HCPS FL Logo Teaching and Learning
Action Item
DATE: Tuesday, February 7, 2017
TO: School Board Members
FROM: Jeff Eakins, Superintendent
SUBJECT / RECOMMENDATIONS
Approve the Purchase of SPARK Science Equipment and Related Professional Development Workshops from PASCO Scientific (Sole-Source Provider) (Office of Teaching and Learning)
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
This laboratory equipment has been specifically chosen based on the grade levels served by each school at various middle and high schools. The SPARK Science Learning System is a mobile device that offers students the following benefits:

  • integrates the power of probeware with inquiry-based content and assessment
  • encourages and enhances a discovery-based learning environment
  • brings portability and mobility to a classroom where critical thinking and problem-solving are driven

Professional development for teachers will be provided by PASCO Scientific facilitators.  District personnel negotiated with PASCO Scientific for a discount agreement, which was approved November 2015.  PASCO Scientific is designated as a sole-source and is the designer, manufacturer, distributor, and marketer of SPARK science equipment and related workshops.  This purchase is exempt from the requesting competitive solicitations by the Florida Department of Education 6A-1.012 Purchasing Policies (12)(d).
STRATEGIC OBJECTIVES
• Improve the high school graduation rate • Provide a student-centered learning environment that engages every child
FINANCIAL IMPACT (Budgeted:  Yes)

Expenditures were $145,640.91 for the fiscal year 2015/2016. Funds in the amount of $51,500 will be available for anticipated purchases for the 2016/2017 fiscal year from the following (remaining balances as of 01/18/17):

  • 101 General, Project 6011 - Instructional STEM:  $10,000.00; remaining balance equaled $34,800.00
  • 101 General, Project 4506 - Categorical Science Lab Secondary:  $36,500; remaining balance equaled $37,143.02
  • 420 Federal, Project 3138 - Math/Science Partnership (MSP) Grant:  $5,000; remaining balance equaled $19,021.36
EVALUATION
Schools are continually monitored by district staff to ensure robotics and other equipment are used appropriately during the academic day and during out-of-school time.  In addition, evaluations are performed for all funded grants as required by the grant.
SUBMITTED BY:  Elizabeth Agresta, Chief Academic Officer, Office of Teaching and Learning
Larry R. Plank, Ed.S., Director K-12 Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics
Gretchen Saunders   Dr. Alberto Vázquez
Chief Business Officer
(813) 272-4270		   Chief of Staff
(813) 272-4986
    C 6.02
Hillsborough County Public Schools (Florida) * Mtg.#20170207_806 (Board Meeting) * Section C Item# 6.02