Agenda Item
f. Memorandum of Understanding with Georgia Aquarium, Incorporated (Not to exceed $418,000)
Summary: Presented by: Ms. Stacy E. Stepney, Chief Academic Officer, Division of Curriculum and Instruction, 678.676.0731
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 $418,000.
Why: The partnership with the Georgia Aquarium, Incorporated 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 the fields of marine biology and ocean science to increase representation of students from DeKalb County School District,
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 students to pursue careers in aquatic fields.
Financial impact: The total contract amount will not exceed $418,000.
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 and Instruction, 678.676.0731
Dr. Sean R. Tartt, Deputy Chief Academic Officer, Division of Curriculum and Instruction, 678.676.0731
Mrs. Janetta Greenwood, Director, Fernbank Science Center, Division of Curriculum and Instruction, 678.874.7119
Effective: August 1, 2025 - June 30, 2026
Status: Approved by the Office of Legal Affairs
This is your Partnership Programming for August 2025- June 2026
Order Date: 8/01/2025-6/30/2026
Quote Name: DeKalb and GAI Partnership
Please retain this quote for your reference.
Account Information:
DeKalb County School District
1701 Mountain Industrial Boulevard
Stone Mountain, GA 30083
Quote Details:
Programming Name: Partnership Program
Description: This quote details the programs that DeKalb County School District will pay
through this partnership.
Programming Cost:
Program Type Unit Total
Instructor Led Programming 138 Schools $276,000
Georgia Aquarium Outreach 75 (3) hour Programs $41,250
Programs
Aquanaut Express (Trailer Program) 93 Programs $60,750
Professional Development $40,000
Total for Programming $418,000
Signature: __________________________
Print: Molly Johnson
Manager, Education Programs
Georgia Aquarium, Inc.