Special Notice / Hearing: None__
Vote Required: Majority
To: Honorable Board of Supervisors
From: Michael P. Callagy, County Executive
Subject: Use of District-Discretionary Measure K Funds - Supervisorial District 2
RECOMMENDATION:
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Measure K: Adopt a resolution authorizing a one-time grant of district-discretionary Measure K funds, not to exceed $30,298, to San Mateo Public Library Foundation for expanding adult English language learning access with childcare support, and authorizing the County Executive, or designee, to execute the grant agreement.
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BACKGROUND:
Measure K is the half-cent general sales tax initially approved by San Mateo County voters in November 2012 and extended in November 2016 for a total of thirty years.
The Board of Supervisors (Board) held study sessions on Measure K expenditures and approved funds for the fiscal year (FY) 2025-26 budget cycle, divided equally among the five supervisorial districts, for one-time district-discretionary needs and projects. District 2 has submitted a request to use their district-discretionary Measure K funds as shown below and described in the Project Summary section of this memorandum:
|
District/Project |
Amount |
|
District 2 (Supervisor Noelia Corzo) - San Mateo Public Library Foundation: expand adult English language learning access with childcare support. |
$30,298 |
This item is consistent with the criteria for district-discretionary Measure K funds approved by the Board in December 2018. District 2 indicates that this organization is either a public agency operating within the County or a nonprofit organization registered and in good standing with the California Attorney General. District 2 indicates that the sponsoring Board member, member’s family, and member’s supervisorial staff do not serve as an officer, director, or play a policy role for the grantee organization.
PROJECT SUMMARY:
This is a request to authorize a grant to San Mateo Public Library Foundation, and resulting grant agreement, in an amount not to exceed $30,298, to expand adult English language learning access with childcare support in Central San Mateo. The County Executive’s Office will administer and manage the proposed agreement.
District 2 indicates that this organization has not previously received Measure K district-discretionary funding.
San Mateo Public Library Foundation (SMPLF), founded in 1884, is a nonprofit dedicated to enhancing San Mateo Public Library funding and building community advocacy. SMPLF’s mission is to empower the community by making knowledge accessible through free enriching experiences and welcoming civic spaces. SMPLF’s portfolio of literacy programs promotes educational equity by expanding learning access.
SMPLF's adult literacy program, Project Read, reduces language barriers and promotes economic mobility and belonging for San Mateo County’s immigrant community. Project Read currently provides instruction to 194 adult learners at the Main Library and 62 learners at King Recreation Center.
The San Mateo Foster City School District (SMFCSD) serves the largest number of English Learner (EL) students in San Mateo County-over 3,000 ELs or 31.5% of its cumulative student population, compared to the 23% countywide average. Inspired by Project Read, schools have requested similar support for their EL families.
Through this grant, SMPLF plans to collaborate with SMFCSD to expand its English literacy programs to provide more opportunities for EL families, specifically adults, served by SMFCSD.
SMPLF will serve as the nonprofit partner managing grant funds and coordinating reporting, while SMFCSD will implement the program delivery. SMPLF and SMFCSD will work together to provide customized adult literacy classes for EL families throughout the 2025-26 school year. The expanded literacy program will have two 90-minute classes each week taught by an SMPLF Literacy Specialist during school hours at Sunnybrae Elementary School, a centrally located Title 1 Community School serving a significant EL population. SMPLF will also provide free play-based childcare onsite for younger children.
Additionally, the San Mateo-Foster City School District received a $120,000 district-discretionary Measure K grant, approved on 4/25/2023, for STEM education and support for homeless and foster youth students.
This district discretionary grant will be used to fund the following project or services:
With Measure K funding, SMPLF will partner with SMFCSD to offer free:
• Customized adult literacy classes for EL families throughout the 2025-26 school year
• Free, play-based on-site childcare for younger children
• SMFCSD targeted outreach across its five Community Schools to promote the program and support enrollment
This district-discretionary grant will enable the organization to meet the following need or service gap within the County: English language learning opportunities for adults.
District 2 has informed the grantee organization that this grant is a one-time only, and the grantee organization will need to find other sources of funding going forward. The grantee organization will use the Measure K grant as follows:
|
Item |
Amount |
|
Personnel |
|
Literacy Specialist @ 0.15 FTE |
$24,250 |
|
Babysitter 1 @ 0.05 FTE |
$3,024 |
|
Babysitter 2 @ 0.05 FTE |
$3,024 |
|
Subtotal Personnel |
|
|
TOTAL |
$30,298 |
The project or services funded by this district-discretionary grant will be implemented and provided during 2025-2026 school year. The program is estimated to be completed within 35 weeks, entering the new school year.
The following other community organizations are involved in or contributing funds to this project/these services, as follows: San Mateo Public Library, California State Library.
Total Measure K Request: Not to Exceed $30,298
The release of funds will be contingent on the execution of an agreement providing for the County’s confirmation of the expenditure of funds for the purposes stated herein. The County will disburse the funds to the following organization for the purposes described above:
Karen Kvam
Development Officer
55 West Third Avenue San Mateo 94402
kkvam@smplf.org <mailto:kkvam@smplf.org>
650-558-9100
PERFORMANCE MEASURES:
|
Performance Measures |
Target |
|
20-30 adult English learners participate in the 35-week course |
Complete |
|
Childcare provided at 100% of class sessions |
Complete |
The County Attorney’s Office has reviewed and approved the agreement and resolution as to form.
COMMUNITY IMPACT:
By expanding community-based adult literacy services, this project will equip participants with essential skills and improve economic opportunity for San Mateo residents, especially the immigrant community.
FISCAL IMPACT:
There are sufficient Measure K funds for this specific FY 2025-26 Measure K request. These funds are budgeted in the Non-Departmental Services FY 2025-26 Adopted Budget.