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HomeMy WebLinkAboutVII (F) Consideration of Ocoee Education Commission Participation in The Foundation for Orange County Public Schools Agenda 8-05-2003 Item VII F Recommendation for Participation in The Foundation for Orange County Public Schools by Ocoee Education Commission Presented by David Morris, Chairman and Heidi Koch, Member July 15, 2003 PROPOSED GUIDELINES FOR CITY OF OCOEE EDUCATION FUND (COEF) The Commission The City of Ocoee Education Commission was established to advise the Ocoee City Commission on ways to promote and improve education in the City of Ocoee (ss 4 of Resolution No. 98-07). Summary As evidenced by recent headlines, our public schools are in need of community support now more than ever. Money is tight and harder to come by at the federal, state and local governmental levels, but the needs of the schools still grow. It therefore falls upon the communities the schools serve to find ways to support the schools' educational mission. Based on discussions with members of the Orange County Public Schools (OCPS) that serve the residents of the City of Ocoee, it is the advice of this Commission that the City of Ocoee establishes a City of Ocoee Education Fund (COEF) in support of these schools. After meeting with Nancy Peed, Executive Director of the Foundation for Orange County Public Schools, Inc., the Commission believes the best course of action would be for the City to establish the COEF as part of that Foundation. Establishing the COFF in this way has the following advantages' I. All donations would be tax deductible as charitable contributions because The Foundation is a 50I C (3) organization 2. The Foundation would act its an administrator for the account for an annual charge of S250.00 or 5% of income as of June 30 of each year, whichever is greater 3. The Foundation would issue checks at the request of the City's designee and take care of all paperwork 4. There would be no start-up costs because we would be part of an existing foundation We propose the COEF be supervised by a committee of the Education Commission under the following guidelines: Mission Statement To provide resources that support and enhance quality public education in the schools serving the residents of the City of Ocoee. Purpose The purpose of the COFF is to supplement the support the local, public elementary, middle and senior high schools receive by matching available resources with the needs identified by the schools. In this way. The Fund hopes to increase public participation in the educational process and improve the quality of education the residents of Ocoee receive. Organization The City of Ocoee Education Commission will establish a COEF Committee consisting of 3-5 Education Commission members whose responsibilities will include: A) Ascertaining the needs of the local public schools serving the residents of the City of Ocoee. I. The committee will conduct a periodic survey of the local public schools asking them to rank their greatest needs based on the following criteria: • Enhances curriculum (e.g. for FLAT, academic enrichment, etc.) • Supports student needs (e.g. school supplies) • Enhances student performance(e.g. books, A/V equipment, lab equipment,etc.) • Benefits teachers (e.g. teacher appreciation) 2. The length of time allotted to complete the survey will be at the discretion of the committee 3. The Education Commission, by simple majority vote, may request a survey be issued if: • The time between surveys has been sufficient to warrant another survey • The goals of the last survey have been met • The public interest myould be better served by another survey • Another survey is warranted based on public input • The City Commission requests another survey • Any other reason the Commission may feel justifies the issuance of another survey B) Identifying the greatest common need of a majority of the public schools serving the residents of Ocoee. I. At a public meeting the Committee will tally the results of the surveys • Only the surveys handed in by the deadline set by the Committee will be considered • Each item listed on the qualified surveys will be tallied and placed within appropriate categories (e.g. library books, A/V material may be placed in general category labeled Library) • These categories are to be determined by the Committee at the time the survey results are tallied and would reflect the best possible grouping of the items in the surveys 2. The Committee would then rank the results of the surveys based on the results of the tally and on the following considerations: • each item will be discussed in turn • previous support will be considered • existing programs that may already be in place to support one of the needs listed • public in-put at the meeting PROPOSED GUIDELINES FOR CITY OF OCOEE EDUCATION FUND (COIF) Organization (cont.) • ability to raise funds/support for an item • any other point the Committee feels is pertinent 3. The Committee would then decide which of these needs could best be supported by The Fund C) Present the list to the Education Commission for approval I. Notify schools of the results of the survey • Advise schools the results will be presented to Education Commission at a public meeting giving time and date • Advise schools they will have the opportunity to speak if they wish • Advise schools of the remainder of the process 2. Present Committee's results at a public meeting of the Education Commission • Explain how list was developed • Seek Commission and public in-put • List may be amended, modified and/or approved by simple majority vote of Education Commission D) Present the Commission-approved list to the Ocoee City Commission I. Notify schools of results of Commission meeting • Advise schools the results will presented to Ocoee City Commission at a public meeting giving time and date • Advise schools they