Section 9-22-104 - STEM Action Center Board - Duties(1) The STEM board shall:(a) establish a STEM Action Center to: (i) coordinate STEM activities in the state among the following stakeholders: (A) the State Board of Education;(B) school districts and charter schools;(C) the Utah Board of Higher Education;(D) institutions of higher education;(E) parents of home-schooled students;(F) other state agencies; and(G) business and industry representatives;(ii) align public education STEM activities with higher education STEM activities; and(iii) create and coordinate best practices among public education and higher education;(b) with the advice and consent of the Senate, appoint a director to oversee the administration of the STEM Action Center;(c) select a physical location for the STEM Action Center;(d) strategically engage industry and business entities to cooperate with the STEM board: (i) to support high quality professional development and provide other assistance for educators and students; and(ii) to provide private funding and support for the STEM Action Center;(e) give direction to the STEM Action Center and the providers selected through a request for proposals process pursuant to this part; and(f) work to meet the following expectations:(i) that at least 50 educators are implementing best practice learning tools in classrooms;(ii) performance change in student achievement in each classroom participating in a STEM Action Center project; and(iii) that students from at least 50 schools in the state participate in the STEM competitions, fairs, and camps described in Subsection 9-22-106(2)(d).(2) The STEM board may: (a) enter into contracts for the purposes of this part;(b) apply for, receive, and disburse funds, contributions, or grants from any source for the purposes set forth in this part;(c) employ, compensate, and prescribe the duties and powers of individuals necessary to execute the duties and powers of the STEM board;(d) prescribe the duties and powers of the STEM Action Center providers; and(e) in accordance with Title 63G, Chapter 3, Utah Administrative Rulemaking Act, make rules to administer this part.(3) The STEM board may establish a foundation to assist in:(a) the development and implementation of the programs authorized under this part to promote STEM education; and(b) implementation of other STEM education objectives described in this part.(4) A foundation established by the STEM board under Subsection (3): (a) may solicit and receive contributions from a private organization for STEM education objectives described in this part;(b) shall comply with the requirements described in Section 9-22-105;(c) does not have power or authority to incur contractual obligations or liabilities that constitute a claim against public funds;(d) may not exercise executive or administrative authority over the programs or other activities described in this part, except to the extent specifically authorized by the STEM board;(e) shall provide the STEM board with information detailing transactions and balances associated with the foundation; and(f) may not: (i) engage in lobbying activities;(ii) attempt to influence legislation; or(iii) participate in any campaign activity for or against:(A) a political candidate; or(B) an initiative, referendum, proposed constitutional amendment, bond, or any other ballot proposition submitted to the voters.Amended by Chapter 365, 2020 General Session ,§ 4, eff. 7/1/2020.Amended by Chapter 352, 2020 General Session ,§ 9, eff. 5/12/2020.Renumbered from § 63N-12-204 and amended by Chapter 487, 2019 General Session ,§ 4, eff. 7/1/2019.Amended by Chapter 353, 2017 General Session ,§ 2, eff. 5/9/2017.Amended by Chapter 139, 2016 General Session ,§ 2, eff. 5/10/2016.Renumbered from § 63M-1-3203 and amended by Chapter 283, 2015 General Session ,§ 278, eff. 5/12/2015.Amended by Chapter 189, 2014 General Session ,§ 130, eff. 5/13/2014.Amended by Chapter 318, 2014 General Session ,§ 3, eff. 4/1/2014.Added by Chapter 336, 2013 General Session ,§ 4, eff. 4/1/2013.