COUNTY OF SAN MATEO

Inter-Departmental Correspondence

County Manager's Office

DATE:

May 26, 2004

BOARD MEETING DATE:

June 8, 2004

TO:

Honorable Board of Supervisors

FROM:

John L. Maltbie, County Manager

SUBJECT:

After-School Homework Center Agreement for 2003-04
School Year

RECOMMENDATION:

Adopt a resolution authorizing the execution of Grant Agreement with the San Mateo County Superintendent of Schools for the continuation of After-School Homework Centers in San Mateo County.

BACKGROUND:

As part of the FY 2003-04 Budget, the Board approved $300,000 from the County General Fund to continue the operation of After School Homework Centers in local school districts throughout the county. This amount represents a 25% reduction from the prior year. Approximately 2,500 students in 63 participating schools in 15 districts are being served in the current school year. These schools have undergone an application and approval process and entered into individual agreements with the County Superintendent of Schools in order to receive funds from the County. Every County dollar is 40% matched by funding from local businesses, foundations, categorical funds and other sources identified by each school.

PERFORMANCE HIGHLIGHTS:

Some Homework Center highlights for the prior school year:

· 5,870 students were served, and 63% of these students used the Homework Centers at least two days per week.

· Of the students served, 33% are at risk of retention and 27% are English learners.

· 141 high school students were trained to be tutors, and 66 of these students were paid an average of $8.17 per hour.

· 59% of students showed improvement in grades and attendance.

· 1,551 or 81% of students who were at risk of retention were promoted to the next grade.

· 97% of parents and teachers responding to the Homework Center survey agreed that the centers are providing the necessary academic assistance to improve the achievement of participating students.

· 82% of parents and teachers of students who are English learners agreed that the centers are providing the necessary support for second language students.

· 96% of parents and teachers responding to the Homework Center survey agreed that the centers are providing a safe learning environment after school.

VISION ALIGNMENT:

The Homework Centers primarily contribute to the commitment of Sow the Seeds of Our Future Prosperity, Goal 19: the skill level of new workers rises with improved K-12 education and training opportunities, and to the commitment Ensure Basic Health and Safety for All, Goal 6: Children grow up healthy in safe and supportive homes and neighborhoods.

FISCAL IMPACT:

The term of the agreement is July 1, 2003 through June 30, 2004. Workload issues and priorities related to the County's current budget situation were causes for the delay of this item. Total funding for the agreement in FY 2003-04 is $389,098. Funding from the General Fund in the amount of $300,000 was approved by the Board for this purpose in the Memberships and Contributions Budget. The remainder will come from unspent County funds carried over from the prior year by the County Office of Education. The FY 2004-05 Recommended Budget includes the same level of funding as the current year at $300,000.