COUNTY OF SAN MATEO

Inter-Departmental Correspondence

Human Services Agency

DATE:

November 17, 2010

BOARD MEETING DATE:

December 7, 2010

SPECIAL NOTICE/HEARING:

None

VOTE REQUIRED:

Majority

TO:

Honorable Board of Supervisors

FROM:

Beverly Beasley Johnson, J.D. , Director, Human Services Agency

SUBJECT:

Grant Agreement with the San Mateo County Superintendent of Schools

RECOMMENDATION:

Adopt a Resolution authorizing:

(A)

The President of the Board to execute a Grant Agreement with the San Mateo County Superintendent of Schools (County Superintendent) to provide after-school academic program grants. The term is January 1, 2011 through September 30, 2012 for the amount of $600,000. This is 100% Net County Cost; and

(B)

The Director of the Human Services Agency or the Director's designee to execute contract amendments which modify the County's maximum fiscal obligation by no more than $25,000 (in aggregate), and/or modify the contract term and/or services so long as the modified term or services is/are within the current or revised fiscal provisions.

BACKGROUND:

Homework Centers are an after-school academic program which serve a critical role in supporting students in need of academic support beyond the school day. Homework Centers serve also to support the community and schools by offering a positive and safe environment after school environment.

Last fiscal year pilot Homework Centers were launched expanding services to include hands-on experiences that engage students in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math. One of the successful outcomes of the collaborative efforts of the pilot Homework Centers is that students have shown an increased interest in math and science careers.

DISCUSSION:

This Grant Agreement provides $300,000 in funding for FY 2010-11 and FY 2011-12, for a total of $600,000. Changes were made to enhance Homework Center services which encouraged schools to provide more in depth programming, lower student to tutor ratios and increase hours of operation both before and after school. Offering expanded services normalized the cost of services resulting in a reduced number of schools that were funded compared to prior fiscal years; however, it is anticipated that these changes will better aid students most at risk of falling behind to achieve academic success and grade level competency. This serves to narrow the achievement gap and prevents middle and high school dropouts. Funding will support after school homework tutoring centers in 16 school districts for 45 schools serving approximately 3,500 middle and elementary students annually as opposed to 65 schools and 5,000 students in the previous year. County-allocated funds will require a 40% match from the schools.

The Contractor has assured compliance with the County's Contractor Employee Jury Service Ordinance, as well as all other contract provisions that are required by County ordinance and administrative memoranda, including but not limited to insurance, hold harmless, non-discrimination and equal benefits. County Counsel has reviewed and approved this Agreement and Resolution as to form and Risk Management has approved the Contractor’s insurance for this Agreement.

Approval of this Agreement contributes to Shared Vision 2025 outcome of a Prosperous Community by increasing math and English scores for at risk, English Language learners and students with below basic math or English skills in elementary and middle school. The homework centers will assist approximately 3,500 students with limited access to academic assistance in a safe after school environment. These programs support academic achievement in youth, keeping them engaged in school. Based on 2009-10 teacher reports seventy-three percent of students attending Homework Centers showed an overall increase in grades. English Language learner students in particular benefited from attending Centers, eighty-five percent showed an overall improvement in grades.

Performance Measure(s):

Measure

FY 2009-10

Actual

FY 2010-11
Target

FY 2011-12

Target

Percentage of students with below basic skills in math and/or English who show overall improvement in grades

73%

*65%

66%

Percentage of student who are English Language learners (EL) who show improvement in overall grades

85%

*75%

76%%

*The Contractor exceeded performance goals set for FY 2009 -10. Goals for FY 2010-11 are based on performance actuals compiled from the past 3 years.

FISCAL IMPACT:

The amount of this Agreement is $600,000. The term of this Agreement is January 1, 2011 through September 30, 2012. Funding for this Agreement will be divided equally across two fiscal years at $300,000 per year. Funding for this Agreement is included in the FY 2010-11 Adopted Budget and will be included in the FY 2011-12 Recommended Budget. Funding for this Agreement is entirely Net County Cost.