HCPS FL Logo Workforce Connections
Action Item
DATE: Tuesday, September 19, 2017
TO: School Board Members
FROM: Jeff Eakins, Superintendent
SUBJECT / RECOMMENDATIONS
Approve the Purchase of Certified Internet Web (CIW) Curriculum and Testing Vouchers with Certification Partners, LLC (Workforce Connections)
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
CIW Curriculum and Testing Vouchers have been integrated into the curriculum of multiple Career and Technical Education courses, as well as Advanced Placement Computer Science Principles. CIW’s certification offerings include Internet Business Associate, Site Development Associate, E-Commerce, JavaScript Specialist, and Advanced HTML5 CSS3. Industry certification tests are a required component of career-themed courses as outlined in Florida’s Career and Professional Education legislation. Students successfully earning industry certifications generate weighted Full Time Equivalent (FTE) funding and are included in the calculation of school grades.

Hillsborough County Public School Board Policy and the Florida Department of Education 6A-1.1012(7) Purchasing Policies require Board approval for contractual services exceeding $50,000. Districts may not divide the procurement of commodities or contractual services to avoid this monetary threshold requirement. Future purchases for this Curriculum and Testing Vouchers will exceed this requirement; therefore, we request approval for additional expenditures in the amount of $50,620.

In accordance with the Florida Department of Education (FLDOE) Purchasing Policy 6A-1.012(12)(d), commodities or contractual services available only from a single source may be exempted from the competitive solicitation requirements.  When a district school board believes that commodities or contractual services are available only from a single source as specified by the FLDOE, the district school board may negotiate on the best terms and conditions with the single source vendor.
STRATEGIC OBJECTIVES
• Improve the high school graduation rate • Provide a student-centered learning environment that engages every child
FINANCIAL IMPACT (Budgeted:  Yes)
The year-to-date expenditures with Certification Partners, LLC, are $49,380.  The additional Curriculum and Testing Vouchers needed for the remainder of the school year are estimated to be $50,620. Funds will be available in Industry Certification Projects 4527, 4536, and 4560.  These funds are from weighted FTE funds earned by previous student achievement in Industry Certification testing.
EVALUATION
In 2016/2017, students earned 621 various CIW industry certifications, which is a 42 percent increase from the year prior. These certifications were earned at 14 high schools in six different courses such as Computer Fundamentals, AP Computer Science Principles, Emerging Technology in Business, and the Web Development program. In 2017/2018, this initiative will be evaluated by the number of successful industry certifications achieved by students and teachers.
SUBMITTED BY:  Warren S. Brooks, Workforce Connections Officer, Workforce Connections
Gretchen Saunders   Dr. Alberto Vázquez
Chief Business Officer
(813) 272-4270
  Chief of Staff
(813) 272-4986
    C 6.12
Hillsborough County Public Schools (Florida) * Mtg.#20170919_819 (Board Meeting followed by Public Hearing) * Section C Item# 6.12