Title: G1 Submission of Homeless Grant

Recommendation:

I recommend that the School Board approve the submission of the Education for Homeless Children and Youth Program Competitive Grant Application to the Florida Department of Education for $150,000, effective upon receipt of award through June 30, 2006, and authorize the Superintendent or designee to sign all documents and contracts related to the grant which are required for implementation of the grant activities.

Description:

4           The grant provides funds for one Resource Teacher  and one Social Services Facilitator who will provide the following services:

o        Identification of homeless children through communication with shelters, School Based Teams, community agencies and school personnel;

o        Removal of barriers to school enrollment for homeless children;

o        Referral to the appropriate social services agencies in order to receive recommended services;

o        Homeless awareness training for service personnel; and

o        Coordination of health and human services delivered at the homeless shelters.

4          The grant funds the following services at the  shelters:

o        Academic tutorial services to homeless children;

o        Supervision of students while their parents attend parenting classes at the shelters; and

o        Guidance counseling services for secondary school students after hours at shelters.

4          The impact of this project will be measured by the increase in the number of homeless children and families who are identified and receive the services listed above.

4          The activities conducted through this grant will support the District reading, writing and mathematics initiatives.

As a result of this grant, 863 homeless students (Pre-Kindergarten through12^th grade) were served from February through June 2005 as well as 546 children under school age (total: 1409). This represents an increase of 606 homeless children served compared to February though June 2004).

Financial Impact:
The financial impact to the Special Revenue-Other Funds budget is an increase of $150,000. All grant-related expenditures and contracts are authorized for payment up to the amount of revenue.  There is no financial impact to the Operating Budget.

For Additional Information, contact:

Ann Killets (akillets@palmbeach.k12.fl.us)

Alison Adler

Attachments (list):
Homeless Data Panel.doc
Q&AG1.doc