HCPS FL Logo Instructional Support
Action Item
DATE: Tuesday, June 11, 2013
TO: School Board Members
FROM: MaryEllen Elia, Superintendent
SUBJECT / RECOMMENDATIONS
Approve Continuation Grant Application to the Florida Department of Education (FLDOE), and if Approved, Accept Funds for the Florida Instructional Materials Center for the Visually Impaired for 2013/2014 (Instructional Support Division/Florida Instructional Materials Center for the Visually Impaired FIMC-VI)
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
We request approval to submit the continuation grant application to FLDOE for FIMC-VI.  As defined by Florida Statute, 1003.55, FIMC-VI will produce, distribute, recirculate and house specialized materials for students who are blind and visually impaired and enrolled in Florida’s schools.  Hillsborough County Public Schools has served as FIMC-VI’s headquarters for the past 40 years.  A summary of this grant proposal is attached.

Approval of the grant application will allow for the continuation of activities to provide Braille, large print and audio/digital textbooks, and specialized equipment statewide.  Having FIMC-VI located in Hillsborough County provides our students immediate access to specialized instructional materials for students who are blind and visually impaired.  FLDOE has consistently praised our district for the service provided to the state.

STRATEGIC OBJECTIVES
All Strategic Objectives
FINANCIAL IMPACT (Budgeted:  Yes)
If approved, grant funds will be included in the divisional special revenue/federal program budget.  FLDOE/Bureau of Exceptional Education and Student Services will provide the district Federal IDEA funds of $1,983,561, State General Revenue funds of $108,119, and Federal IDEA trust funds of $270,987, to distribute instructional materials in specialized formats statewide.
EVALUATION
Performance evaluation measures are determined by FLDOE.  The completed annual state performance report will be completed in September 2014.  The results of the evaluation will be shared with all stakeholders.
SUBMITTED BY:  Maryann Parks, General Director, Department of Exceptional Student Education
Suzanne A. Dalton, Supervisor, FIMC-VI
George E. Gaffney, Assistant Superintendent   Gretchen Saunders
Instructional Support Division
(813) 273-7033
  Chief Business Officer
(813) 272-4270
    A 6.06
Hillsborough County Public Schools (Florida) * Mtg.#20130611_565 (Board Meeting) * Section A Item# 6.06