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 Partnering with The Big Lift to Support Preschool and Transitional Kindergarten Through Third-Grade (TK-3) Students
RECOMMENDATION:
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Measure K: Adopt a resolution authorizing agreements for the purpose of operating The Big Lift early learning initiative to increase kindergarten readiness, and grow third-grade reading proficiency in San Mateo County with the following school districts:
A) Bayshore Elementary School District for the term July 1, 2025 through June 30, 2026 in an amount not to exceed $316,865; and
B) Cabrillo Unified School District for the term July 1, 2025 through June 30, 2026 in an amount not to exceed $346,072; and
C) La Honda-Pescadero Unified School District for the term July 1, 2025 through June 30, 2026 in an amount not to exceed $365,734; and
D) San Bruno Park School District for the term, July 1, 2025 through June 30, 2026 in an amount not to exceed $393,500; and
E) South San Francisco Unified School District for the term July 1, 2025 through June 30, 2026 in an amount not to exceed $537,700.
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BACKGROUND:
The Big Lift (TBL), a collective impact initiative aimed at improving third-grade reading proficiency in San Mateo County. The initiative is currently led by the County of San Mateo, the San Mateo County Office of Education (SMCOE), and the San Mateo County Libraries (SMCL).
Third-grade reading proficiency is a critical milestone linked to long-term academic achievement, economic mobility, and life outcomes. However, several school districts within San Mateo County have third-grade reading proficiency rates below the County and state average.
In 2023, TBL underwent a comprehensive strategic planning process to maximize impact and ensure the efficient use of resources. A key outcome of this process was the prioritization of partnerships with San Mateo County school districts and preschool networks where third-grade reading proficiency rates lag behind the County average, aligning with TBL’s mission to close literacy gaps and improve outcomes for children facing the greatest barriers to success.
On June 25, 2024, the Board of Supervisors, through adopted Resolution No. 080524 (a-e), authorized agreements with the following school districts: Bayshore Elementary School District, Cabrillo Unified School District, La Honda Pescadero Unified School District, San Bruno Park School District, and South San Francisco with a term of July 1, 2024 through June 30, 2025, in an aggregate amount not to exceed $1,827,155.00.
DISCUSSION:
Human Services Agency is requesting to enter into agreements with Bayshore Elementary School District, Cabrillo Unified School District, La Honda Pescadero Unified School District, San Bruno Park School District, and South San Francisco Unified School District to support early literacy initiatives as part of The Big Lift (TBL), for the term of July 1, 2025 through June 30, 2026, in an aggregate amount not to exceed $1,959,871.
These organizations met all eligibility criteria, demonstrated a strong commitment to early literacy, and serve San Mateo County communities with the highest levels of need.
Each partner will receive a base allocation of $134,000, plus $600 per enrolled student to fund costs associated with implementing TBL early literacy and language strategies, professional development for educators and district leadership, enhancing family engagement, and administering evaluations. Additionally, Ravenswood City School District, along with Bayshore Elementary and La Honda Pescadero, has been identified as one of three communities with the highest need for literacy support, each of these districts receive an additional allocation of $66,434 for tier II interventions.
The resolution contains the County’s standard provisions allowing amendments of the County’s fiscal obligations by a maximum of $25,000 (in aggregate).
The agreements and resolution have been reviewed and approved by the County Attorney as to form.
PERFORMANCE MEASURE:
|
Measure |
FY 2025-26 Target |
|
Percent of preschool classrooms in their first year of implementation of SEEDS strategies will achieve a minimum of 1.5 out of 3 overall score (“emerging”) on implementation fidelity. |
80% |
|
Percent of classrooms in their second year and beyond of implementation of SEEDS strategies will achieve a minimum of 2.0 out of 3 overall score (“accurate”) on implantation fidelity. |
85% |
|
Percent of TK-3 classrooms implementing instructional practices aligned with the Science of Reading. |
75% |
|
Percent of TK-3 students who are assessed using the common literacy screenings/assessments identified by The Big Lift, Brigance Kindergarten Readiness, DIBELS 8th/Lectura. |
80% |
COMMUNITY IMPACT STATEMENT:
These agreements further advance equity in San Mateo County by providing high-quality learning experiences in districts where third-grade reading proficiency rates fall below the County average. Prioritizing enrollment 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 income guidelines.
FISCAL IMPACT:
The term of these agreements are from July 1, 2025 through June 30, 2026 for a combined total amount of $1,959,871. $1,827,371 is Measure K funding and $132,500 is a one-time state resource grant awarded to The Big Lift. Measure K and the State Resource grant funding will be included in the Human Services Agency’s FY 2025-26 Recommended Budget. There is no Net County Cost associated with these agreements.