HCPS FL Logo Student Services
Action Item
DATE: Tuesday, October 14, 2014
TO: School Board Members
FROM: MaryEllen Elia, Superintendent
SUBJECT / RECOMMENDATIONS
Approve Research Subaward Agreement #5830-1421-00-A, Between the University of South Florida Board of Trustees (USF) and The School Board of Hillsborough County, Florida (HCPS) for Using Network Analysis to Assess School Mental Health Organizational Structure Project (Student Services Division)
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
The National Institute of Health awarded a two-year grant to USF in support of the project, Using Network Analysis to Assess School Mental Health Organizational Structure.  This grant opportunity developed from the work between USF and HCPS with the multi-year Wellness Integration for Students of Hillsborough (WISH) federal-planning grant.  The grant will analyze the degree of integration of Student Support Services with middle school faculties for the mental health needs of students. 

It is the practice of USF to sign negotiated contracts after School Board approval.

STRATEGIC OBJECTIVES
• Demonstrate "best practices" in all aspects of safety including students, employees, visitors, facilities, transportation, and health
FINANCIAL IMPACT (Budgeted:  Yes)
Grant funds in the amount of $20,000 for the 2014/2015 school year will be provided by USF paying a portion of the salary, fringe benefits, and local travel for a school social worker to serve as a liaison as part of the grant project and help expedite activities in their weekly responsibilities.
EVALUATION

The Supervisor of School Social Work Services will serve as the primary liaison with the USF principal investigator for this research project. This supervisor will meet with HCPS and USF personnel to support grant activities, including the development of faculty surveys, assisting with the distribution of surveys at select middle schools, answering questions, and resolving implementation issues. The supervisor will plan grant activities with the cooperation of the General Director of Middle School Education, Director of Grants, Manager of Assessment and Accountability, and select principals. Written reports will be prepared, shared, and discussed by the principal investigator with the HCPS staff. These activities will lead to identifying effective practices, professional development opportunities, and conditions, which lead to effective interventions for the mental health needs of students in middle school.

SUBMITTED BY:  Ken Gaughan, Supervisor, School Social Work Services
George Gaffney, Assistant Superintendent   Gretchen Saunders
Student Services Division
(813) 273-7033
  Chief Business Officer
(813) 272-4270
    A 6.07
Hillsborough County Public Schools (Florida) * Mtg.#20141014_643 (Board Meeting) * Section A Item# 6.07