TITLE
Recommendation to authorize City Manager, or designee, to execute all necessary documents, including subsequent amendments, with the U.S. Department of Education to receive and expend grant funding in the amount of $250,000 from the Fiscal Year 2022 Congressional Omnibus Appropriations bill, for the period of October 1, 2022 through September 30, 2023; and
Increase appropriations in the General Grants Fund Group in the Library Services Department by $250,000, offset by grant revenue. (Citywide)
DISCUSSION
The Library Services Department’s (Library) Fiscal Year 2022 Application to the U.S Department of Education for Congressionally Directed Awards was approved. The library was awarded grant funding in the amount of $250,000 for early childhood education and literacy programs at the Michelle Obama Neighborhood Library. The grant revenue will offset the addition of one (1) to two (2) Community Program Technicians to support the grant program implementation.
This project has three primary goals. The first goal is to provide bilingual early learning tools and resources to families to ensure that young children ages 0-5 grow up healthy, safe, and ready for school by offering targeted year-round programs at Michelle Obama Neighborhood Library, such as kindergarten readiness sessions, and collaborating with local expert organizations to ensure that programs and workshops meet community needs. The second goal is to support youth learning and school success by offering homework assistance and enhanced science and arts learning opportunities through the Library’s Learning Lab - a dual purpose space that acts as a family learning center and a makerspace. And, the third goal is to connect families to educational, health, and community resources by enhancing the Library’s ability to effectively utilize its multiple, large community spaces and conducting outreach to North Long Beach residents by building partnerships with schools and community groups.
Achieving the project goals and objectives described herein will provide valuable opportunities for youth and families in a historically underserved region, encourage involvement with and use of Library supportive resources, and subsequently bridge gaps in education for vulnerable children.
This matter was reviewed by Deputy City Attorney Vanessa S. Ibarra on November 30, 2022 and by Revenue Management Officer Geraldine Alejo on November 22, 2022.
TIMING CONSIDERATIONS
City Council action is requested on December 13, 2022, to receive and expend grant funding by September 30, 2023.
FISCAL IMPACT
The City will receive grant funding in the amount of $250,000 for early childhood education and literacy programs at the Michelle Obama Neighborhood Library. An appropriation increase in the amount of $250,000 is requested in the General Grants Fund Group in the Library Services Department, offset by grant revenue. The grant has no required match or in-kind service mandate. This recommendation has a minimal staffing impact beyond the normal budgeted scope of duties and is consistent with existing City Council priorities. Grant revenue will offset the addition of one (1) Community Program Technician to support grant program implementation. There is no local job impact associated with this recommendation.
SUGGESTED ACTION
Approve recommendation.
BODY
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Respectfully Submitted,
CATHY DE LEON
DIRECTOR OF LIBRARY SERVICES
APPROVED:
THOMAS B. MODICA
CITY MANAGER