Hillsborough County Public Schools Student Services and Federal Programs
Action Item

DATE: Tuesday, May 19, 2009
TO: School Board Members
FROM: MaryEllen Elia, Superintendent

SUBJECT / RECOMMENDATIONS

Approve the Agreement for Technical Services Part II with Grace Consulting Group to Provide Summer Program Activities and Training for Students Enrolled at Dowdell, Franklin, and Van Buren Middle Schools, the Agency for Community Treatment Services (ACTS) Day Program (Student Services and Federal Programs Division)

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

Due to the summer months being spread across two federal budget periods, this agenda item is part II of the Grace Consulting Group summer contract. During the summer of 2008, the Grace Consulting Group provided summer program activities for middle school youth who struggled to make positive behavioral and academic choices during the regular school year. After the summer program, Grace Consulting Group met regularly with students still residing in the area over a period of 90 days. At the conclusion of the first semester, 71% of actively participating students had perfect attendance or less than five absences, while 82% of participating students had no suspensions. Based on these results, the school district will partner with Grace Consulting Group during July and August 2009.

Grace Consulting Group has pre-identified students who will participate in a summer program designed to break negative cycles and strengthen leadership skills and opportunities for behaviorally challenged youth who reside in East Tampa. The Framework 4 Greatness program will allow students to participate in program oriented field trips and community service projects. Along with student activities, parents and teachers will participate in trainings that will allow them to better support the youth they serve.

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

* Increase promotion rates at all grade levels and the percentage of high school graduates

FINANCIAL IMPACT (Budgeted: Yes)

This contract will be paid using Title I Part D funds in the amount of $22,250.

EVALUATION

By January 2010, the district will receive student data from Grace Consulting Group to determine the overall impact of the activities provided through this contract. Data will include pre and post-disposition data regarding participating students and parents. Verification of student academic and behavioral data will be supplied by the schools who serve the participating youth. This data will be reviewed by district staff to determine the effectiveness of the summer program provided by the vendor.

SUBMITTED BY: Jeff Eakins, General Director, Federal Programs

Gwendolyn L. Luney, Assistant Superintendent
Student Services and Federal Programs
(813) 272-4879
Gretchen Saunders
Chief Business Officer
(813) 272-4270
A 5.14
Hillsborough County Public Schools (Florida) * Mtg.#20090519_351 * Section A Item# 5.14