9-22-104. STEM Action Center Board -- Duties.
(1) The STEM board shall: establish the STEM Action Center to: coordinate STEM activities in the state among the following stakeholders: the State Board of Education; school districts and charter schools; the Utah Board of Higher Education; institutions of higher education; private postsecondary educational institution; parents of home-schooled students; other state agencies; and business and industry representatives; align public education STEM activities with higher education STEM activities; and create and coordinate best practices among public education and higher education; with the advice and consent of the Senate, appoint a director to oversee the administration of the STEM Action Center; select a physical location for the STEM Action Center; strategically engage industry and business entities to cooperate with the STEM board: to support high quality professional development and provide other assistance for educators and students; and to provide private funding and support for the STEM Action Center; give direction to the STEM Action Center and the providers selected through a request for proposals process pursuant to this part; and work to meet the following expectations: that at least 50 educators are implementing best practice learning tools in classrooms; performance change in student achievement in each classroom participating in a STEM Action Center project; and 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: enter into contracts for the purposes of this part; apply for, receive, and disburse funds, contributions, or grants from any source for the purposes set forth in this part; employ, compensate, and prescribe the duties and powers of individuals necessary to execute the duties and powers of the STEM board; prescribe the duties and powers of the STEM Action Center providers; and in accordance with, make rules to administer this part. Title 63G, Chapter 3, Utah Administrative Rulemaking Act
(3) The STEM board may establish a foundation to assist in: the development and implementation of the programs authorized under this part to promote STEM education; and implementation of other STEM education objectives described in this part.
(4) A foundation established by the STEM board under Subsection: (3) may solicit and receive contributions from a private organization for STEM education objectives described in this part; shall comply with the requirements described in Section; 9-22-105 does not have power or authority to incur contractual obligations or liabilities that constitute a claim against public funds; 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; shall provide the STEM board with information detailing transactions and balances associated with the foundation; and may not: engage in lobbying activities; attempt to influence legislation; or participate in any campaign activity for or against: a political candidate; or an initiative, referendum, proposed constitutional amendment, bond, or any other ballot proposition submitted to the voters.