C12.01 - Update on the District's State and Federal Lobbying Services (Chief of Staff)

Hillsborough County Public Schools (HCPS) entered into an agreement with GrayRobinson, P.A. and Shumaker Advisors Florida, LLC for contracted state and federal lobbying services from October 15, 2019, through June 30, 2020. Both vendors have complied with the contract terms and scope of services.

Our Superintendent and leadership team have communicated with the contracted lobbyists the requirement for clearly defined results and successes which demonstrate a return on the district's investment to be provided during the next contract year.

GrayRobinson, P.A. and Shumaker Advisors Florida, LLC have complied with the basic contract terms and conditions during the prior year.

Working with the contracted lobbyists in 2019-2020, HCPS:

• Developed state and federal legislative platforms
• Planned and executed HCPS Day at the Capitol
• Secured a $500,000 state appropriation for Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) funding (pending the Governor's approval)
• Submitted a federal appropriations request in support of the renovation and expansion of facilities at Tinker K-8 School (pending Congressional approval)
• Submitted letters to members of Congress and federal agencies in support of HCPS funding matters, including federal stimulus legislation, and communicated stories of our district's successful transition to eLearning these past two months

To maximize the efficient use of district resources during the next contract period, GrayRobinson, P.A. and Shumaker Advisors Florida, LLC will regularly provide documentary evidence demonstrating clearly defined results and successes with respect to legislative support and outcomes, including additional funding for HCPS priorities. This will include an emphasis on the following:

• Pursue additional funds to help alleviate the impact COVID-19 has had on the school district budget
• Policy guidance and funding for reopening schools
• Expansion of online learning infrastructure
• Increased funding and flexibility to implement the instructional requirements related to mental health education, substance use education, Youth Mental Health First Aid and human trafficking education
• Prioritize Tinker K-8 School for immediate funding to increase capacity, update aging facilities and improve educational continuity for military families
• Pursue state and federal funds in support of district-identified pilot programs

* 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

The agreement with GrayRobinson, P.A. and Shumaker Advisors Florida, LLC will be renewed for a one-year period, from July 1, 2020, through June 30, 2021.

Kristin Davis, Department Manager, Government Relations, kristin.davis@hcps.net, 813-272-4055

The agreement with GrayRobinson, P.A. and Shumaker Advisors Florida, LLC will be renewed for a one-year period at a monthly professional services fee of $5,000 each.