Title
a. Approve and authorize the Director or Assistant Director of the Department of Social Services to sign a zero cost agreement with the Salinas Union High School District to provide a variety of classes to CalWORKs customers and the community at the Department of Social Services 730 LaGuardia building in Salinas for the period of August 1, 2022 through June 30, 2023; and
b. Authorize the Director or Assistant Director of the Department of Social Services to sign up to three (3) additional amendments to this agreement that do not encompass payment and do not significantly change the scope of services.
Report
RECOMMENDATION:
It is recommended that the Board of Supervisors:
a. Approve and authorize the Director or Assistant Director of the Department of Social Services to sign a zero cost agreement with the Salinas Union High School District to provide a variety of classes to CalWORKs customers and the community at the Department of Social Services 730 LaGuardia building in Salinas for the period of August 1, 2022 through June 30, 2023; and
b. Authorize the Director or Assistant Director of the Department of Social Services to sign up to three (3) additional amendments to this agreement that do not encompass payment and do not significantly change the scope of services.
SUMMARY/DISCUSSION:
This agreement allows the Salinas Union High School District (SUHD) to use a room in a county facility to provide high school equivalency exam preparation, English as a second language (ESL) and citizenship classes to CalWORKs customers and the community. The lack of a high school diploma, English language skills, and/or computer skills are employment barriers that some of our CalWORKs customers face. SUHD, through its Salinas Adult School, is committed to teaching 21st century skills and providing support to adult students as they transition into new phases of education, employment, parenting, and community engagement.
The use of a room at the Social Services 730 La Guardia building in Salinas will increase the capacity of the Salinas Adult School and enable CalWORKs customers and residents of east Salinas to participate in the educational services at no cost.
The educational instruction received allows our CalWORKs customers to increase soft skills, attain basic and higher levels of English language skills, increase their reading comprehension and math skills, and the attain of a High School Equivalency (HSE) certificate which will increase their employability and/or ability to promote. The attainment of a HSE certificate also qualifies a customer to be eligible for federal financial aid if they transition to a local community college seeking higher education, e.g., a program certification or Associate of Arts (AA) degree, to further enhance their employability in local industries within Monterey County.
OTHER AGENCY INVOLVEMENT:
County Counsel has approved the Agreement as to form.
FINANCING:
This is a no cost agreement to provide training space (650 square feet) at no cost for half days. The Department will continue to use this space for their customer trainings. The Market rent is $1.75 per square foot for an in-kind cost of approximately, $1,138 monthly and $34,000 annually. The department’s lease is funded by Federal, State, and realignment revenues.
Salinas Union High School District is assuming all fiscal responsibility for the instructional costs, offering up these classes to our customers and the community for free. There is no impact to the Social Services Department or the County General Fund.
BOARD OF SUPERVISORS STRATEGIC INITIATIVES:
This MOU agreement correlates to the Economic Development Strategic Initiative adopted by the Board of Supervisors by providing access to quality educational instruction at no cost that allows individuals to increase their skills and knowledge, helps individuals attain higher levels of employability, and move them further in self-sufficiency and economic stability as Monterey County residents.
Mark a check to the related Board of Supervisors Strategic Initiatives
X Economic Development
__Administration
__Health & Human Services
__Infrastructure
__Public Safety
Prepared by: Thom De La Cruz, Management Analyst II, Ext. 3391
Approved by: Lori A. Medina, Director, Ext. 4430
Attachments: Agreement
The proposed agreement is on file with Clerk of the Board as an attachment to this Board Report.