Title: 2.  AGREEMENT WITH THE CITY OF JACKSONVILLE-DRIVER SAFETY TRUST FUND GRANT AWARD

Requested Action:

1.  APPROVE AN AGREEMENT WITH THE CITY OF JACKSONVILE TO RECEIVE FUNDING FOR DRIVER EDUCATION THROUGH THE DRIVER SAFETY TRUST FUND PROGRAM. SUBJECT TO CITY COUNCIL APPROVAL.

2.  AUTHORIZE THE BOARD CHAIRPERSON AND THE SUPERINTENDENT TO AFFIX THEIR SIGNATURES TO THE AGREEMENT UPON APPROVAL AS TO FORM.

3.  UPON NOTIFICATION OF AWARD, AUTHORIZE THE ACCEPTANCE OF THE DRIVER SAFETY TRUST FUNDS AND THEIR BUDGETING IN THE APPROPRIATE PART IV, SPECIAL REVENUE BUDGET RESOLUTION.

Summary Explanation and Background:

In 2002, the Florida Legislature passed the "Dori Slosberg Driver Education Safety Act" to help provide funding for Driver Education Programs.  The legislation provides resources by allowing the County Commissions (City Council) to add a $3.00 surcharge to each traffic violation.  In January 2003, City Ordinance 2002-1165 established the Driver Safety Trust Fund.  The collection of revenue produced by traffic violations began in April 2003.  The process outlined in the ordinance established procedures for the local school district and others to apply for these funds.  In November 2003, the school district submitted an application to the City of Jacksonville (Human Services Council) and was notified in December 2003 that the district was the only applicant and would receive the entirety of available funding for fiscal year 2003-2004.  Payments will be received by the school distict quarterly, with an initial installment of $280,000. 

Funding received by the school district may be used as follows:

• New simulators including software maintenance and support
• Non fee-based after-school Driver Education programs at five district high schools that do not currently have Driver Education during the regular school day (Douglas Anderson, Stanton, Paxon, A. Phillip Randolph, and Frank H. Peterson)
• Teaching aids and supplies to include safety cones, directional and magnetic signs for cars, instructional videos
• Portable classrooms dedicated to Driver Education classrooms and simulator labs
• Future funding may be used to purchase Driver Education vehicles

As established in the original legislation, this funding cannot be used to supplant any administrative costs. 

The agreement will be available for review in the Board Office. 

New Century Commission Recommendation/OPPAGA Recommendation/Council of Great City Schools Recommendation:
R6, R27, R112, OPPAGA Educational Service Delivery Best Practice 7B

Financial Impact:
Addition of approximately $480,000 per fiscal year (approximately $40,000 per month is being collected through traffic violations)

For Additional Information, contact:

Tom Tankersley                   858-6080

Susie Marshall                     858-6080

Hal Boney                           858-6080