Special Notice / Hearing: None__
Vote Required: Majority
To: Honorable Board of Supervisors
From: Claire Cunningham, Director, Human Services Agency
Subject: Measure K: Agreement with Ignite Reading for one-on-one virtual literacy instruction to The Big Lift students
RECOMMENDATION:
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Measure K: Adopt a resolution authorizing the waiver of the Request for Proposals (RFP) process and authorizing the execution of an agreement with Ignite Reading for The Big Lift partners to access virtual literacy instruction to students for the term of August 1, 2026 through June 30, 2027 for an amount not to exceed $480,000.
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BACKGROUND:
In Spring 2026, Human Services Agency (HSA), and The Big Lift (TBL), partnered with four school districts to launch an innovative High-Impact Tutoring pilot. The program provided daily, individualized virtual reading instruction to 130 students identified as at-risk of falling behind in literacy. Through close collaboration, participating districts refined the program in real time, demonstrating the effectiveness of a coordinated, countywide approach.
The pilot produced significant gains within a few months. The number of participating students reading at a kindergarten level dropped sharply from 89 to 6, while those demonstrating first-grade foundational reading skills increased from 40 to 93. Additionally, 20 students advanced to second-grade literacy levels, and educators reported improvements in student confidence and classroom engagement.
Building on these strong outcomes, TBL will expand the program during the 2026-27 school year to serve 371 students across six school districts. This expansion is funded by a State Resource Grant awarded to TBL, County-approved Measure K funds, and a matching investment from a local philanthropic partner, leveraging public resources to extend the reach and impact of this evidence-based intervention.
DISCUSSION:
HSA is requesting that the County execute an agreement with Ignite Reading for the term of August 1, 2026, through June 30, 2027, for a total obligation not to exceed $480,000. Under this contract, Ignite Reading will provide its digital platform for one-on-one, virtual literacy instruction to students in six participating TBL school districts: Bayshore Elementary, Cabrillo Unified, Millbrae Elementary, Pacifica, San Bruno Park, and South San Francisco Unified.
Participating school districts will access the contractor’s virtual reading program through this agreement by executing individual "no-fee" agreements. These contracts will include customized Data Sharing Agreements (DSAs). A sample DSA is provided as Attachment A for reference.
Pursuant to San Mateo County Administrative Memorandum No. B-1 (Section III, General Provisions for All Service Contracts, Section E), County Procurement has authorized the use of the Alameda Unified School District solicitation to piggyback on their contract with Ignite Reading. Consequently, because Ignite Reading was secured through an open public solicitation, HSA requests that the Board of Supervisors waive the local RFP process.
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 the aggregate.
PERFORMANCE MEASURE:
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Performance Measure |
FY 2026-27 Target |
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Percentage of students receiving Ignite Reading tutoring will demonstrate foundational literacy gains as measured by the End of Year (EOY) DIBELS assessment reflected in both composite scores and grade level subtests. |
80% |
COMMUNITY IMPACT:
This agreement further advances equity in San Mateo County by providing high-quality learning experiences in districts where third-grade reading proficiency rates fall below the County average. The program prioritizes enrollment for families defined as households earning up to 80 percent of the County’s area median income, based on U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development income guidelines.
FISCAL IMPACT:
The term of these agreements is August 1, 2026 through June 30, 2027, for a total amount of $480,000. Funding for the first $157,000 is charged to The Big Lift State Resource Grant and the remaining $323,000 will be funded through The Big Lift’s Measure K revenue. Budgetary appropriation for these agreements is included in the Fiscal Year 2026-27 Adopted Budget and will continue to be included in future budgets. There is no Net County Cost associated with these agreements.