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 kindergarten children. Within the outdoor learning areas, there are two sections that are identified for improvement that includes an area for outdoor activity stations with a trike path and a courtyard with gardens, river rock, and natural areas.
Edgewood ISD received a federal grant for $1,000,000 that will be used as the primary funding source for this construction project. The grant money is expected to be released in early Fall 2019, so in order to have the two outdoor learning areas ready for the beginning of the 2019-2020 school year, Pre-K 4 SA is using remaining dollars from the competitive grants fund that will be reimbursed by Edgewood ISD as funds are received.
ALTERNATIVES:
Should the Board of Directors not approve this contract, the schedule necessary to open classrooms for the 2019-2020 school year would not be met. This could also jeopardize the agreement between Pre-K 4 SA and Edgewood ISD.
FISCAL IMPACT:
Funding is available in the Pre-K 4 SA Gardendale Early Learning Program Budget and contingent upon approval by the Board of Directors on August 6, 2019.
RECOMMENDATION:
Staff recommends approval of the contract with Amstar in the amount of $343,614.35 for construction costs associated with the Gardendale Pre-K 4 SA Early Learning Program.