Academic Support and Federal Programs Action Item

DATE:	Tuesday, June 25, 2019
TO:	School Board Members
FROM:	Jeff Eakins, Superintendent
SUBJECT / RECOMMENDATIONS
Approve Memorandum of Agreement with Mental Health Care, Inc. d/b/a Gracepoint for Exceptional Student Education Services, 2019/2020 (Academic Support and Federal Programs)
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
We request approval of the agreement with Gracepoint for the continuation of services for the 2019/2020 school year.  Since August 1994, the district has contracted with Gracepoint to provide therapeutic services for students and their families being served in the Behavior Support Programs.  The goal of this service is to improve behavior and increase the academic success of students being served in the Emotional/Behavioral Disabilities (E/BD) Program and other students with disabilities (SWD) with intense behavioral needs. During the 2018/2019 school year, Gracepoint provided psychiatric, respite, counseling, and wrap-around services for approximately 94 E/BD students (PreK – High School) and families.  We had a full-time program supervisor, three full-time therapists, a full-time case manager, and a therapeutic mentor serving students and families at two school sites.  The therapists provided individual, family, and group therapy to students and their families, and helped to provide referrals to other resources within the community.  They work collaboratively with the school teams on behavior and mental health for students with disabilities.  When students transition from a behavior support placement back to a less restrictive environment or a new school, the therapists follow them to assist in making the change a positive experience. In addition, counseling services are also provided for SWD by the district’s School Social Work and School Psychology departments.
STRATEGIC OBJECTIVES
• Improve the high school graduation rate
FINANCIAL IMPACT (Budgeted:  Yes)
Funds in the amount of $371,366 will be available to serve SWD needing intense behavioral supports (E/BD, Autism Spectrum Disorder, Other Health Impairments), $352,797 will be available from the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, and $18,569 will be available from the divisional general operating budget.  For tracking purposes, the project numbers specific to this agenda item are 3731 and 5323.
EVALUATION
Academic and behavioral progress will be measured using the student’s Individual Educational Plan objectives.
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
		C 6.14
Hillsborough County Public Schools (Florida) * Mtg.#20190625_926 (Board Meeting) * Section C Item# 6.14