Title: G11-Refugee Student Education Program Grant

Recommendation:
I recommend that the School Board approve the submission of the Refugee Student Education Program entitlement grant to the Florida Department of Education in the estimated amount of $280,000 effective July 1, 2006 through June 30, 2007, 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:

This grant funding is intended for refugee students who meet the following eligibility requirements:
  Were not born in any state or U.S. territory or possession;
   Have attended schools in one or more states for less than five complete years; and
   Were enrolled during the 2005-2006 school year in a public school under the jurisdiction of the district or in a nonprofit private school within the district.

The estimated amount of the grant is based on the enrollment of 8,010 refugee students during the 2005-2006 school year.  Funds are supplemental and may not be used to supplant other funds appropriated for the target population.

Grant expenditures will support critical areas of educational/academic enhancement requested by schools including: computer equipment, curriculum writing, software, tutorial services, instructional materials, family education, translation services, multicultural curriculum resources, student field trips, and staff development.

A district level evaluation will be used to review the overall benefits of the enhancements provided through the grant for the designated immigrant students.  The evaluation of the grant will consist of LEP student achievement data as measured by FCAT reading, writing, mathematics, and science tests.

Financial Impact:
The financial impact to the Special Revenue - Other Fund is an increase of $280,000 from the Refugee Education Program Grant funds. These funds will be allocated to the Department of Multicultural Education budget.  All grant related expenditures and contracts are authorized for payment up to the amount of revenue.

For Additional Information, contact:
Ann Killets (akillets@palmbeach.k12.fl.us)
Ana Meehan

Attachments (list):
Data Panel.pdf
Refugee Grant.pdf