Agenda Item
a. Memorandum of Understanding with Georgia Aquarium, Incorporated (Not to Exceed $418,080)
Summary: Presented by: Dr. Sean R. Tartt, Acting Chief Academic Officer, Division of Teaching and Learning
Request: It is requested that the DeKalb County 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 $418,080.
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:
1. 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,
2. 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,
3. To support improving student outcomes as it pertains to standards-based local, state, and national summative assessments,
4. 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,
5. To increase Georgia Aquarium’s program accessibility and outreach for parents and students in grades K-12,
6. To increase student’s knowledge of aquaculture to raise awareness in local and global environmental sustainability efforts,
7. 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
8. 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 $418,080.
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: Dr. Sean R. Tartt, Acting Chief Academic Officer, Division of Teaching and Learning, 678.676.0731
Mrs. Janetta Greenwood, Director, Fernbank Science Center, Division of Teaching and Learning, 678.874.7119
Effective: August 1, 2026 - June 30, 2027
Status: Approved by Office of Legal Affairs
CHRONOLOGY OF THE AGENDA ITEM
Board Agenda Item Title: Memorandum of Understanding with Georgia
Aquarium, Incorporated (in an amount not to exceed $418,080)
Background/Details
The DeKalb County School District began an official partnership with the
Georgia Aquarium, Inc. through the Memorandum of Understanding
approved by the Board of Education on Monday, June 10, 2024, for the
period of July 1, 2024-June 30, 2025. The partnership was renewed July
14, 2025, for the period of August 1, 2025 – June 30, 2026.
During the 2024–2025 academic year, the partnership served 36,331
students across 107 schools. By May 2025, 15,509 students participated
in instructor-led field trips at the Georgia Aquarium alongside teachers,
while outreach programs extended learning opportunities to 9,737
students. Virtual learning experiences engaged an additional 3,806
students, further increasing access to marine science education
districtwide. From January through May, the Aquanaut Express mobile
learning lab visited 37 schools and served 7,279 students. In June 2025,
126 students participated in the Marine Mavericks and S.T.A.R.S. Camps
hosted at Fernbank Science Center. Additionally, approximately 3,000
students engaged in the NOAA Ocean Guardians Program across six
selected school sites, supporting environmental literacy and stewardship
initiatives.
The 2025–2026 academic year reflects expansion in both reach and depth
of programming. As of May 15, 2026, the partnership served 47,404
students across 114 schools, representing an increase of more than 11,000
students and seven additional schools in one year. Instructor-led aquarium
field trips increased to 16,689 student participants, while outreach
programming expanded to 10,597 students at 48 schools through 181
instructional sessions. The Aquanaut Express nearly doubled its impact,
serving 15,018 students across 47 schools. In June 2026, 100 students
participated in the Marine Mavericks Camp in partnership with the Georgia
Aquarium, and the NOAA Ocean Guardians Program expanded to ten
selected school sites, engaging an estimated 5,000 students in
conservation-focused learning experiences.
Contract Term
The new MOU is effective August 1, 2026 – June 30, 2027.
Scope
The DeKalb County School District will collaborate with the Georgia
Aquarium, Incorporated throughout the 2026-2027 school year to
promote science education and increase awareness of career and post-
secondary opportunities in STEM fields. Students in grades K-12 will gain
access to opportunities that explore careers in marine science and
empower them with the knowledge to address socio-environmental issues
that impact their communities.
Program Type Unit Total
Instructor Led Programming 138 schools $276,000
Aquanaut Academy 20 Schools $10,080
(classroom)
GA Outreach Programs 75 (3 hour) programs $41,250
Aquanaut Express 93 programs $60,750
Professional Development $30,000
Project Total $418,080