Speech #920173826

In agreements entered into with the Federal government prior to 196667 for the education of "Old Cubans. Federal payments were based on a percentage ranging from a high of sixty (60%) per cent to a low of fortyfive (45%) per cent of specific accounts covering both the operational and capital outlay areas. If this process of paying for "Old" Cuban refugees had continued over an estimated twenty to twentyfive year period of time. the Federal government would have contributed approximately $600 per child in capital outlay expenditures. The attached tabulation sets forth the amount of capital outlay expenditures per child during that time. Inasmuch as by agreement payment on "Old" Cuban refugees is continuing to be drastically reduced and phased out prior to the time when a substantial portion of the payment for housing of these children is completed. it would appear that payments made on "Old" Cubans should no longer continue to be a factor in capital outlay payments for "New" Cuban refugees. Therefore. there is no logic for relating capital outlay payments on "New" Cuban refugees to the 15.501 count of "Old" Cubans that was made on October 3. 1965. It is recommended that the base for making capital outlay payments for the 196869 contract be designated as the total number of "New" Cuban refugees for whom payment has been made either in part or in total up to $600 each for 9.452 "New" Cuban refugees as of June 12. 1968. and verified on page 10 of the September 6. 1968. billing for the 196768 school year. The establishment of this base as recommended will eliminate credit provisions as contained in Part III2b-(1) as well as all provisions contained in Part III2b(2) of the 196768 Agreement. The estimated cost of providing Adult and Vocational Education programs for Cuban refugees will likely be sufficient if the demand for courses continues at the -present level. The funds provided in this portion of the program can be reduced if necessary to financially sustain the Grades 112 program which. by law. is the prime responsibility of the School System. The funding of the Summer Program at the rate of $165.000 per year is satisfactory. considering -the present influx of Cubans. It is requested. however. if Federal policies or other factors beyond our control result in a marked increase of Cuban immigration. that we review the amount provided for the Summer Program in consideration of factors existing at that time. When we have reached agreement on the foregoing items. it will be a relatively simple matter to prepare and agree on a contract for the 196869 school year. We are very interested. of course. in entering into such contract at the earliest possible date.