Title
A Resolution Of The City Commission Of The City Of Hollywood, Florida, Authorizing The Appropriate City Officials To Execute The Attached Agreement With Broward Education Foundation For An Initial Term Of Three (3) Years, With Two (2) One-Year Option Periods, To Conduct The City's Excellence In Education Grant Program In The Total Amount Of $20,000.00 In Fiscal Year 2014.
Body
Staff Recommends: Approval of attached Resolution.
Explanation:
The City, through its Fiscal Year 2014 Budget, has appropriated the sum of $20,000.00 to support its Achieving Excellence in Education Grant Program. This competitive program was developed to assist in funding enrichment programs, projects and events which enhance the knowledge, creativity and development of Hollywood students. The Department of Community and Economic Development, along with the City's Education Advisory Committee, has been facilitating and administering the program.
In reviewing various education funding mechanisms and programs, staff has found that the Broward Education Foundation ("the Foundation") has a program which aligns with the goals and objectives of the City's existing program. The Foundation's competitive grant program supports teacher-initiated projects ranging from Art & Drama to projects in science and technology, with priority given to programs uniquely designed to do one or more of the following: educate students in financial literacy; incorporate alternative learning strategies; promote interdisciplinary learning; involve parents, businesses, community organizations and/or social service agencies; bridge culture or ethnic barriers; involve a group of teachers collaborating to improve students learning at their school.
Upon an informational presentation by the Foundation, the City of Hollywood Education Advisory Committee unanimously recommended having the Foundation conduct the City's grant program. Staff has determined that it would further the City's initiative and enhance the existing program if the City coordinated its efforts with the Foundation wherein the Foundation would administer the City's program in conjunction with the Foundation's program in accordance with the terms and conditions set forth in the attached document.
The Foundation has agreed to incorporate the City of Hollywood's existing criteria (Exhibit "A") in the Foundation's grant proposal application and also to solicit input from the Education Advisory Committee when evaluating grant proposals. Funds allocated to the program by the City of Hollywood will be leveraged dollar-for-dollar and the Foundation's current level of grant funding to Hollywood schools, or those serving Hollywood students, will not be adversely impacted by the proposed agreement. Attached are examples of the type of documents that will be utilized in conjunction with the program.
Recommended for inclusion on the agenda by:
Cathy Swanson-Rivenbark, City Manager
Davon Barbour, Director, Community & Economic Development