Summary:
When children are suspended from school, they risk falling behind in their studies and, if left unsupervised, getting involved in delinquent behavior. To address this issue, Orange County Public Schools (OCPS) is piloting a new program entitled "Alternative to Out of School Suspension." As part of the pilot, OCPS wishes to operate two (2) sites where suspended students can continue school during the suspension period, with the support and supervision of qualified OCPS staff. OCPS has asked the City of Orlando to provide one (1) of these sites, at the Dr. James R. Smith Community Center.
This "Alternative to Out of School Suspension" Agreement will allow OCPS to utilize designated space within the Smith Center, Monday through Friday, when school is in session, during the hours of 7:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. OCPS will staff the designated space, at OCPS expense, with a classroom instructor, an assistant instructor/paraprofessional/aide and an off-duty police officer or uniformed OCPS security officer, and will be fully responsible for supervising all participants. No more than twenty-five (25) youth will participate in the program at any given time.
By partnering with OCPS to establish the Alternative to Out of School Suspension program, the City of Orlando will support the academic achievement of children while preventing instances of delinquency among unsupervised youth, bettering the lives of Orlando’s children.
Should the Alternative to Out of School Suspension program prove to be successful, and should OCPS identify additional funding, the Agreement authorizes the City's Director of Families, Parks, and Recreation to allow OCPS to expand the program to additional City recreation facilities on substantially the same terms and conditions as contained in this Agreement without further approval from the Orlando City Council. |
Recommended Action:
City Council approval of the Alternative to Out of School Suspension Agreement with Orange County Public Schools, including authorization for the Families, Parks and Recreation Director to expand the program to additional City recreation centers if there are no substantive changes to the terms of the Agreement.
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