Hillsborough County Public Schools Administration
Action Item

DATE: Tuesday, January 17, 2006
TO: School Board Members
FROM: MaryEllen Elia, Superintendent

SUBJECT / RECOMMENDATIONS

Approve the proposed reorganization of the choice, charter, student assignment, and non-traditional programs within the Division of Administration and the sharing of responsibilities for the selection of school sites with the Facilities Division.

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

The School Board has previously adopted a model for student assignment that affords parents an opportunity to choose the school to which their children are assigned. The school choice program has been supported by a federal grant to assist the district in successful implementation of the plan. The provisions of the grant require that there be a designated director of the grant.

In addition to the choice plan, the Board has a number of other options for school choice, and issues that impact student assignment that should be coordinated with the choice plan. These programs and activities include the establishment of school attendance boundaries, the operation of charter schools, and the selection of sites for new schools, and all are matters that are related. In addition, the operation of alternative schools, youth services and other non-traditional programs have an impact upon student assignment.

To better coordinate these activities, reduce duplication of efforts, improve communication and enhance service and accessibility to parents and community members the various offices of the school district that work in these areas were analyzed. The recommendation consolidates these responsibilities into a single department within the Division of Administration, the Division charged with the responsibility for operating the schools and managing student assignment. In addition, the responsibilities of the General Director’s office that is part of the recommendation will include the responsibility to continue to coordinate the acquisition of school sites with the Facilities Division to enhance the ability of the District to establish optimal school attendance boundaries.

The recommendations are to establish a position of General Director of Pupil Placement and Support Programs to direct the choice grant, the choice program, student assignment, magnet student assignment, school boundaries, charter schools and other non-traditional options and programs. It is also recommended that the position of Director of Non-Traditional Programs be established to be responsible for Youth Services, Alternative Schools, ATOSS, and Charter Schools. This office along with the offices of the Director of Pupil Assignment, and Supervisor of Choice will report to the General Director of Pupil Placement and Support Programs.

An organization chart for the proposed department is attached. Also attached is a chart of the financial impact and the personnel assignments related to the recommendation.

ANNUAL DISTRICT GOAL(S) AND CRITICAL SUCCESS FACTOR(S)

FINANCIAL IMPACT (Budgeted: Yes)

There will be savings of $88,616 per year to the Operating budget, and a savings of $68,974 per year to the Choice Grant. There will be a charge of $49,637 per year to the capital outlay budget.

EVALUATION

09/30/07

SUBMITTED BY:



Lewis A. Brinson
Assistant Superintendent for Administration
(813) 272-4071
8.01AR
Hillsborough County Public Schools (Florida) * Mtg.#20060117_165 * Section E Item# 8.01AR