Special Notice / Hearing: None__
Vote Required: Majority
To: Honorable Board of Supervisors
From: Claire Cunningham, Director, Human Services Agency
Subject: Measure K: Agreements with School Districts for The Big Lift Inspiring Summers Program
RECOMMENDATION:
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Measure K: Adopt a resolution authorizing seven (7) agreements for the purpose of operating The Big Lift summer programs to reduce learning loss during the summer months with the following seven (7) school districts, each for the term of April 1, 2026 through September 30, 2026, for a combined aggregate amount of $927,631:
A) Bayshore Elementary School District in an amount not to exceed $81,984; and
B) Cabrillo Unified School District in an amount not to exceed $109,107; and
C) La Honda-Pescadero Unified School in an amount not to exceed District, $90,000; and
D) Millbrae Elementary School District in an amount not to exceed $118,000; and
E) Pacifica School District in an amount not to exceed $102,866; and
F) San Bruno Park School District in an amount not to exceed $130,674; and
G) South San Francisco Unified School District in an amount not to exceed $295,000.
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BACKGROUND:
The Big Lift is a collective impact initiative led by the County of San Mateo Human Services Agency (HSA), the San Mateo County Office of Education (COE), and the San Mateo County Libraries (SMCL). Now in its eleventh year, The Big Lift’s Inspiring Summers program enrolls over 900 students entering kindergarten through third grade annually, providing four (4) weeks of high-quality literacy instruction combined with STEAM enrichment, field trips, and hands-on learning-at no cost to participating families.
Inspiring Summers is a key component of The Big Lift, designed to prevent summer learning loss and improve third-grade reading proficiency. The program specifically supports students from high-need populations, including English language learners, children from low-income households, those experiencing homelessness, and youth in foster care. By offering engaging and enriching summer experiences, Inspiring Summers helps students strengthen their language and literacy skills outside the regular school year.
Eleven (11) school districts in San Mateo County were identified as eligible participants because their third-grade reading proficiency rates fell below the County and State average. Of those eleven (11), seven (7) agreed to partner with The Big Lift to implement Inspiring Summers. Summer learning loss is one of the greatest challenges young readers face. Inspiring Summers addresses this problem by providing consistent opportunities for students to practice and strengthen literacy skills, helping build a strong academic foundation linked to long-term success, including higher rates of high school graduation, access to post-secondary education, economic mobility, and improved overall well-being.
On March 17, 2025, this Board approved recommended Measure K budget allocations for The Big Lift Program in preparation for the Fiscal Year 2026 - 2027 Recommended Budget, which will not be adopted until September 2026. Only districts and preschool programs with third-grade reading proficiency rates below County and State averages were eligible to participate. Funding is based on projected enrollment, with reimbursement provided for actual services delivered.
DISCUSSION:
Measure K funding will not be finalized in time to begin program services in April 2026. Therefore, HSA is requesting the County execute agreements with each of the eligible participating school districts for the term of April 1, 2026 to September 30, 2026, for a total aggregate obligation amount of $927,631, to implement The Big Lift Inspiring Summers Program for summer 2026. This action will allow services to begin on schedule while ensuring compliance with all applicable County policies once Measure K funding is approved.
Under these agreements, districts will provide evidence-based literacy instruction, high-quality professional development for educators, and meaningful family engagement to ensure students build foundational reading skills and achieve long-term academic success.
The County Attorney’s office has reviewed and approved the agreement and resolution as to form.
The resolution contains the County’s standard provisions allowing amendment of the County’s fiscal obligations by a maximum of $25,000 in aggregate.
PERFORMANCE MEASURE:
|
Measure |
FY 2026-27 Target |
|
Percentage of participating students who maintain or improve their reading level over the summer as measured by Dynamic Indicators of Basic Early Literacy Skills (DIBELS) |
80% |
COMMUNITY IMPACT:
These agreements provide high-quality summer learning in districts where third-grade reading proficiency falls below the County average. The program prioritizes students who are behind in reading, qualify for free or reduced-price meals, are English language learners, experiencing homelessness, or in foster care. The Big Lift supports early academic success, which is linked to future outcomes including high school graduation, post-secondary education, economic mobility, improved health, and overall quality of life.
FISCAL IMPACT:
The term of these agreements is April 1, 2026 through September 30, 2026, for a total amount of $927,631. Funding for these agreements is through The Big Lift’s Measure K revenue. Budgetary appropriation for these agreements are included in the Fiscal Year 2025-2026 Adopted Budget and will continue to be included in future budgets. There is no Net County Cost associated with these agreements.