BOARD APPROVES CONTINUATION OF THE DENTAL HEALTH AGREEMENT FOR PRESCHOOL PROGRAMS
Federal and state preschool program grants require the delivery of comprehensive dental services to preschool students. These services support children in getting the most out of their education by meeting some of their basic needs. The Broward County Health Department agrees to continue providing comprehensive dental health services consisting of examination, treatment, and care to preschool children, in accordance with regulations from the Department of Health and Human Services/Office of Human Development Services. This contract will provide dental services to all low income, non-Medicaid eligible preschool children in the Head Start, Early Head Start and Preschool ESE (PLACE) programs. Services will be provided throughout the 2009/10 school year.
BOARD APPROVES CONTINUATION AGREEMENT WITH NSU TO IMPLEMENT THE QUALITY IMPROVEMENT SUPPORTS CONTRACT
The Board approved a continuation agreement with Nova Southeastern University (NSU) to implement the Quality Improvement Supports (QIS) contract with the Early Learning Coalition of Broward County, Inc. For the third year, NSU will assist the District implementing of the QIS contract by providing technical assistance to 21 community preschool centers. Three NSU early childhood educators will work with selected childcare teachers to implement appropriate, research-based, early childhood practices in the classrooms. The selected centers, which serve children whose families receive financial assistance from school readiness funds, have the greatest need for training and technical assistance and are located in zip codes that are deemed at-risk by available statistical data. The goal of the program is to improve teachers' knowledge, thus increasing their effectiveness and improving kindergarten readiness. The NSU staff will meet weekly with District staff to discuss the needs of the preschool centers and to identify appropriate interventions and professional development. NSU staff will provide weekly technical assistance to teachers in these centers, based on needs assessment.
BOARD APPROVES AMENDMENT TO THE LICENSE AGREEMENT WITH FLORIDA ATLANTIC UNIVERSITY
The Board approved a fourth amendment to the license agreement with Florida Atlantic University (FAU) regarding use of Lockhart Stadium for collegiate football games. In 2003, the Board approved a master license agreement with FAU to host collegiate football games at Lockhart Stadium. The master lease agreement covered the football seasons through 2005. On a year-to-year basis, both parties have amended this agreement to continue the playing of FAU college football at Lockhart Stadium. The fourth amendment to the Master Lease Agreement provides a two-year agreement between FAU and the School Board for use of Lockhart during the 2009 and 2010 football seasons.
FAU is scheduled to play five home games at Lockhart Stadium during the 2009 season. The 2010 schedule will be developed by FAU, in conjunction with the Sun Belt conference, in approximately eight months. FAU retains all ticket, concession and parking revenue derived from each college game. All advertising revenue generated from permanent signage panels on the Lockhart Stadium scoreboard and message board will be divided equally between the District and FAU. FAU will pay a rental fee for all college games played during the 2009 and 2010 football seasons to cover all game day expenses including, field lining, security, facility clean-up and stadium management.
BOARD APPROVES 11 GRANT APPLICATIONS
The Board approved the following 11 grant applications:
21st Century Community Learning Center - to provide opportunities for students and their families to learn new skills and increase their knowledge outside of the regular school day
Adult General Education - to enhance curriculum, instruction and assessment of students enrolled in adult education programs, assist in raising the educational level, job placement, and/or career advancement of adults; provide a research-based reading program for adults; and provide staff development for administrators, teachers and volunteers to enhance the delivery of adult education programs
Aquaculture Immersion Excursion - to aid in the development of school aquaculture programs
Disney Minnie Grants - to support youth-led service projects
Dollar General Youth Literacy Grants - to help with the implementation or expansion of literacy programs for new readers, below grade-level readers and readers with learning disabilities
English Literacy and Civics Education - to enhance curriculum, instruction and assessment of students enrolled in English Literacy; integrate research-based reading strategies for the Adult English Literacy population; provide intermediate to advanced limited-English proficient students, who are unable to attend regularly, the opportunity to access curriculum activities online; and provide staff development for administrators, teachers and volunteers to enhance the delivery of Adult English Literacy programs
Foreign Language Assistance Program (FLAP) Local Education Agencies - for innovative model programs providing for the establishment, improvement, or expansion of foreign language study for elementary and secondary school students
ING Unsung Heroes Award - to recognize innovative teaching methods and techniques that improve learning through creativity, and have a positive influence on students
Mary Turner and Nancy France Fund Grant Applications - to conduct teacher-developed classroom projects designed to improve education
Target Community Giving Grants Program - for projects that promote a love of reading and encourage young children, from birth through nine years, to read together with their families, and for projects that promote awareness in the arts.
Teaching Tolerance - for projects designed to reduce prejudice among youth, improve inter-group relations in schools and support educator professional development in these areas