Academic Support and Federal Programs Action Item

DATE:	Tuesday, April 2, 2019
TO:	School Board Members
FROM:	Jeff Eakins, Superintendent
SUBJECT / RECOMMENDATIONS
Approve to Submit the Grant Application to the Florida Department of Education (FLDOE), and, if Approved, Accept Funds for the Florida Instructional Materials Center for the Visually Impaired (FIMC-VI) for 2019/2020 (Academic Support and Federal Programs)
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
We are requesting approval of the FIMC-VI grant for the 2019/2020 school year.  Approval of this grant will allow for the continuation of activities to provide materials in braille, large print and audio/digital textbooks, specialized equipment, statewide assessments, and professional development.  As defined by Florida Statute 1003.55, FIMC-VI will produce, distribute, re-circulate, and house accessible instructional materials for students who are blind, visually impaired, and/or print disabled enrolled in Florida schools. Hillsborough County Public Schools has served as FIMC-VI's headquarters for 46 years.  Having FIMC-VI located in Hillsborough County provides our students who are blind and visually impaired immediate access to specialized instructional materials.  FLDOE has consistently praised our district for the service provided to the state. Attached is a summary of this grant proposal.
STRATEGIC OBJECTIVES
• Improve the high school graduation rate • Provide a student-centered learning environment that engages every child • Recruit, support, and retain a highly effective and diverse workforce • Engage and communicate with families and stakeholders
FINANCIAL IMPACT (Budgeted:  Yes)
FLDOE/Bureau of Exceptional Education and Student Services will provide the district approximately $1,983,561 in Federal Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) funds, State General Revenue funds of $108,119, and Federal IDEA trust funds of $270,987 to distribute instructional materials in specialized formats statewide.  If approved, the estimated total funds that will be available in the divisional special revenue/federal programs budget are approximately $2,362,667.  For tracking purposes, the project numbers specific to this agenda item are 3716, 3717, and 3803.
EVALUATION
Performance evaluation measures are determined by FLDOE on an annual basis.  Multiple measures are utilized to determine program effectiveness.  The FLDOE Bureau of Exceptional Education and Student Services provides quarterly reviews and feedback of expected outcomes for deliverables for the FIMC-VI grant activities.  Progress is measured against the Schedule of Deliverables Quarterly Review Reports which are administered and reviewed by FLDOE each quarter.  The results of the quarterly reviews will be shared with all stakeholders.
SUBMITTED BY:  Kimberly Workman, General Director, Exceptional Student Education

Tracye H. Brown, Assistant Superintendent		Gretchen Saunders
Academic Support and Federal Programs (813) 272-4879		Chief Business Officer (813) 272-4270
		B 6.04
Hillsborough County Public Schools (Florida) * Mtg.#20190402_921 (Board Meeting) * Section B Item# 6.04