Hillsborough County Public Schools Student Services and Federal Programs
Action Item

DATE: Tuesday, January 12, 2010
TO: School Board Members
FROM: MaryEllen Elia, Superintendent

SUBJECT / RECOMMENDATIONS

Approve the Race to the Top Memorandum of Understanding Between Hillsborough County Public Schools (HCPS) and the Florida Department of Education (FLDOE) (Student Services and Federal Programs Division)

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

The FLDOE is submitting an application for funding under the federal Race to the Top grant program. The FLDOE may be awarded up to $750 million if the application is successful. Local Education Agencies (LEA) who are interested in participating in this grant program are required to submit a signed Memorandum of Understanding to FLDOE by January 12, 2010. Race to the Top initiatives are grouped within four reform areas: 1) enhanced standards and high quality assessments, 2) data systems to support instruction, 3) attracting, retaining, and supporting great teachers and leaders, and 4) turning around the lowest achieving schools.

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

* Increase promotion rates at all grade levels and the percentage of high school graduates, * Demonstrate consistent and effective teaching methods, * Motivate students to become responsible learners, * Challenge and support all students with an appropriate curriculum, * Recruit, develop, and retain a highly effective, diverse workforce, * Align the performance management system with the district’s priorities, * Provide for a district-wide succession planning structure and visible career ladder, * Align financial resources to support the district’s strategic goals, * Demonstrate best financial practices

FINANCIAL IMPACT (Budgeted: No)

Funding for this project will be provided to the FLDOE by the US Department of Education (USDOE). The FLDOE will award funds to LEAs.

EVALUATION

The project will be evaluated annually by HCPS, FLDOE, and USDOE.

SUBMITTED BY: Lynn Fell, Grants and Research Operations Officer

Gwendolyn L. Luney, Assistant Superintendent
Student Services and Federal Programs
(813) 272-4879
Gretchen Saunders
Chief Business Officer
(813) 272-4270
A 8.01a
Hillsborough County Public Schools (Florida) * Mtg.#20100112_390 * Section A Item# 8.01a