will have an opportunity to speak if they wish • Advise schools the list approved by the City Commission is the list The Fund will he using to seek support 2. Present Commission-approved list to Ocoee City Commission • Explain how list was developed • Seek City commission and public in-put • List may be amended, modified and/or approved by simple majority vote of City Commission E) Raising the funds and support for the COEF based on the City Commission-approved list L Notify schools of final results and determine which schools wish to receive support • Schools will fill out simple application form • Deadline determined by Fund Committee • Distribute funds/support equally among the public schools who wish to participate PROPOSED GUIDELINES FOR CITY OF OCOEE EDUCATION FUND (COEF) Organization (cont.) 2. Seek funds, service and/or support for determined need • Set goal of Fund • Local support i. Businesses ii. Civic groups iii. Individuals • Other i. State and Federal government ii. Grants iii. National service organizations 3. Collect documentation/verification of use of funds from recipients 4. Advertise The Fund's activities to generate support • OGTV • Ocoee News To You • Local papers F) General I. Liaison between COEF, the Education Commission and the City Commission 2. Advise Education Commission and City Commission in August and January of each year of a time a place for disbursement of Rinds 3. Advise Education Commission and City Commission of the time and place of distribution of product and/or service in support of The Fund's campaign 4. Provide periodic status reports of the COEF to the Education Commission and the City Commission General The support the public schools receive could be monetary, in-kind services, or assistance in locating grants or resources. It is not the purpose of the Fund to take the place of SACs, PTAs or other organizations in supporting the public schools, but to supplement this support and to channel as much additional help as possible to the public schools. The community is given four opportunities to voice their concerns and opinions during this process: during the initial survey, at the Committee meeting, the Education Commission meeting and at the City Commission meeting. Periodic assessments of the COEF, its goals and operating procedures will be conducted by the Education Commission 4 The Ocoee Education Commission Presents... BUCKS For BOOKS etT City of Ocoee Education on, on h of - _ Ocoeehe 's school children, seeks Commissi to establish the be Cityalf of ■= Ocoee Education Fund (COEF). This fund will be -- _ _ established and maintained by the Orange County Public a—lb Schools (OCPS) Foundation. This Foundation is a 501 C 3, and therefore all contributions to the COEF will be tax deductible. Please see attached guidelines for detailed information regarding the set up and management of this fund. After surveying public schools that are attended by Ocoee residents, and reviewing the needs/wish lists, the most requested need was books and resource materials. Therefore, for it's inaugural program, the Education Commission has chosen to launch a campaign called "BUCKS FOR BOOKS'. "BUCKS FOR BOOKS' is anticipated to assist Ocoee school children as follows: > Provide funding for Library and Media Resource materials such as books, accompanying software and programs, audio visual needs, and such. Engage the community and its' resources with respect to needs within our community's schools. 7- Utilizing a slogan such as "BOOK BUDDIES", emphasize the need for mentors in our schools. One example would be to encourage seniors to spend just an hour or so a month reading to a child. This program will allow for the coordination of such needs. The information below basically outlines how we will achieve our objective: *BUCKS FOR BOOKS Page 2 r COEF Subcommittee members will approach community businesses to sponsor or partner on this program. An example might be asking Borders to become a partner by promoting this program in various ways, and/or offsetting the cost of promotional materials for distribution. This is just one possibility of how businesses can participate. v Encourage contributions from the community to the COEF. As noted above, prepare publicity materials to promote the program. Education Commission members will seek out opportunities to promote the "BUCKS FOR BOOKS" program. This may include spearheading, participating in, and/or encouraging fundraisers. The Education Commission will also, with the approval of the City Commission and/or its liaisons, pursue opportunities for media attention to promote this program within the community and beyond. Research similar programs that we can utilize or partner with, such as Read to Succeed, Reading is Fundamental, etc. One to two times annually, the Ocoee Education Commission will request the City Commission to disburse funds from the COEF to be distributed equally amongst participating schools. These funds can only be utilized for library and media center materials. y After disbursement of funds to schools, Education Commission members will track the use of funds by schools and provide that information to the City Commission to be utilized in publications, OGTV, etc. This will provide recognition and visibility of the program, and subsequently the Education Commission. It is anticipated that such recognition will allow for credibility when promoting future programs or issues regarding education. The Ocoee Education Commission Presents... BUCKS For BOOKSI atThe City of Ocoee Education Commission, on behalf of Ocoee's school children, seeks to establish the City of Ocoee Education Fund (COEF). This fund will be established and maintained by the Orange County Public Schools (OCPS) Foundation. Frequently Asked Questions Q. How do you determine which schools are eligible to participate in this program? A. All public schools that have Ocoee