C6.05 - Approve Hillsborough County Public Schools (HCPS) Annual Membership with the Council of the Great City Schools (Financial Services Division)

The Council of the Great City Schools is the only national organization exclusively representing the needs of urban public schools. Composed of 68 large city districts, it's mission is to promote the cause of urban schools and to advocate for inner-city students through legislation, research, and media relations. The organization also provides a network for school districts sharing common problems to exchange information, and to collectively address new challenges as they emerge in order to deliver the best possible education for urban youth. 

If approved, HCPS will be a member of the Council through June 30, 2021.

The Council was incredibly productive this past year. It remains the most effective and aggressive advocate for urban public schools in the nation. A good example was the Council's work on federal regulations dealing with school meals, disproportionality, private school tax credits, gainful employment, and other issues. The Council is not just about federal advocacy, as effective as it is in this arena. It is also about our ability to work together in addressing the many challenges we face. The group has made major contributions over the years to the development and implementation of college and career readiness standards in reading and math. The Council has convened numerous meetings, workshops, and forums to help its members improve instruction. In addition, the Council recently released new guidance to help its members strengthen their curricula. 

Approve HCPS annual membership with the Council of the Great City Schools

* Improve the high school graduation rate

* Improve Student Achievement

* Provide a student-centered learning environment that engages every child

* Recruit, support, and retain a highly effective and diverse workforce

* Develop, recognize, and reward employees

* Develop a culture of respect, trust, collaboration and equity

* Engage and communicate with families and stakeholders

* Continuously improve processes and systems

* Establish a strong foundation of financial stewardship

* Demonstrate "best practices" in all aspects of safety: student, employee, visitor, facility, transportation, and health

* Construct and maintain facilities that create an environment conducive to teaching and learning

* Respond to competition

Approve HCPS annual membership with the Council of the Great City Schools

Funds in the amount of $59,611 are available in the Superintendent's Office budget. There is no specific project number assigned for this purchase.