Title: AC3-National Academy Foundation Year of Planning Service Agreement

Recommendation:
I recommend that the School Board approve the Year of Planning Service Agreement with the National Academy Foundation (NAF), effective November 22, 2006 through November 21, 2007, and authorize the  Superintendent or designee to sign all documents and contracts related to this agreement. 

Description:

This Year of Planning (YOP) agreement  between the National Academy Foundation (NAF) and the School District of Palm Beach County  will enable the Academy of Finance and  the Academy of Hospitality and Tourism, at Olympic Heights Community High School to begin the start-up process with assistance from NAF. 

Schools applying for YOP agree to take part in a self-assessment process with assistance from NAF, aimed at developing a year long plan for program development.  Upon acceptance as a YOP site, the school will be entitled to NAF technical assistance, staff development activities, and use of Academy curriculum.

During YOP, schools follow a process that will allow them to align and integrate resources and programs to serve both the Academy implementation and broader school improvement.

Currently the school district has entered into a National Academy Foundation (NAF) Membership Agreements, which was approved by the Board on May 17, 2006, Agenda Item # AC-1.

Listed below are schools  currently affiliated with NAF:
  –    John I. Leonard High School, Academy of Finance
  –    Palm Beach Gardens High School, Academy of Hospitality and Tourism
  –    William T. Dwyer High School, Academy of  Finance

Once Olympic Heights High School passes the self-assessment process, NAF will provide the following:
 –    Updated Curricula
 –    Professional development and training for Academy directors and teachers
 –    Identification of best practices for engaging local communities--parents, industry, post-secondary                              
       education, government agencies, and intermediary organizations.
 –    Annual assessment using the NAF Academy Profile
 –    Recognition and reward of innovation and excellence
 –    Networking with other coordinators in the foundation to offer best practices and peer advice
 –    Public exposure through national media
 –    Linkage to national business partners and government

Financial Impact:
The financial impact to the Special Revenue-Other Funds budget is $18,000 The source of funds is the Carl D. Perkins Grant.

For Additional Information, contact:

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

Brenda Magee, Ed.D.

Mary R. Vreeland

Attachments (list):
Data Panel Olympic Heights HS.pdf
NAF Contract Review Checklist.pdf
NAF Service Agreement.pdf