Council Update: CSC donates 100,000 books to PBC school children

For the 10th time since 2013, Children’s Services Council of Palm Beach County provided books to all county public school students, Pre-K through 5th grade, at both traditional and charter schools, CSC staff told the Council’s board at its most recent meeting. 
A media event held May 19 at Berkshire Elementary School in West Palm Beach marked the event, which included Council CEO Lisa Williams-Taylor, who read with some of the children.
The school arranged for a few dozen of their more than 1,000 students to join school district staff and leadership in the media center. After receiving their books, the students also were delighted to welcome a pair of PBSO therapy dogs, Reggie and Lars. Others attending the event included: School Board Member Alexandria Ayala, Chief Academic Officer Dr. Glenda Sheffield, and Central Region Superintendent Valerie Zuloaga-Haines.
In other business
Benefits Cliffs Workshop: Council members participated in a workshop prior to the council meeting to learn about economic mobility for families, including barriers and promising practices. The workshop was presented by Michele Watson, Chief Executive Officer of the Florida Alliance of Children’s Councils and Trusts. During the workshop, Council members heard that access to consistent child care is paramount to economic mobility. Also, families need people to help them along the way to minimize stress. 
FAU Small Business Center: The Council approved a no-cost extension of CSC’s agreement with Florida Atlantic University Board of Trustees on behalf of the Small Business Development Center to provide capacity-building services to small nonprofits. The contract is extended through Sept. 30, 2022.
Interlocal Agreement with School District: The Council authorized CSC’s CEO to execute an interlocal agreement between the School District of Palm Beach County and CSC concerning student information for the period of Oct. 1, 2022, through Sept. 30, 2025.
Birth Outcomes Evaluation: The Council authorized CSC’s CEO to enter into a contract with Philliber Research & Evaluation in an amount not to exceed $135,000 to conduct a study in Palm Beach County to determine the most effective strategies in achieving positive birth outcomes, beginning on or about July 1, 2022 through June 30, 2023.
LMS Renewal: The Council approved renewal of CSC’s contract with Absorb Software to provide CSC’s learning management system. The contract amount is not to exceed $79,500, with the option for annual renewals.