Approve the Payment to the University of South Florida (USF) for Services Associated with Their Partnership in Hillsborough County Public Schools (HCPS) Voluntary Public School Choice (VPSC), Project #U361A070017-10 (Student Services and Federal Programs Division)

The U.S. Department of Education (USDOE) awarded $8,995,450 to HCPS for the district’s VPSC project. The purpose of the program is to establish or expand a public school choice program. The project began October 1, 2007, and ends September 30, 2012, with year four funding of $2,153,063. Of the total amount awarded in year four, $309,059 is allocated for project services rendered by USF. The Project Director for this grant is the district’s Director of Student Planning and Placement. Dr. Donna Elam and staff will provide research, planning, implementation oversight, and materials development to support the integration of culturally competent instructional practices into curriculum and instruction. Dr. Brian Mann, Dr. Jeff Kromery, and staff will direct the evaluation activities (see Attachment A, Scope of Work, for details).

Funding for this project is provided by the USDOE Voluntary Public School Choice grant, Project #U361A070017-10. HCPS is the grant’s fiscal agent and project funds reside with the district.

Under the terms of the grant, HCPS is responsible for project evaluation. A copy of the annual reports and final evaluation report will be provided to HCPS Office of Assessment and Accountability. The anticipated date for the annual report for year four is December 30, 2011.