TO: Mayor Thomas J. Weisner
FROM: Brian W. Caputo, Chief Financial Officer/City Treasurer
DATE: August 5, 2013
SUBJECT: title
A Resolution Authorizing the Execution of an Agreement with Aurora University for a Grant to Support the John C. Dunham STEM Partnership School
body
PURPOSE:
To obtain the approval of the City Council of a proposed resolution that would authorize the Mayor to execute an agreement with Aurora University for a Grant to Support the John C. Dunham STEM Partnership School.
BACKGROUND:
Strength in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) helped the United States to become a global economic power. However, because of a decline in the number of students and teachers with a high proficiency in STEM fields, the country's position as global economic leader has been eroding. Today, the United States ranks 25th in mathematics and 17th in science proficiency among industrialized countries. Minorities and lower-income individuals are particularly underrepresented in STEM fields.
In an effort to reverse the trend of United States slippage in STEM fields, the federal government has placed special emphasis on expanding STEM education. The initiative includes reinvigorating STEM education at the K-12, undergraduate, and graduate levels. Additionally, supplemental after-school/out-of-classroom activities to enhance STEM proficiency are being pursued.
DISCUSSION:
For several months, community leaders have been discussing the prospect of establishing a STEM-related school in Aurora. These discussions have included elected state and local government officials, local school district administrators and educators, Aurora University administrators and educators, and representatives of the Dunham Fund. All concerned recognized the importance of establishing an Aurora-based STEM program. Aurora University has agreed to provide a home base for the John C. Dunham STEM Partnership School. The school will 1) ignite the interest of young learners in the East Aurora, West Aurora, Indian Prairie, and Oswego school districts in STEM subjects and 2) prepare teachers, develop faculty, and conduct research in STEM fields.
Aurora University is seeking a $220,000 grant from the City of Aurora to provide seed money to establish the STEM Partnership School. The agreement attached to the resolution would provide for the grant.
In February of 2013, the City of Aurora received $212,192.73 from the settlement of a lawsuit associated with the investment of proceeds from the city's 2003A Single-Family Mortgage Revenue Bonds. The settlement money will provide virtually all of the resources necessary for the grant to Aurora University for the STEM Partnership School.
Aurora University has no past-due balances on its accounts with the city.
IMPACT STATEMENT:
Not applicable
RECOMMENDATIONS:
That the City Council adopt the attached, proposed resolution that will authorize the Mayor to execute an agreement with Aurora University for a grant of $220,000 to support the John C. Dunham STEM Partnership School.
attachment
cc: Alderman O'Connor, Chairman
Alderman Schuler
Alderman Mervine
Alderman Peters, Alternate