TITLE
Recommendation to authorize City Manager to execute an agreement with the State Department of Education in the amount of $195,833 for continued operation of the Even Start Family Literacy Program and any subsequent amendments, as needed, to complete the agreement for the period of July 1, 2007 through June 30, 2008; and execute a contract with the Long Beach Unified School District in the amount of $152,500 to provide family literacy services. (Citywide)
DISCUSSION
The Workforce Investment Network is the ongoing recipient of State Department of Education Even Start Grant funds to operate a local family literacy program. The Even Start Program (Program) helps to break the cycle of poverty and illiteracy by improving educational opportunities for low-income families by helping parents gain the skills needed to become full partners in the education of their young children. The Program integrates early childhood education, adult literacy and basic education, and parenting education into a unified family literacy program.
In Long Beach, the Workforce Investment Network (Network) and the Long Beach Unified School District (District) further enhance program activities by linking the workforce development programs of the Career Transition Center into the mix of services for the participating adults. Services are delivered at the Long Beach School for Adults, the Career Transition Center and at various Head Start locations throughout the community. The program also provides books for participating families to create athome libraries to encourage ongoing reading.
The Network will contract with the Unified School District in the amount of $152,500 to deliver program services for at least thirty low-income families. In addition, $23,333 will be used to deliver technical assistance and coaching to qualified Head Start entities interested in delivering Family Literacy Programs. The Network will use the remaining $20,000 for grant oversight and management activities.
This letter was reviewed by Deputy City Attorney Gary J. Anderson on June 29,2007 and Budget Management Officer Victoria Bell on October 25,2007.
TIMING CONSIDERATIONS
City Council action is requested on November 6, 2007 in order to not displace families receiving services and to facilitate processing of required documents.
FISCAL IMPACT
Sufficient funds are currently appropriated in the Community Development Grants Fund (SR 150) in the Department of Community Development (CD), $195,833. There is no impact on the General Fund.
SUGGESTED ACTION
Approve recommendation.
Respectfully Submitted,
NAME Michael P. Conway |
APPROVED: |
TITLE Acting Community Development Director |
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PATRICK H. WEST |
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CITY MANAGER |