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
DATE RECEIVED: ______________
MATTER ASSIGNED TO: _________
Request for Legal Assistance
DCSD Office of Legal Affairs
ATTORNEY – CLIENT COMMUNICATION
PLEASE SUBMIT COMPLETED REQUEST FORM TO
DCSD OFFICE OF LEGAL AFFAIRS.
*** This request is a confidential communication and should be treated as such ***
DESCRIPTION OF REQUEST
Title of Item/Topic:
Memorandum of Understanding with Georgia Aquarium, Incorporated (in an amount not to exceed $418,000)
________________________________________________________________
(e.g., contract review, policy matter, etc.)
6/11/25
Date of request: ___________ 6/15/25 (Allow 3 to 5 business days)
Due Date: ___________
Staff and students will participate in scientific activities and learning practices to equip students with
Background information/Detail: __________________________________________________________
the conceptual understanding and critical thinking skills necessary to comprehend and apply scientific concepts to real-world situations.
_____________________________________________________________________________________
PROCUREMENT DETAILS (if applicable)
Include details confirming that all applicable DCSD procurement policies and requirements have been
The partnership with GAI is aligned with Strategic Goal Area 1: Student Academic Success with Equity and Access.
adhered to: ____________________________________________________________________________
Pursuant to Board policy DJE (III.D.3.g.1&6), the agreement provides instructional programming and professional development.
______________________________________________________________________________________
SUPPORTING DOCUMENTATION
Please attach/include any additional supporting documentation that are relevant to your request.
MOU, COI, Year 1 Data Summary, & Quote for Services
Description of supporting documentation, if any ____________________________________________
REQUIRED AUTHORIZATION
Mrs. Janetta Greenwood, Director, Fernbank Science Center
Requested by: _____________________________________________________________________
janetta_greenwood@dekalbschoolsga.org
Email: __________________________ 678-874-7119
Telephone: ____________________________________
Fernbank Science Center/Division of Curriculum and Instruction
Department: _______________________________________________________________________
Ms. Stacy Stepney, Chief Academic Officer
Cabinet Member authorizing the request: _______________________________________________
LEGAL APPROVAL
Approved as to form by the DCSD Office of Legal Affairs? ☐ Yes ☐ No
-OR- (check one only)
Approved as to form by Outside Legal Counsel? ☐ Yes ☐ No
*Referrals to Outside Legal Counsel must be coordinated and approved by the DCSD Legal Dept.
Approving Attorney (and law firm if Outside Counsel ____________________________________
Comments: __________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________________