HomeMy WebLinkAboutIR 8962INFORMAL REPORT TO CITY COUNCIL MEMBERS
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To the Mayor and Members of the City Council
20
July 29, 2008
Page 1 of 2
SUBJECT: AFTER- SCHOOL PROGRAMS WITH FORT WORTH INDEPENDENT
SCHOOL DISTRICT
The purpose of this Informal Report is to provide an update on recent expansion of after - school
programming to benefit children and youth attending schools in Fort Worth Independent School District
( FWISD). FWISD recently announced a grant award from the Texas Education Agency (TEA) for $2.7
million for after - school programs in 20 schools for the 2008 -09 school year. The award may be renewed for
four more years, although the total amount will decrease each year.
This funding will allow for maintenance and/or expansion of some existing 21 s' Century Community
Learning Center locations as well as the addition of programs at 10 more schools. Schools receiving
funding include: South Hills HS, Eastern Hills HS, Paschal HS, Trimble Technical HS, Wedgwood 6th
Grade, McLean MS, Monnig MS, Leonard MS, Leonard 6th Grade, McLean 6th Grade, Dunbar 6th Grade,
Morningside MS, Glencrest 6th Grade, D. McRae ES, WJ Turner ES, Kirkpatrick MS, Meacham MS,
Rosemont 6th Grade, Manuel Jara ES, and Sunrise - McMillan ES. An anticipated 2200 children per day
will be served by this grant.
Background
In October 2000, the City of Fort Worth entered into partnership with FWISD to create a joint venture
called Fort Worth After School (FWAS) with the goal of providing safe and enriching after - school
programs so that no child has to go home to an empty house. The program started with 52 schools located
in neighborhoods with high crime rates and in schools with high numbers of low - income families.
Beginning in 2000, FWISD contributed $1. I million from its general fund and the City contributed $1.1
million from the Crime Control and Prevention District to support the joint venture. In 2005 the City
expanded its contribution to $1.3 million. FWISD funds the administrative personnel who oversee the
FWAS program and a portion of the external evaluation.
Since 2001, the FWISD has received several highly competitive grants for after - school programming
through the U.S. Department of Education's 21' Century Community Learning Center program. Funding in
the state of Texas is currently administered through the Texas Education Agency. The program focuses on
tutoring, homework help and academic achievement. The number of schools funded through the TEA
program varies each year as funding cycles begin and end.
ISSUED BY THE CITY MANAGER FORT WORTH, TEXAS
INFORMAL REPORT TO CITY COUNCIL MEMBERS
To the Mayor and Members of the City Council
No.
July 29, 2008
Page 2 of 2
SUBJECT: AFTER- SCHOOL PROGRAMS WITH FORT WORTH INDEPENDENT
SCHOOL DISTRICT
Coordination
On a day - today basis, the Fort Worth After School program is managed by FWISD's Student and Social
Services Department, and a 13- member Coordinating Board appointed by the City Council and FWISD
Board of Trustees decides policy issues related to the program
The Coordinating Board consists of four City of Fort Worth management staff, four FWISD management
staff, one representative from Safe City Commission, one from Tarrant County Juvenile Services and three
at -large positions allotted to community members. The FWISD program director who oversees Fort Worth
After School also oversees the 21" Century Learning Center grants, so programming can be closely
coordinated to maximize attendance at each after - school program and avoid duplication of services.
If you have any questions related to this information, please contact Kathy Livingston at 817- 382 -6129.
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Da a A. Fissele , P.E.
City Manager
ISSUED BY THE CITY MANAGER FORT WORTH, TEXAS