Approve Renewal Grant Application to the Florida Department of Education, and if Approved, Accept Funds for Title IV, Safe and Drug-Free Schools Entitlement Project, 2007/2008 - $937,640 (Elementary Education)

We are requesting approval to submit a renewal application for the Title IV, Safe and Drug-Free Schools Entitlement Project to support efforts for drug and alcohol awareness and prevention, violence prevention, and school safety through character education.

The 2007/2008 grant application totals $937,640, which is a 9% reduction from the prior year. Budget adjustments have been made to continue these worthwhile initiatives within the budget constraints as shown in the attached summary of educational services and utilization of grant funds. We are exploring additional funding opportunities through the C.E. Mendez Foundation.

Goal 1 – The percentage of students scoring at Level 3 or higher on FCAT Reading will increase a minimum of five percentage points.
Goal 5 – The district will close the FCAT achievement gap by a minimum of 10 percentage points as reported by No Child Left Behind.

If approved, grant funds of $937,640 will be included in the divisional special revenue/federal programs budget. Indirect costs are included in the grant application.

Performance evaluation measures are determined by the Florida Department of Education. The annual progress report will be completed in December 2008. The results will be shared with all stakeholders.