Agenda Item
a. Memorandum of Understanding with Georgia Aquarium, Incorporated (Not to exceed $487,900) ~ Updated 6.6.2024
Summary: Presented by: Ms. Stacy E. Stepney, Chief Academic Officer, Division of Curriculum & Instruction
Request: It is requested that the Board of Education approve the Memorandum of Understanding with the Georgia Aquarium, Incorporated, so students have access to experiential and relevant learning opportunities that expand their background knowledge in science, other core content areas, and career and post-secondary opportunities in the fields of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) in an amount not to exceed $487,900.
Why: The partnership with the Georgia Aquarium, Incorporation includes opportunities to experience excitement, interest, and motivation to learn about phenomena in the natural and physical world. Staff and students will participate in scientific activities and learning practices to equip students with the conceptual understanding and critical thinking skills necessary to comprehend and apply scientific concepts to real-world situations.
Details: The Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) sets forth the terms and understanding between the DeKalb County School District and Georgia Aquarium, Incorporated. The goals of the partnership are as follows:
To develop K-12 career exploration opportunities in marine biology and ocean science to increase minority representation in the field,
To accelerate learning and bridge gaps in knowledge and understanding through real world enrichment opportunities as it relates to science and other core content areas,
To support improving student outcomes as it pertains to standards-based local, state, and national summative assessments,
To increase teacher’s professional knowledge as it relates to marine, ocean, and environmental sciences to support integration and application of the core content areas,
To increase Georgia Aquarium’s program accessibility and outreach for parents and students in grades K-12,
To increase student’s knowledge of aquaculture to raise awareness in local and global environmental sustainability efforts,
To develop a more cohesive path for K-12 students to engage in meaningful instruction, using sustained multipoint contacts to create a continuous path into STEM/marine science careers, and
To instill an understanding of and passion for aquatic animals and their habitats by increasing awareness and abilities for diverse populations to pursue careers in aquatic fields.
Financial impact: The total contract amount will not exceed $487,900.
The general budget charge codes are as follows:
100.1000.530000.00011.6600.9990.6010.035.0000
100.1000.561000.00011.6600.9990.6010.035.0000
Contact: Ms. Stacy E. Stepney, Chief Academic Officer, Division of Curriculum & Instruction, 678.676.0731
Dr. Sean R. Tartt, Deputy Chief Academic Officer, Division of Curriculum & Instruction, 678.676.0731
Mrs. Janetta Greenwood, Director, Fernbank Science Center, Division of Curriculum & Instruction, 678.874.7119
Effective: July 1, 2024 - June 30, 2025
Status: Reviewed and Approved by Counsel for Legal Sufficiency
This is your Partnership Programming for July 2024- June 2025
Order Date: 7/01/2024 – 6/30/2025
Quote Name: Dekalb and GAI Partnership
Please retain this receipt for your reference.
Your Account Information:
Dekalb County Public Schools
1701 Mountain Industrial Boulevard
Stone Mountain, GA 30083
Quote Details:
Programing Name: Partnership Program
Description: This quote details the programs that Dekalb county school will pay through
this partnership.
Programming Cost:
Program Type Unit Total
Instructor Led Programming: 112 Schools $151,200
5th, 8th and 9th Grades
Georgia Aquarium Outreach 233 Programs, 1 hour $75,900
Programs
Live Virtual Outreach 138 Programs $34,500
Aquanaut Express (RV 138 Schools $186,300
Program)
Professional Development $40,000
Total of Programming $487,900
Signature:_____________________________
Print: Molly Johnson (she/her)
Manager, Education Programs
Georgia Aquarium, Inc.