Title: 9. PROFESSIONAL PUBLIC RELATIONS SERVICES - WITHDRAWN*

Requested Action:
THAT THE DUVAL COUNTY SCHOOL BOARD APPROVE THE RECOMMENDATION OF PROFESSIONAL PUBLIC RELATIONS SERVICES TO SUPPORT THE SUPPLEMENTAL EDUCATIONAL SERVICES (SES) AND HOMELESS EDUCATION INITIATIVES UNDER TITLE I, PART A WITH HESTER GROUP IN AN AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED $80,000 THROUGH JUNE 30, 2008.

Summary Explanation and Background:

This is a request by the Title I office for professional public relations services in support of two grant initiatives.  The Supplemental Educational Services initiative provides free tutoring services in math, reading and language arts.  The requested professional services are designed to raise awareness and increase enrollment in the program.  Supplemental Educational Services is a federally mandated program that requires that Title I funds be used to provide tutoring to eligible students.  Public relations services are vital to meeting enrollment goals established by FDOE.  The Homeless Assistance initiative provides homeless education services.  The requested professional services are designed to make DCPS schools aware of services provided to homeless students by creating a unified message for homeless education services and its associated Alternative Education and Behavioral Support Services.  Conventional methods of disseminating information to schools has been attempted in the past, with limited results.

This purchase is being made in accordance with Florida Administrative Rule 6A-1.012(7), which allows the school district to waive the bidding requirements for the purchase of professional services.  Should these services be requested or required for another contract term, public relations services will utilize a procurement process in accordance with School Board Policy. 

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*This action item is withdrawn because (a) It involved two separate contracts for distinct and unrelated services (Homeless Assistance-related notices and Supplemental Educational Services (“SES”) publicizing) to be performed by the same vendor. (b)The Superintendent has determined that those services related to Homeless Assistance are not time sensitive; consequently, the component of the item addressing Homeless Assistance may be withdrawn to enable the solicitation of competitive bids for the services without adverse effect on students or families (c) The Superintendent has determined that the component of the item related to SES services is time sensitive, the delay of which would adversely affect students and families.  In accordance with Board Policy DHA and Florida Administrative Code 6A-1.012(10), the services may be contractually obtained without Board action (because the contracted services do not meet or exceed $50,000).  As a result, the entire item identified as Title 9: PROFESSIONAL PUBLIC RELATIONS SERVICES is withdrawn.

New Century Commission Recommendation/OPPAGA Recommendation/Council of Great City Schools Recommendation:
N/A

Financial Impact (Including HR/headcount/Source of Funds):

Last year $37,950 was expended using Title I, Part A funds for the Supplemental Educational Services Initiative.  We anticipate $40,000 from Title I, Part A grant for this contract.

Homeless Assistance initiative: $40,000 from the Title I, Part A grant.  As this is the first contract for this program, no historical financial information is available.

For Additional Information, contact:

Myrna Amos, Interim Executive Director of School Programs, 390-2133

Frank Herrington, Supervisor, Title I 390-2123

Myrna Allen, Coordinator, Title I 390-2123

Curriculum and Instructional Services

Ed Pratt-Dannals, Chief Academic Officer