residents enrolled will be invited to apply for these funds. ( See attached list for eligible schools.) Q. How did the Ocoee Education Commission determine what the school needs are? A In April and May of 2003, all schools noted on the attached list were provided a survey to be completed and returned to the Ocoee Education Commission. Education Commission members divided up the school list, and each school was visited by a member of this Commission. All schools returned completed surveys by early June. A chart highlighting these responses is attached. Q. How did the Education Commission determine what need should be funded? A. A subcommittee was formed to address this issue. The compiled list of responses to needs was reviewed and the Subcommittee chose to move forward with a program that addressed the need that was indicated by the majority of surveys; Library and Media Center resources. Q. How will schools be able to participate and receive funds or assistance? A. The public schools that have Ocoee residents enrolled will be given an application to fill out and return indicating they would like to participate. Q. Will the money from the fund be distributed equally or by greatest need? *BUCKS For BOOKS FAQ Sheet Page 2 A. Any income the fund generates will be distributed equally (one to two times per year) to the schools that have indicated (by returning a completed application) they want to participate. Q. What kinds of assistance is the BUCKS For BOOKS program seeking? A. This program is seeking tax deductible contributions, materials, in-kind services, and volunteers such as mentors and reading buddies. Q. There are a great many needs within our schools. Why is this program only focusing on books? A. The Education Commission concurs that the needs of our schools are great. At the same time, it is the feeling of this Commission that, in order to highlight those needs, and offer some assistance, it is important that we move forward with one particular, well planned program. This will allow the Education Commission an opportunity to successfully engage the community on a specific need, and provide the credibility and visibility to spearhead similar programs in the future. Q. There are currently other programs in the community assisting student needs such as STARS and SOS. Why is another program necessary? A. There are indeed some wonderful existing programs that will assist with needs for our students. The BUCKS For BOOKS program will work in concert with these programs, but will fund additional needs that are not currently part of the other programs. Also, contributions made to the COEF are tax deductible. Q. What is the time frame for the BUCKS For BOOKS program A. The Ocoee Education Commission has determined that this program will run for at least one year. The COEF program provides for periodic reviews and assessments. This will allow the Education Commission to thoroughly review and assess the success of this program. • Schools That Serve Ocoee Children School Address Principal _ Telephone Olympia High 4301 S.Apopka- Dr. Janice Pratt (407) 905-6400 School Vineland Rd. Orlando, FL 32835 West Orange 1625 S. Beulah Rd. Michael (407) 905-2400 , High School Winter Garden, FL Armbruster 34787 West Orange Same as above Mark Brown, Sr. (407) 905-2400 gth Grade Asst. Principal ext. 2660 Center Gotha Middle 9155 Gotha Road William J. Floyd (407) 521-2360 Windermere, FL 34786 Lakeview 1200 West Bay Debra Lucas (4007) 877-5010 Middle Street Winter Garden, FL 34787 Ocoee Middle 300 South Bluford Dr. Katherine C. (407) 877-5035 ** Avenue Clark Ocoee, FL 34761 Citrus 87 North Clarke Louise Brown (407) 445-5475 Elementary ** Road Ocoee, FL 34761 Clarcona 3607 Damon Road Dr. Bruce (407) 884-2220 Elementary Apopka, FL 32703 Suther Lake Whitney ' 1351 Windermere Elizabeth A. (407) 877-8888 Elementary Road Prince Winter Garden, FL 34787 Maxey 1100 East Maple Belinda Davis (407) 877-5020 Elementary . Street Winter Garden, FL 34787 _ Ocoee 400 S. Lakewood Sheilla Johnson (407) 877-5027 Elementary ** Avenue _ Ocoee, FL 34761 Spring Lake 115 Spring Lake Dr. Angela (407) 877-5047 Elementary ** Circle Osborne Ocoee, FL 34761 _ Thornebrooke 601 Thornebrooke Daniel Axtell (407) 909-1301 Elementary ** Drive _ Ocoee, FL 34761 Magnolia 1900 Matterhorne Linda Weekley 1 (407) 296-6499 Road Orlando, FL 32818 ** Denotes that the school is physically located within the corporate limits of Ocoee. • School Needs Survey Results SCHOOL ADDITIONAL BOOKS CLASS COMPUTER OTHER STAFF MATERIALS RELATED Olympia High Counselors Library Pamphlet for materials �I incoming students; material for parents W.O. High Science:centrifuges and hotplates Art: new kiln W.O. 9'" I Reading Counts '�. i Video projector; Grade library sets; wireless speaker; audio books digital camera Gotha Middle Class sets of novels Lakeview Mentors; Books for Middle volunteers for media center media center, hallway monitors, guest s•eakers Ocoee Middle Books for - School supplies for media center students in need; landscaping _ Citrus Books for Plexiglass covers Web-based literacy Elementary media center; for classroom program; outdoor small book I charts activity area _sets; Clarcona Books for Supplies for Elementary I media center science ex•eriments Lake Whitney Computer and Covered walkways Elementary software that for portables; tracks visitors walkie talkies; on campus stage curtain; digital/video camera Maxey j Books for ' Computer lab Stage lighting Elementary I library and system; accelerated '. supplement reader ro ram uniform purchases Ocoee Science materials Student Elementary (scales, weights, computer slides, circuits, stations etc.) Spring Lake Voyager Elementary reading !, •ro•ram Thornebrooke Benches; Elementary computerized microscopes; tape I recorder; incubators; nature trail/garden Magnolia ' Teacher appreciation and staff gifts; film developing and _. _ _ Polaroid film;