Hillsborough County Public Schools Information and Technology
Action Item

DATE: Thursday, November 6, 2008
TO: School Board Members
FROM: MaryEllen Elia, Superintendent

SUBJECT / RECOMMENDATIONS

Approve the Agreement Between the Center for Technology and Education, the Hillsborough Classroom Teachers Association, and Hillsborough County Public Schools to Co-locate the Center for Technology and Education in the Instructional Services Center (Information and Technology Division)

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

In July of 1997, the Hillsborough Classroom Teachers Association and Hillsborough County Public Schools embarked on an innovative partnership to develop the Center for Technology and Education (Center). The express purpose of the Center is to establish a partnership dedicated to providing a technology-rich professional development environment focused on high quality teacher training and to leverage the expertise and resources of each partner in creating a networked learning community with an ongoing commitment to integrating technology into teaching and learning in our schools and community. The Center has provided the resources to meet a range of diverse needs such as Intel Teach to the Future, ESOL required training, and Class Size reduction co-teacher training. The attached agreement, which has been reviewed by the board attorney, provides for the ongoing support of this innovate partnership and the co-location of the Center for Technology and Education with the District’s Staff Development Department in the newly constructed Instructional Services Center.

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

* Recruit, develop, and retain a highly effective, diverse workforce

FINANCIAL IMPACT (Budgeted: Yes)

The Center agrees to reimburse the District $539,388 upon the sale of the current site, in return for the District providing $55,000 worth of furniture, and building out the space allocated to the Center. The District agrees to continue to fund a position at an amount equal to the salary of a 12-month teacher with a master's degree, including benefits. That position will continue to be an employee of the Center, while functioning as a liaison in the partnership between the Center and the District. Shared expenses are funded by the Information and Technology divisional budget, as well as through the contributions of the Hillsborough Classroom Teachers Association and the Center for Technology and Education.

EVALUATION

The Center’s training activities are evaluated through end user input, which is in turn utilized to design enhanced distance learning opportunities for teachers. Ongoing revenue generation through the development and licensing of innovative training materials and services throughout the State of Florida will be an additional measure of success.

SUBMITTED BY: Chuck Fleming, Director of Staff Development

David J. Steele, Ph.D.
Chief Information and Technology Officer
(813) 272-4600
Gretchen Saunders
Chief Business Officer
(813) 272-4270
A 5.14
Hillsborough County Public Schools (Florida) * Mtg.#20081106_303 * Section A Item# 5.14