Hillsborough County Public Schools Curriculum and Instruction
Action Item

DATE: Tuesday, May 20, 2008
TO: School Board Members
FROM: MaryEllen Elia, Superintendent

SUBJECT / RECOMMENDATIONS

Approve to Submit Grant Application to the Florida Department of Education, and if Approved, Accept Funds, 2008/2009 (Exceptional Student Education)

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

We request approval to submit a grant application to the Florida Department of Education for the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act funds for Hillsborough District. This grant application has two sections; IDEA, Part B - $37,011,387 and Preschool Children with Disabilities - $728,210. Summaries of these grant proposals are attached.

The purpose of the IDEA, Part B grant is to ensure that all children with disabilities ages 3 through 21 have the right to a free appropriate public education (FAPE) designed to meet their individual needs and prepare them for employment and independent living. These funds will be used for the excess costs directly attributable to programs that provide FAPE to children with disabilities. Students with disabilities will be provided full educational opportunities through instructional activities designed to increase the level, intensity, and quality of services necessary for each individual student.

Federal entitlement grants for Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) must be submitted annually.

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

All District Goals and Critical Success Factors

FINANCIAL IMPACT (Budgeted: Yes)

If approved, grant funds will be included in the divisional special revenue/federal programs budget; IDEA - $37,011,387 and Preschool Children with Disabilities - $728,210.

EVALUATION

Performance evaluation measures are determined by the Florida Department of Education, Bureau of Exceptional Education and Student Services. The 2009 local education agency (LEA) Profile will be provided to the districts by April 2009. The LEA Profile provides districts with various data for use in planning for systemic improvement in exceptional education programs. The information will be shared to all stakeholders.

SUBMITTED BY: Nicholas Carullo, Supervisor, Florida Diagnostic and Learning Resources System 
Donna Kimes, Supervisor, Exceptional Student Education Pre-K

Wynne A. Tye
General Director, Exceptional Student Education
(813) 273-7025 		Michael A. Grego, Ed.D.
Assistant Superintendent, Curriculum and Instruction
(813) 272-4221
A 1.02c
Hillsborough County Public Schools (Florida) * Mtg.#20080520_293 * Section A Item# 1.02c