Review Agenda Item

Meeting Date:

5/10/2024 - 7:00 PM

Category:

School and Community Relations

Type:

Info

Subject:

2023-24 Grants Update

ACPS 2025 Strategic Plan Goal:

Goal 1: Systemic Alignment

ACPS will build a culture of continuous improvement and design equitable systems for school and instructional improvement.

Goal 2: Instructional Excellence

ACPS will ensure that all students have access to and engagement with high-quality instruction.

Goal 3: Student Accessibility and Support

ACPS will ensure students have equitable access to and engagement with programs and supports that reduce barriers to learning.

Goal 4: Strategic Resource Allocation

ACPS will strategically provide differentiated resources and supports to schools and departments.

Goal 5: Family and Community Engagement

ACPS will ensure that all families and community members feel welcomed, respected, and valued.

Policy:

Funding Source or Fiscal Impact (where applicable)

File Attachment:

240510_Board Brief_2024 Grant Award Management_v1.pdf

240510_Att1_2023-24_ACPS_Grants_Data.pdf

240510_Att2_2023-24_DonorsChoose-Funded_ACPS_Projects.pdf

Agenda Item Summary:

Grant funding plays a crucial role in a schools’ ability to expand resources, innovate learning models and supports and address emerging needs of both students and staff. Over the past five years, more than $251,786,776 in grant funding was awarded to Alexandria City Public Schools (ACPS). The Office of Community Partnerships and Engagement’s grants team supports this success by:
● Strategically collaborating with ACPS departments by identifying and applying for grant opportunities with aligned department leadership.
● Partnering with the Alexandria City Government and nonprofit organizations to co-apply for grants.
● Facilitating, as needed, data and fiscal discussions with aligned department and building leads to ensure a high level of grant requirements are being met.

Background:

As part of the Office of Community Partnerships and Engagement in the Department of School and Community Relations, the ACPS grants team offers the following comprehensive services to schools, departments and community partners:
● Identify a wide range of potential funding sources.
● Ensure the division’s effective competition for federal, state, local and private funds.
● Encourage and assist staff with grant seeking, writing and submitting grant proposals.
● Manage and maintain existing grants.
● Ensure compliance with grant requirements.
● Strengthen relationships with funders through timely submission of reports.
● Guide grant opportunities to programs that are most in need of funding and best fit the funders’ priorities.

These support services are essential, especially given the number of grants awarded to the division and the large increase of funding over the past five years through the CARES, GEER, ESSER II, and ESSER III grants.

Recommendation:

The Superintendent recommends that the School Board review the information
in this memo on Grant Award Management.

Approvals:

Recommended By:
Signed By:
	Julia Burgos - Chief of School and Community Relations

Signed By:
	Dr. Melanie Kay-Wyatt - Superintendent