Title: AC6-Addendum to the Contract between the School Board of Palm Beach County, Florida and Arbor E&T, L

Recommendation:
I recommend that the School Board approve the addendum to the existing contract between the School District of Palm Beach County and Arbor E&T, LLC  (Excel Alternatives) for the provision to increase the Enrollment Level of Services at the Intensive Transition Alternative Programs located in the Central and South Area Excel Schools, effective December 14, 2006 through June 30, 2007, and authorize the Superintendent or designee to sign all documents and contracts related to this addendum to the contract.

Description:

This addendum to the contract between Arbor E&T, LLC. (Excel Alternatives) and the School District will enable the School District of Palm Beach County to increase the Enrollment Level of Services at the Intensive Transition Alternative Programs located in the Central and South Area Excel Schools.

The program will provide additional educational services for up to 125 high-risk middle and high school students in at the Central Area Excel School and educational services for up to 175 high-risk middle and high school students in at the South Area Excel School who meet one or more of the following criteria: pending expulsion, expelled, ESE 45 day Interim Alternative Educational Setting (IAES), DJJ re-entry, chronic/severe disciplinary students and students with felony suspensions.  

The goal of the program is for students to develop the social skills and academic knowledge necessary to ensure a successful transition to a regular comprehensive school or a less restrictive alternative setting.

The length of stay for this program will vary based on the conditions of the placement, but will be for a minimum of one full semester.

Students are evaluated through the Common Assessments, SSS District Diagnostics, SRI-Interactive reading, STAR math, and FCAT tests.

Arbor E&T, LLC. (Excel Alternatives) will provide the education program, instructional personnel, classroom facilities, insurance, drug awareness and anger management counseling, site security staff, site administrator, program evaluation, equipment, supplies, and teacher in-service training.

The School District will provide textbooks, free and reduced lunch, and transportation for eligible students. Additionally, the School District will provide support in staff training, certification requirements and other assistance as delineated by the contract.

Arbor E&T, LLC. (Excel Alternatives) will provide students with the Associate Support and Assistance Program (ASAP) for three years following program exit.

Financial Impact:
The financial impact to the District's FY2007 General Fund Operating budget is $518,837.  This cost will be offset through middle and high school alternative education student placement adjustments and the consolidation of selected alternative education programs for second semester. 

For Additional Information, contact:

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

Janice Cover

Alexandra Deveroux

Attachments (list):
Amendment 2 Excel South and Central.pdf
Q&AAC6.doc
Q&AAC6.doc
Mid Year Progress Report.doc