Previously, the School Board acknowledged its desire to cooperate with and participate in the Hillsborough County Emergency Operations "Shelter" program. In January 2001, the School Board agreed to administer any grant funds received as part of the Emergency Shelter Retrofit Grant Program. The State of Florida, Department of Community Affairs, through the General Appropriations Act for the State Fiscal Year 2004-2005, Specific Appropriation 1467, is offering additional grant funds to Hillsborough County Schools. The Initiative provides funding to improve the utilization of school board facilities that have been designated as emergency shelters. Hillsborough County Schools, through applications prepared by Hillsborough County and the Hillsborough County Emergency Operations Center, has been awarded $599,145 in grant funding. These funds will enable improvements to schools listed in Attachment A. Approval of Modification No. 1 will extend the initial agreement date of June 30, 2005 to October 31, 2005.

Critical Success Factor 6.a.8 - Provide sufficient student stations to ensure uninterrupted student learning and data gathering as measured by District Operational Goals plan.

The District will be awarded $599,145 in grant funding. The grant will provide reimbursement of all costs associated with construction improvements. The District will provide architectural and engineering services and project administration through the Planning and Construction Department. The grant will allow the District to move closer to resolution of the shelter space deficit. Once the shelter space deficit has been eliminated, the District will no longer be required to provide Enhanced Hurricane Protection areas within new construction.