Memorandum of Understanding
between
Austin Independent School District,
and
Consortium of Construction Trades Partners
The Austin Independent School District (“AISD” or “District”) and a Consortium of Construction Trades Partners (“Consortium”), collectively referred to as “Partners,” are entering into this Memorandum of Understanding (“MOU” or “Agreement”) for the purpose of collaborating with the implementation of a Construction Trades Academy at Crockett High School in AISD. This MOU is effective from execution through June 15, 2020, and may be extended by mutual agreement.
PROJECT SUMMARY / PURPOSE
AISD will partner with Consortium to improve postsecondary degree completion and career readiness by smoothing the transitions between high school, college, and the professional world. In particular, the Academy will provide students with early and engaging experiences with the world of work, which in turn makes the academic work in high school and college meaningful and better prepares students with the workplace skills required by employers.
AGREEMENT:
Consortium agrees to:
* Commit to the full implementation of the school model as outlined in the TEA grant application to the 2018-20 Pathways in Technology Early College High Schools (P-TECH) and Industry Cluster Innovative Academies (ICIA) Success Grant, materials provided by the Associate Superintendent of High Schools, and forthcoming P-TECH/ICIA blueprint.
* Ensure that every participating student receives mentoring from an industry professional, including an opportunity to communicate in writing or online and face-to-face interaction on at least two occasions per year.
* Make available line supervisors and Human Resources managers to identify the appropriate entry-level positions students at the School may qualify for upon graduation, work with the other Parties to map the key skills needed to succeed in those positions, and strongly consider students at the School for those employment opportunities.
* Identify a dedicated staff person to manage Consortium’s responsibilities and other appropriate staff to participate in the Leadership Team. This staff person will, among other duties, coordinate site visits to facilities, recruit and match mentors to students, identify appropriate internship opportunities, and support teachers and faculty in developing appropriate curricula.
* Help define and provide opportunities for appropriate workplace experiences (e.g., design projects, visits, speakers, internships, and apprenticeships) to prepare students for the world of work based on the curriculum Scope & Sequence plan. It is anticipated that each student in the school will participate in one to three internship experiences during his or her tenure. Consortium members will assist AISD in identifying
organizations in the Construction Trades field to ensure that each student has the opportunity to participate in multiple internships during the course of the program.
* Work with the School’s staff and other parties to develop a coherent Scope & Sequence plan of courses and workplace experiences that enables students to successfully meet the goals outlined in the program model. Consortium will help identify high-quality occupation-related projects and curriculum that may be incorporated into the academic program.
* To support program activities, Consortium will invite Austin Community College (and/or other university partners), AISD and the School’s staff and students to their facilities to participate in the following, including, but not limited to, internships, job shadowing, mentoring, and other “real-life” work experiences for students.
* Through these various in-kind contributions as well as potential cash contributions over the course of the grant period, Consortium agrees to provide at least 20% of the total grant award.
AISD agrees to:
* Commit to the full implementation of the school model as outlined in the TEA grant application to the 2018-20 Pathways in Technology Early College High Schools (P-TECH) and Industry Cluster Innovative Academies (ICIA) Success Grant, materials provided by the Associate Superintendent of High Schools, and forthcoming P-TECH/ICIA blueprint.
* Work with the School’s staff and the other parties to develop a seamless and coherent Scope & Sequence plan of courses and workplace experiences that enables students to successfully meet the goals outlined in the program model. AISD will work to develop a rigorous and engaging curriculum that prepares students for college-level coursework and workplace experiences.
* Establish a college-going culture for all students at the School, which requires engaging students in college coursework, tutoring and advising, and instruction on key “college knowledge” academic and personal behaviors such as time management, collaboration, problem-solving, leadership, study skills, communication, and tenacity.
* Help define appropriate workplace experiences (e.g., design projects, job shadowing, internships, and clinical practice) that will support students gaining key skills needed in the Construction fields.
