Approve Memorandum of Understanding with the City of Tampa, Tampa Bay WorkForce Alliance, and The School Board of Hillsborough County, Florida, for the Tampa Fire Rescue Partnership Academy, 2010/2011 (Workforce and Continuing Education)

We request approval of the Memorandum of Understanding with the City of Tampa, Tampa Bay WorkForce Alliance, and The School Board of Hillsborough County, Florida, through Learey Technical Center for the Tampa Fire Rescue Partnership Academy. The purpose of this partnership is to provide an applicant pool of newly trained fire fighters to the local workforce. The memorandum of understanding shall be in effect retroactively from July 1, 2010, through June 30, 2011. Each year documents which include tuition and fees are delayed by several factors related to the establishment of those rates: the recommendation of the Legislature; the signing/line-item veto of the Governor; the official fee memo from the Department of Education indicating the acceptable range of fees; calculations and recommendation of fee schedule; School Board approval of tuition and fees; and negotiations with agencies to insure mutual agreement prior to submission to the School Board for approval. Traditionally classes continue and are not disrupted during this process.

The targeted student population for this special program is economically disadvantaged, minorities, and women. Through this partnership, the City of Tampa will provide the training facility, equipment and site consumables. The Tampa Bay WorkForce Alliance will provide tuition, fees, texts, tools, uniforms, and supplies for the students as well as assistance with child care and transportation. Learey Technical Center will provide the instructors and coordination of the partnership.

* Challenge and support all students with an appropriate curriculum

This program will generate Workforce Education funds. In addition, the district will receive approximately $22,700 in tuition for each class of 20 students. Funds received in excess of actual costs for this program will be remitted to the City of Tampa to offset costs associated with the operation and maintenance of the facility and equipment.

The evaluation will be based on enrollment, completion, and placement of students from this program in the local workforce. A post-Academy evaluation will include a cost and revenue report.