Special Notice / Hearing: None__
Vote Required: Majority
To: Honorable Board of Supervisors
From: Claire Cunningham, Director, Human Services Agency
Subject: Measure K: Memorandum of Understanding with the San Mateo County Libraries regarding “The Big Lift” Initiative
RECOMMENDATION:
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Measure K: Adopt a resolution authorizing a Memorandum of Understanding with the San Mateo County Libraries in support and furtherance of “The Big Lift” Initiative for the term July 1, 2024 through June 30, 2025, in an amount not to exceed $1,476,181.
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BACKGROUND:
The Big Lift is a collective impact collaborative that was launched by the Peninsula Partnership Leadership Council - a coalition of government, education, nonprofit, foundation and business leaders in San Mateo County - in 2012, to significantly improve children’s third grade reading proficiency through strategic, thoughtful, evidence-based investments in early learning and education. The Big Lift was implemented in seven San Mateo County school districts in which third grade reading proficiency scores were close to or below the County average based on 2012-2013 school year data.
Since 2016, the San Mateo County Libraries (SMCL) has operated The Big Lift Inspiring Summers (BLIS) program across the County in collaboration with school staff and community partners to curb learning loss in the summers between entering kindergarten and third grade. Beginning in 2021, SMCL has also provided the “Raising-A-Reader” program, which provides the family engagement portion of The Big Lift.
DISCUSSION:
This Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with SMCL authorizes funding for FY 2024-25 for SMCL’s continued provision of the BLIS program during the summer of 2024 and the Raising-A-Reader program throughout FY 2024-25. Measure K funding for this agreement is included in The Big Lift FY 2024-25 budget.
The Resolution has been reviewed and approved by the County Attorney’s Office as to form.
EQUITY STATEMENT:
The MOU between San Mateo County and San Mateo County Libraries further advances equity in San Mateo County by providing high-quality summer learning experiences in districts where third-grade reading proficiency rates fall below the County average. Enrollment is prioritized for families defined as households earning up to 80 percent of San Mateo County’s area medium income, using the Department of Housing and Urban Development’s income guidelines.
Race and economic status remain as significant predictors of one's outcomes within the U.S. public education system, including here in San Mateo County. The Big Lift and our partners are committed to disrupting the correlation between race, gender identity, sexual orientation, wealth, zip code, or immigration status, and academic success.
The Big Lift initiative, centered in family engagement, kindergarten readiness, and achieving reading proficiency by the end of third grade, is pivotal for early academic success. Early academic success is a key indicator in future achievements, including high school graduation and post-secondary education, economic mobility, enhanced health outcomes, and overall quality of life.
PERFORMANCE MEASURE:
|
Measure |
FY 2024-25 Target |
|
Months of gained reading skills for participating students |
1.5 |
FISCAL IMPACT
The total obligation of this agreement is $1,476,181, all of which is Measure K funding. Measure K funding is included in the Human Services Agency’s FY 2024-25 Adopted Budget. There is no Net County Cost associated with this agreement.