Bridgette Pierce, Acting Assistant Director of Parks & Leisure Services

Brad Ostroff, Interim Director of Parks & Leisure Services

Issue Statement:  The City of Oakland Park has been pre-qualified to receive funding from the Children's Services Council of Broward County as part of the M.O.S.T. Grant (Maximizing Out of School Time) Program (see attached Exhibit A reflecting the City as a qualified program provider).  Funding for this program is designed to enhance and expand our after-school and summer camp programs by providing funding for tutoring and cultural experiences for our students. The funding will subsidize fees for these programs helping the neediest families with tuition assistance.   The grant provides for the ability to request a maximum of four annual renewals, subject to funding availability each year.  Funding for the first year (FY 2023) is estimated to be about $550,500.

Recommended Action:  Staff recommends the City Commission approve the resolution authorizing 1) the proper City officials to execute a contract with the Children's Services Council of Broward County MOST Grant, and 2) adjustments to the Parks and Leisure Services Fee Schedule to be in line with the grant requirements (continual sliding scale - Exhibit B) of the MOST Grant from the Children's Services Council of Broward County for childcare services during the contract duration; and 3) approve the proposed Budget Amendment.

The City currently offers childcare services out of Lloyd Estates Elementary School.  This is a recreational based program fully funded through the City's General Fund.  The MOST Grant will enhance and expand the current childcare services program by offering additional learning experiences for academic achievement, social and physical development, and cultural programming.  Academic tutoring and homework assistance services will be incorporated into the daily program through certified teachers provided through the funding of the MOST Grant.

The MOST grant is sponsored by the Children’s Services Council and is intended to serve economically disadvantaged children residing in Broward County Title I public schools.  The City of Oakland Park will be able to assist Lloyd Estates Elementary School families and others attending the City of Oakland Park’s Childcare Programs. Over 65% of the students at Lloyd Estates Elementary School are performing below grade level in English, Language Arts and Mathematics, as compared to the district average of 70%. In the Lloyd Estates area 75% of the children receive government assistance such as food stamps and other governmental programs.  The City will be able to offer a variety of programs, opportunities and financial assistance to support the growth and education of the youth in the City of Oakland Park through the MOST Grant.   The program capacity is 120 students for school aftercare and 140 students for the summer program.

This MOST Grant is an annual contract with annual renewals thru September 30, 2026, subject to the availability and appropriation of funding.  Funding through the grant will not only help families needing tuition assistance, but will also provide for tutoring and enrichment programs taught with certified teachers and instructors.

The MOST Grant's standard contract is attached for reference.  

The table below shows the estimates of the program which cost will be reimbursed by CSC.  The M.O.S.T. Grant will provide the following funding:

*Yearly Amount

The above represents the maximum reimbursement possible.  Registration fees paid to the City for the program will be deducted from grant reimbursements.  

All grant related expenditures and revenues will be recognized in a new special revenue fund.  

The MOST program was not considered as part of the FY 22 Budget.  Attached in Exhibit C is the proposed Budget Amendment recognizing the funding from the Children Services Council of Broward County and providing for the related program expenditures.  These program expenditures are $80,476 and include the cost of supplies, contract teachers and instructors, and  new grant-funded staff positions.

The proposed expenditures are as follows:

The proposed expenditures and budget amendment only reflect FY 2022.  A separate budget amendment will be provided for consideration in October 2022 that will amend the FY 2023 budget to reflect the grant.