Agenda Item Name:
Title
American Rescue Plan - State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds (SLFRF) - Revenue Recovery Project - Gainesville for All (GNV4ALL) Empowerment Zone Family Learning Center
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Presenter:
Claudia Tuck, 352-231-0058
Description:
Plan to use $350,000.00 of American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) - SLFRF - Revenue Recovery Funds to support the GNV4ALL Empowerment Zone Family Learning Center to improve academic and other outcomes for young children and families.
Recommended Action:
Recommended Action
Receive and approve the plan.
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Prior Board Motions:
On 1/10/2023 the Board unanimously approved a motion to set aside one-time funds of $350,000.00 for the GNV4ALL Empowerment Zone Family Learning Center with the use of funds coming from the unallocated American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds. In addition, the Board requested that GNV4ALL continue to work with the Children’s Trust and the Local Legislative Delegation for ongoing operation funding and report back to the Board of County Commissioners annually to provide a status update on the success of the Empowerment Zone Family Learning Center.
Fiscal Consideration:
Fiscal Consideration
$350,000.00 - 234.00.0064.569.82.93
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Strategic Guide:
Strategic Guide
Social and Economic Opportunity
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Background:
GNV4ALL was formed to address racial and economic inequities that hurt people and hinder our community from achieving its best potential. It is an initiative of The Gainesville Sun in partnership with the Community Foundation of North Central Florida. The Gainesville Empowerment Zone Family Learning Center in its first three to five years will seek to transform public education to meet the needs of struggling local families, many of which were adversely impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, in the 21st Century.
As envisioned, the Center will provide high-quality year-round, full-day childcare for working families. It will serve at least 76 children and their families every year. Using an evidence-based curriculum, it will lower the achievement gap between white and black students by improving kindergarten readiness. It will also engage parents as active partners in the development of their child by offering parenting classes, coffee hours, and monthly meetings. Using the ARPA funds along with other financial resources, the Center expects to achieve Gold Seal accreditation within the second year. Doing so increases School Readiness and other reimbursements to provide a sustainable long-term source of funding.
GNV4ALL plans to use $250,000.00 of the County provided ARPA funds to support the administrative personnel of the Center including the Executive Director, Director, Assistant Director, and a Community Engagement Specialist. A portion of the ARPA funding, $50,000.00, will be used to support the construction of an outdoor playground/classroom. Other funding including a private donation will support the remaining costs of purchase and construction. The outdoor playground/classroom will include both a small structure suitable for children 1-2 years old and a larger structure suitable for children 3-4 years old. The remaining $50,000.00 of the County provided ARPA funding will be used to purchase classroom furnishings including small tables and chairs and shelving units. After approval of the plan, a funding agreement will come to the Board of County Commissioners for consideration.