Sole_Source_Justification_HCPS_1.pdf

October 23, 2025

Hillsborough County Public Schools 901 East Kennedy Boulevard Tampa, FL 33602

Subject: Sole Source Justification for Virtual Spanish from Sarah's Spanish School

Dear Hillsborough County Public Schools Board of Education and Leadership Team, On behalf of Sarah's Spanish School, we request your consideration for a sole source procurement of our elementary virtual Spanish learning program for Hillsborough County Public Schools. Our program offers a distinctive educational experience that combines live classes with pre-recorded content in Spanish, French and American Sign Language (ASL), all delivered by state certified, experienced teachers in partnership with HCPS’s in person teachers and parents, on HCPS’s requested schedule.

We believe it represents the most effective solution to meet the specific needs of your students and district and significantly enhances the accessibility of language education within the district.

The following factors justify our request for a sole source procurement:

Hybrid Model with Experienced Teachers: Our program is a truly hybrid approach, blending the benefits of live, interactive classes with pre-recorded lessons. What sets us apart is that all instruction is delivered by engaging, state certified teachers with expertise in elementary language education.

This ensures that students receive the highest quality education.

Not a Computer Program: Our program is not a mere computer program or software package. It is a comprehensive educational solution that encompasses live teaching, interactive discussions, and personalized support and ongoing differentiation, customized to fit your district’s specific needs and vision, which cannot be adequately replicated by standard educational software.

Collaborative Learning: One unique aspect of our program is that students can go through the curriculum as a class with their classroom teacher serving as the facilitator or their parent. This collaborative approach fosters peer-to-peer learning and interaction, engagement, and a sense of community among students, which is crucial for their educational development and language acquisition.

Customization and Adaptation: Our program is designed to be adaptable to the specific needs and goals of the district. We work closely with district educators and administrators to customize the curriculum, ensuring alignment with district standards and objectives.

Equitable Access: Our program ensures all students, regardless of school, class size, or teacher availability, have access to high-quality language instruction. This consistency and inclusivity are not offered by other programs, supporting the district’s commitment to equitable educational opportunities.

Pedagogical Innovation: Our program incorporates pedagogical innovations that enhance student engagement, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills. The combination of live instruction and carefully crafted pre-recorded content using best practice methods such as acquisition driven instruction and comprehensible input ensures that students receive the best quality language educational experience.

Ongoing Support: In addition to instructional content, we provide comprehensive support to both students and educators. Our team is readily available to offer training, technical support, differentiation, and ongoing assistance to ensure the program's success.

Proven Success in Other Districts: Sarah’s Spanish School has a track record of success in multiple school districts across the country. The program has consistently demonstrated improved student outcomes, higher student engagement rates, and increased student Spanish acquisition. By choosing our program, you are benefiting from the lessons learned and best practices developed through our experience in many other school districts.

Data-Driven Decision Making: Our program incorporates robust data analytics and reporting tools that provide valuable insights into student progress, participation, and performance. This data-driven approach empowers educators to make informed decisions, tailor instruction to individual student needs, and continuously improve the educational experience.

Cutting-Edge Technology Infrastructure: Our language program for schools is built upon a state-of-the-art technology infrastructure that ensures the reliable delivery of content. We have invested in robust servers and a user-friendly interface that simplifies access for both students and educators. By choosing our program, you are benefiting from the latest advancements in educational technology, which is essential in today's digital learning environment. Our commitment to staying at the forefront of technological innovations means that your students will have access to the best tools and resources available, ensuring a more effective and engaging educational experience.

Proprietary Materials: All curriculum content, instructional strategies, and pre-recorded lessons are developed exclusively by Sarah’s Spanish School and are not available through any other provider or software.

After a thorough review of available alternatives, it is our professional judgment that no other educational program can provide the same level of instructional quality, adaptability, and support as Sarah’s Spanish School.

While other providers may offer online Spanish content or self-paced learning modules, none combine certified live instruction, elementary-specific curriculum design, direct classroom collaboration, and adaptive support services into a single, integrated program that can be fully customized to align with each district’s instructional goals, calendar, pacing, and classroom structures.

We are committed to working in full compliance with all applicable laws, regulations, and school district policies to ensure the success of this educational initiative. Should you require any further information or documentation to support this request, please do not hesitate to contact us.

We appreciate your consideration of this request and the opportunity to partner with Hillsborough County Public Schools to provide the best possible educational experience for your students.

Sincerely, Sarah Thiemann Owner/Founder Sarah’s Spanish School 113 Hilltop Village Center, Suite C Eureka, MO 63025 sarah@sarahsspanishschool.com

866-325-HOLA

mailto:sarah@sarahsspanishschool.com