* Provide a space to house the School at the Crockett Early College High School campus, located at 5601 Manchaca Road, Austin, TX 78745. The facility will have sufficient space to support the activities and number of students described in the TEA grant application to the P-TECH and ICIA Success Grant, materials provided by the Associate Superintendent of High Schools, and forthcoming P-TECH/ICIA blueprint.
* Allow Austin Community College (and/or other university partners) and Consortium faculty and staff appropriate access to the School to support program activities, along with other appropriate Construction Trades industry leaders and members of leading nonprofit organizations.
* Ensure that students of all backgrounds and abilities are eligible to attend the School. AISD will ensure that prior academic performance shall not be considered during the admissions process.
* Provide regular operating funds to the School in the same manner as other district schools. AISD will identify additional funding streams that may be available to the School, including but not limited to federal Perkins program funding.
* Support the School’s principal in identifying qualified staff to teach in the School.
* Provide appropriate and relevant ongoing professional development for the School’s principal and staff. AISD will share best practices from other district schools that effectively serve a wide range of high school students in achieving college and career readiness.
AMENDMENTS
This MOU may be amended or modified by the consent of all Partners at any time during its term. Amendments to this MOU must be in writing and signed by authorized representatives of AISD and Consortium. No change in, addition to, or waiver of any term or condition of this MOU shall be binding for any Partner unless approved in writing by all Partners.
COMPLIANCE WITH LAWS
This Agreement shall be governed by the laws of the State of Texas. All Partners agree to abide by all district policies, directives, and guidelines, local ordinances and state and federal laws in the provision of its services, activities or programs to the District, including but not limited to, the Americans with Disabilities Act, 42 USC §12111, et seq., 29 CFR §130.1, et seq.; Section 504 of the 1973 Rehabilitation Act, 34 CFR §104.1, et seq.; the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act, 20 USC §1232g, et. seq., 34 CFR §99.1, et seq.; Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, 20 USC §1681 et seq., 34 CFR §106.1 et seq.
HOLD HARMLESS AGREEMENT
It is agreed that Consortium Members are independent contractors and shall be solely responsible for payment of its workers and shall further be solely responsible for the withholding and/or payment of any taxes or contributions imposed by any federal, state or local governmental entity by the reason of employment. Consortium Members agree, to the extent authorized by the Constitution and laws of the State of Texas, to hold the District harmless from any and all liability that the District may incur, including without limitation, damages of every kind and nature and out-of-pocket costs, incurred by reason of Consortium Member’s negligence or breach of this Agreement.
INDEMNIFICATION
The District and Consortium agree to be solely responsible for their own acts and/or omissions for any claim, cost, liability, loss, damage or expense of any kind, including the legal defense thereof (collectively, the “Damages”) that either party may incur arising out of or related to this Agreement, including, but not limited to, the acts and/or omissions of their respective officers, employees, contractors or agents in the performance of their duties and obligations hereunder. Nothing contained herein shall be construed to require either party to indemnify or otherwise assume liability for any Damages or the acts and/or omissions of the other party, its affiliated entities, shareholders, officers, employees, contractors or agents.
Signatures below represent each Partner’s agreement to the terms of this MOU:
Consortium:
____________________________________________________________________________
Emily Blair (Lubbers) Date Chief Executive Officer Home Builders Association of Greater Austin
____________________________________________________________________________
David Johnson Date Executive Director Independent Electrical Contractors, Inc.
____________________________________________________________________________
Noe Vela Date Safety Director Marek Brothers
____________________________________________________________________________
Terri Fleming Date National Association of Women in Construction
____________________________________________________________________________
Taryn Ritchie Date Preconstruction Engineer Ryan Companies, U.S., Inc.
____________________________________________________________________________
Paul Jones Date Executive Director Texas Carpenters and Millwrights Training Trust Fund
____________________________________________________________________________
Joe Cooper Date Training Director UA Local 286 Plumbers and Pipefitters
AISD
____________________________________________________________________________
Craig Shapiro Date Associate Superintendent of High Schools Austin Independent School District