Special Notice / Hearing: None__
Vote Required: Majority
To: Honorable Board of Supervisors
From: Supervisor Carole Groom
Subject: Big Lift Memorandum of Understanding
RECOMMENDATION:
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Review and approve the Big Lift Memorandum of Understanding and Operating Budget for FY 18-19.
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BACKGROUND:
In 2012, the Peninsula Partnership Leadership Council (PPLC) - a coalition of government, education, nonprofit, foundation and business leaders in San Mateo County - launched The Big Lift to significantly improve children’s third grade reading proficiency through strategic, thoughtful, evidence-based investments in early learning and education. The Big Lift is a collective impact collaborative led by three agencies - Silicon Valley Community Foundation (SVCF), the San Mateo County Office of Education (COE) and the County of San Mateo.
The Big Lift focuses on eleven San Mateo County communities where third grade reading proficiency scores are close to or below the County average - Bayshore, Brisbane, Cabrillo, Jefferson Elementary, La Honda-Pescadero, Pacifica, Ravenswood, Redwood City, San Bruno Park, San Mateo-Foster City and South San Francisco. The Big Lift is based on evidence-based interventions including:
1. A comprehensive school readiness strategy focused on high-quality preschool for 3- and 4- year olds that leads to an aligned and sequenced set of high-quality learning experiences in kindergarten through third grade;
2. A focus on reducing chronic absence in the early grades;
3. Developing inspiring summer learning opportunities that enable children to maintain their academic and developmental gains;
4. Supporting parents and caregivers as children's first and most influential teachers to provide rich learning environments in the home.
On June 11, 2013 the Board of Supervisors directed staff to appropriate $5 million in FY 2013-14 and $5 million in FY 2014-15 to establish the San Mateo County Early Learning and Care Trust Fund in support of the Big Lift. Additional funds of $2.5 million were appropriated in each of the FY 2015-16, FY 2016-17, FY 2017-18, and FY 2018-19 budgets, for a total Measure K (formerly Measure A) commitment to the Big Lift of $20 million.
DISCUSSION:
Expenditure of these Measure K funds and of any future appropriations in support the Big Lift is contingent upon approval of a comprehensive budget by the Board of Supervisors. The Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) and attached comprehensive budget formalize the roles and relationship between the Silicon Valley Community Foundation, San Mateo County Office of Education and the County of San Mateo as lead organizations of The Big Lift, and identify major Sources and Requirements of the collaborative budget.
County Counsel has reviewed and approved the MOU as to form.
The execution of the Big Lift MOU contributes to the Shared Vision 2025 outcome of a Collaborative Community by enabling the County to join together with the Silicon Valley Community Foundation, San Mateo County Office of Education and other community based organizations and community leaders to strive to close the achievement gap in San Mateo County.
FISCAL IMPACT:
There is no additional fiscal impact associated with execution of the Big Lift Memorandum of Understanding. Measure K funding in the amount $20 million has already been appropriated through the Recommended Budgets for FY 2013-14 through FY 2018-19 in support of the Big Lift.