COUNTY OF SAN MATEO

Inter-Departmental Correspondence

SHERIFF'S OFFICE

DATE:

June 25, 2003

BOARD MEETING DATE:

August 5, 2003

TO:

Honorable Board of Supervisors

FROM:

Don Horsley, Sheriff

SUBJECT:

Agreement with the San Mateo County Superintendent of Schools for prevocational and remedial education programs within the County's detention facilities.

Recommendation

Adopt a Resolution authorizing the President of the Board to:

1)

Waive the Request for Proposals (RFP) process; and

2)

Execute an Agreement with the San Mateo County Superintendent of Schools for the period July 1, 2003 through June 30, 2004, in the amount not-to-exceed $158,060, funded through the Inmate Welfare Fund.

Background

The Inmate Welfare Committee has annually recommended that the County contract with the San Mateo County Superintendent of Schools for instruction, GED testing, vocational counseling, information and referral services, and follow-up services to inmates in San Mateo County's correctional facilities. Presently, the program provides instruction in basic skills improvement and GED preparation to approximately 85-100 inmates at any given time. Provision of these services is encouraged under Title XV and by the State Board of Corrections during their annual jail inspection.

The Inmate Welfare Fund consists of monies held and expended for the welfare of inmates. It is unique for two reasons: inmates and their families provide income for the fund through commissary sales and telephone call charges; and disbursements from the fund must be used for the benefit, welfare and education of inmates and their families, pursuant to statute.

The Inmate Education Project's principal mission is to work with inmates who have not graduated from high school by preparing them for the GED test. Services are geared toward preparing the inmates to make a successful transition to employment or occupational programs upon their release.

Discussion

The Superintendent of Schools provides educational programs in detention facilities including classes in English, Math, Social Studies, Literature/Arts, Science, and Reading. At any given time, approximately 85-100 inmates participate in programs, which operate five (5) days a week, Monday through Friday. The sentenced inmate population has steadily utilized instructional classes that concentrate on GED preparation.

In Fiscal 2002-03, the Inmate Welfare Fund committee contributed $185,954 to the inmate education program, via contract with the San Mateo County Superintendent of Schools. The proposed Agreement for Fiscal 2003-04 is for $158,060, a decrease of $27,894 or 15%. The decrease is primary due to a reduction in educational staff hours at the detention facilities as a result of budgetary cutbacks.

The County has contracted with the Superintendent of Schools for these services since 1994. The Superintendent of Schools is the lead public education agency in San Mateo County, and in that capacity the Superintendent coordinates all special educational programs such as in-custody GED course work. Therefore, it is in the best interest of the County to waive the RFP process and continue to contract with the Superintendent of Schools on the basis of being a sole source provider in the County of San Mateo.

County Counsel has reviewed and approved the Resolution and Agreement as to form.

Vision Alignment

The Agreement aligns with Goal Number 4, "Residents have many educational and training opportunities beyond high school" of the Shared Vision Commitment to "Provide equal access to educational opportunity;" and Goal Number 19 "The skill level of new workers rises with improved K-12 education and training options." This Agreement contributes to these commitments by enabling inmates to increase skills which will lead to a broader range of job opportunities. As well, it will help those inmates who are parents to instill a love of learning in their children.

Fiscal Impact

The proposed Agreement is for an amount not-to-exceed $158,060 which is funded by the Inmate Welfare Fund for the 2003-04 Fiscal Year. Therefore, there is no impact upon the County's General Fund.