Amanda Allen

The primary discussion point focused on the approval of HCPS Agreement #25239-SSD-EST with Curriculum Associates, LLC for the ELLevation Platform, a web-based data management tool supporting English language learners (ELLs). The platform aids in organizing real-time student progress data, supporting targeted ELL plans, and improving the accuracy of weighted Full-Time Equivalent (FTE) calculations. The agreement was sourced as a single source contract, posted publicly from May 6, 2025, through May 16, 2025. The financial impact shows a proposed cost of $335,000.00 for 2025-2026, representing a decrease from the previous year due to discontinuing the strategies component based on teacher feedback. Expected outcomes include a 10 percent increase in teacher engagement and improved compliance documentation accuracy.

The Hillsborough County Public Schools board is considering the approval of a piggyback agreement with ALC Schools, LLC to supplement the district's transportation program. This agreement aims to provide alternative transportation services for McKinney-Vento, ESE/special needs, out-of-district students, and hard-to-serve students using SUVs, minivans, wheelchair accessible vans, and sedans. The contract, initially awarded by Region 4 Education Service Center, has an initial term from January 1, 2020, through December 31, 2022, and may be renewed for up to two additional years. The agreement ensures compliance with Florida Department of Education purchasing policies and includes provisions for public records access and vehicle requirements.

The discussion focused on the purchase of supplemental books to support the English Language Arts and Reading curriculum for grades 2-12. These books, including complete novels, are intended to align with Florida's B.E.S.T. Standards by providing students with complex, rich, and meaningful texts. The selections were based on curriculum focus, teacher input, and representation of diverse characters and topics. The purchase includes class sets to facilitate shared reading experiences and critical thinking skills. The agenda item approves piggyback agreements with Barnes & Noble Booksellers, Complete Book & Media Supply, LLC, and Superior Text, LLC. The goal is to improve student proficiency on English Language Arts assessments and align the curriculum with state recommendations, including the use of titles from the Florida B.E.S.T. Standards Sample Booklist.

The meeting included discussions and approvals related to instructional materials for various subjects and grade levels. Key topics included the purchase of previously adopted instructional materials for Grades 6-12 social studies for the 2022-2023 school year, and a review of recommended titles as adopted instructional materials for Agriscience, Marketing, Middle School Social Studies, and High School Social Studies.

The school board reviewed and discussed a proposal for an enhanced digital curriculum for grades 6-12, specifically Request for Proposals #24007-RFP-EST Edgenuity Enhanced Digital Curriculum. The proposal includes site licenses for middle schools, K-8 schools, high schools, ESE/Career Centers, and DJJ Sites. The curriculum is designed to meet the needs of all students with rigorous instruction, adaptable assessments, and real-time feedback. The board also discussed the financial implications, with expenses split-funded from Adult Education and the Education Enrichment Allocation. The recommendation is to approve the purchase agreement with Edgenuity for the 2024-2025 through 2026-2027 school years.