Title
GNV4ALL Update on the Gainesville Empowerment Zone Family Learning Center (B)
Explanation
GNV4ALL presented the Gainesville Empowerment Zone Family Learning Center (GEZFLC) project at the May 26th General Policy Committee meeting. The Gainesville Empowerment Zone Family Learning Center will be located in East Gainesville on the campus of Metcalfe Elementary School and will be developed as a facility that will offer high-quality early learning for children ages six weeks to three years old. In addition, family-stabilizing services will be offered to families, including prenatal care, parent coaching, job training, and medical assistance.
The Committee directed City staff to review and vet the information provided by GNV4ALL including a breakdown of how the funding request would be used for the project.
Attachment A to this agenda item includes the draft biennial budget for the GNV4ALL Program. The first-year budget totals $1,733,200. GNV4ALL has received $210,000 in one-time funding from private donors and grants. Recurring funding is pending and includes School Readiness ($601,650) which is determined by the number of students enrolled in the Gainesville Empowerment Zone Family Learning Center and what a family can contribute ($20,020) which is determined by rates set by the Early Learning Coalition of Alachua County. Expenses to operate the Center include salary and fringe benefits, contractual services, utilities and insurance, supplies, accreditation fees, training, and one-time expenses. The second-year budget is comprised mostly of recurring expenditures in those same categories totaling $1,086,200.
As shown in Attachment B, GNV4ALL is requesting $500,000 in funding from the City for capital improvements and personnel costs for the first year of operations includes:
1. Building renovations $125,000
2. Playground development $125,000
3. Immediately hire essential staff $100,000
4. Classroom furniture $80,000
5. Early childhood teaching essentials $60,000
6. Internet network installations $10,000
GNV4ALL, as requested by the General Policy Committee, has also sent a funding request to the Alachua County Board of County Commissioners for support of this program, included as Attachment C to this agenda item.
Fiscal Note
Staff recommends the General Policy Committee set aside $350,000 of American Rescue Plan Revenue Replacement Funds for this initiative.
Recommendation
The General Policy Committee hear an update from the GNV4ALL representatives and direct staff as appropriate.