§ 32-43. Responsibilities of the fiscal agent.

(a)

General duties. With the guidance of its board, the fiscal agent shall provide and maintain such health, development, early enrichment, parenting and advocacy services as are needed for improving "kindergarten readiness" for the children of Shelby County. The fiscal agent shall provide a written description of the activities, services and opportunities to be provided to the children along with the anticipated schedule for providing same. The description should include the following: agreements made with community organizations, and all public and private agencies; details of all outreach efforts to provide services for at-risk children; the strategy for interagency coordination to maximize existing resources; procedures for early identification of at-risk children; strategy for ensuring equitable distribution of classrooms throughout Shelby County to maximize opportunities for all eligible Pre-K students to receive Pre-K instruction; and the manner in which the fiscal agent will seek funding for unmet needs.

(b)

Finances. The fiscal agent shall manage and allocate the moneys dedicated to this project by the city and the county. The fiscal agent is empowered to seek loans, grants from state, federal and local agencies and to accept loans, grants or donations from public and private sources provided that a clear accounting of each revenue stream is maintained and provided that the city and county are in no way obligated to contribute money beyond that approved by their respective legislative bodies. A detailed budget shall be provided as part of the annual report which shall be presented to the council and commission not later than April preceding the fiscal year.

(c)

Data and research. The fiscal agent shall collect information and statistical data and conduct research to assist the city and the county to meet the needs of the children of the county. The fiscal agent shall provide technical expertise in education data management. The fiscal agent shall use data for continuous improvement of programs and fiscal management of public funds. All student data shall be collected and maintained in compliance with the Family Educational Rights and Family Act of 1974.

(d)

Consultation and coordination. The fiscal agent shall consult and coordinate with other agencies dedicated to child welfare and shall provide programmatic expertise for key indicators of success in early childhood education. The fiscal agent shall serve as the accountability agent for community partners in the delivery of Pre-K services.

(e)

Quality and standards. The fiscal agent shall be charged with establishing and enforcing quality standards for all Pre-K classrooms funded under this division. The minimum standard shall be as follows:

(1)

A curriculum consistent with Tennessee Voluntary Pre-K and Tennessee Department of Education early education standards including, but not limited to, the requirements for programs set forth in T.C.A. § 49-6-104 which is incorporated herein by reference;

(2)

A focus on classrooms with teachers holding credentials in early childhood education; and

(3)

A focus on classrooms that offer two-generational support programs.

(f)

Quarterly reports. The fiscal agent shall provide quarterly reports to the board, the city, and the county which shall include, but are not limited to, the following:

(1)

The number of at-risk four year old children in city and county provided classrooms;

(2)

Pre-K testing outcomes including the number and percentage of children considered "kindergarten ready" as that term is defined by the State of Tennessee. The data shall include specific information relating to the children participating in Pre-K services.

(3)

Financial report detailing the use of public funds.

(4)

A report detailing parent and community engagement on placement of classrooms, delivery of services and alignment for the type (i.e. STEM, Montessori, traditional college track, etc.) of K-12 instruction.

(g)

Annual report. The fiscal agent shall provide the mayors, city council and county commission with an annual report in April after it is approved by the board of each year of its activities and findings regarding the needs of children the extent to which those needs are being met. It shall also include recommendations as to strategies for meeting any unmet needs. Recommendations regarding pending legislation or needed legislation shall be brought to the attention of the mayors, city council and county commission at appropriate times during the year and shall be included in the annual report.

(Ord. No. 502, § 7, 3-25-2019)