DEPARTMENT: Pre-K 4 SA
DEPARTMENT HEAD: Sarah Baray, Ph.D.
COUNCIL DISTRICTS IMPACTED: Citywide
SUBJECT:
Amstar Construction
SUMMARY:
This item requests approval of $343,614.35 in construction contracted with Amstar for the Gardendale Pre-K 4 SA Early Learning Program as provided for by SB 1882 to improve capacity.
BACKGROUND INFORMATION:
Senate Bill (SB) 1882, passed in 2017, allows for additional funding from the state for independent school districts who partner with an eligible entity to operate a district campus. Under SB 1882, entities eligible to partner with school districts are charter management organizations, universities, and non-profits with strong track records. In addition to increased funding for these partnerships, SB 1882 also creates an exemption from certain accountability interventions for schools with historic underperformance. The state set forth requirements for creating the partnership and will determine which partnerships qualify under SB 1882.
In February 2019, the Board approved for Pre-K 4 SA to enter into an agreement with Edgewood ISD as provided for by SB 1882 to improve capacity at Gardendale Elementary School with a term through June 30, 2022. The 1882 Agreement between Pre-K 4 SA and Edgewood ISD creates a cooperative framework for Pre-K 4 SA and Edgewood while also establishing that Pre-K 4 SA will have authority to select and assign teachers, select curriculum, oversee all education aspects, and to put into place performance metrics to evaluate the partnership and whether or not students impacted are making progress.
Staff has continued to partner with Edgewood ISD to prepare for the 2019-20 school year.
ISSUE:
Pre-K 4 SA and Edgewood ISD have identified several areas for improvement as Gardendale Elementary School becomes a national model for Early Childhood Education. The outdoor learning area is a key component that focuses on health, activity, and wellness for the prekindergarten and kindergarte...
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