150217_684 (Board Meeting) * Section A Item# 6.11