§ 63M-1-3203. STEM Action Center Board -- Duties. (Effective 4/1/2014)

(1) The board shall:

(a) establish a STEM Action Center to:

(i) coordinate STEM activities in the state among the following stakeholders:

(A) the State Board of Education;

(B) school districts and charter schools;

(C) the State Board of Regents;

(D) institutions of higher education;

(E) parents of home-schooled students; and

(F) other state agencies;

(ii) align public education STEM activities with higher education STEM activities; and

(iii) create and coordinate best practices among public education and higher education;

(b) with the consent of the Senate, appoint an executive director to oversee the administration of the STEM Action Center;

(c) select a physical location for the STEM Action Center;

(d) strategically engage industry and business entities to cooperate with the board:

(i) to support high quality professional development and provide other assistance for educators and students; and

(ii) to provide private funding and support for the STEM Action Center;

(e) give direction to the STEM Action Center and the providers selected through a request for proposals process pursuant to this part; and

(f) work to meet the following expectations:

(i) that at least 50 educators are implementing best practice learning tools in classrooms per each product specialist or manager working with the STEM Action Center;

(ii) performance change in student achievement in each classroom working with a STEM Action Center product specialist or manager; and

(iii) that students from at least 50 high schools participate in the STEM competitions, fairs, and camps described in Subsection 63M-1-3204(2)(d).

(2) The board may:

(a) enter into contracts for the purposes of this part;

(b) apply for, receive, and disburse funds, contributions, or grants from any source for the purposes set forth in this part;

(c) employ, compensate, and prescribe the duties and powers of individuals necessary to execute the duties and powers of the board;

(d) prescribe the duties and powers of the STEM Action Center providers; and

(e) in accordance with Title 63G, Chapter 3, Utah Administrative Rulemaking Act, make rules to administer this part.

(3) The board may establish a foundation to assist in:

(a) the development and implementation of the programs authorized under this part to promote STEM education; and

(b) implementation of other STEM education objectives described in this part.

(4) A foundation established by the board under Subsection (3):

(a) may solicit and receive contributions from a private organization for STEM education objectives described in this part;

(b) shall comply with Title 51, Chapter 7, State Money Management Act;

(c) does not have power or authority to incur contractual obligations or liabilities that constitute a claim against public funds;

(d) may not exercise executive or administrative authority over the programs or other activities described in this part, except to the extent specifically authorized by the board;

(e) shall provide the board with information detailing transactions and balances of funds managed for the board; and

(f) may not:

(i) engage in lobbying activities;

(ii) attempt to influence legislation; or

(iii) participate in any campaign activity for or against:

(A) a political candidate; or

(B) an initiative, referendum, proposed constitutional amendment, bond, or any other ballot proposition submitted to the voters.

(5) Money donated to a foundation established under Subsection (3) may be accounted for in an expendable special revenue fund.

Amended by Chapter 189, 2014 General Session
Amended by Chapter 318, 2014 General Session