105 ILCS 305/ Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy Law.

(105 ILCS 305/0.01) (from Ch. 122, par. 1503)

Sec. 0.01. This Article may be cited as the Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy Law.

(Source: P.A. 86-1324.)

(105 ILCS 305/1) (from Ch. 122, par. 1503-1)

Sec. 1. Policy and Purposes. It shall be the policy of the State of Illinois to provide excellence in mathematics and science education in order to nourish an informed citizenry, assure technological skills for the work force, and assist in the preparation of professionals to serve the interests of Illinois in such fields as engineering, research, teaching and computer technology. It shall further be the policy to enlist the support of the educational, industrial, and scientific communities in a cooperative effort to provide excellence in science and mathematics education. As a symbol of this cooperative endeavor, there shall be established the Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy to serve the people of Illinois as a preparatory institution and the school system of the State as a catalyst and laboratory for the advancement of teaching.

The primary role of the Academy shall be to offer a uniquely challenging education for students talented in the areas of mathematics and science. Both high school and college levels of instruction will be provided in order to assure appropriate linkage with higher education. Other programs deemed necessary to assure the elements of a strong general education required of creative scientists will be provided.

The Academy shall also carry a responsibility to stimulate further excellence for all Illinois schools in mathematics and science. That responsibility may be exercised through any or all of the following means:

1. Stimulating curriculum development and revisions through the collaborative efforts of the interacting institutions involved in the Academy including: universities, secondary schools, the industrial sector and national laboratories.

2. Providing preservice training sites for persons in preparation for the teaching of science and mathematics.

3. Hosting summer institute opportunities for Illinois teachers modeled after the successful National Science Foundation program prevalent in the 1960s.

4. Providing opportunities for exchanging teaching or faculty seats at the Academy for science and math educators in the elementary and secondary schools in this State.

5. Creating the opportunity and potential to link vocational programs, education for technology and employment programs to the work of the Academy.

6. Offering speakers and programs for teacher institutes and in-service training around the State.

7. Producing videotapes of lectures and experiments for use in the schools of this State.

8. Providing assistance in identifying necessary competencies to be incorporated in public school district graduation requirements.

(Source: P.A. 84-126.)

(105 ILCS 305/2) (from Ch. 122, par. 1503-2)

Sec. 2. Establishment, funding and location. There is hereby created the Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy, which shall be a residential institution located in the Fox River Valley in close proximity to the national science laboratories based in Illinois. The Academy may develop additional campuses throughout the State, however, any additional campus does not need to serve as a residential institution. The Academy shall be a State agency, funded by State appropriations, private contributions and endowments. Minimal fees for residential students who are Illinois residents may be charged. Tuition, fees, and room and board costs shall be charged for students who are not Illinois residents, the totality of which must be sufficient to ensure that no State appropriations are used to fund the costs of those students attending the Academy. The Academy may admit students (i) who are Illinois residents or who are not Illinois residents and (ii) who have completed the academic equivalent of the 8th grade. No more than 25% of the Academy's student body may be composed of students who are not Illinois residents. The Academy may offer a program of secondary and postsecondary course work. Admission shall be determined by competitive examination.

In order to be eligible for State appropriations, the Academy shall submit to the Board of Higher Education not later than the 1st day of October of each year its budget proposal for the operation and capital needs of the Academy for its next fiscal year and information demonstrating that students who are not Illinois residents have paid and will pay tuition, fees, and room and board costs sufficient to ensure that no State appropriations were used or will be used to fund the costs of those students attending the Academy.

(Source: P.A. 100-937, eff. 1-1-19.)

(105 ILCS 305/3) (from Ch. 122, par. 1503-3)

Sec. 3. Board of Trustees. The Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy shall be governed by a Board of Trustees which shall consist of the following members:

1. Ex officio nonvoting members who shall be: the State Superintendent of Education; the Executive Director of the Illinois Community College Board; the Executive Director of the Board of Higher Education; and the superintendent of schools of the school district where each campus of the Academy is located.

2. Three Representatives of Secondary Education, one of whom must be a math or science teacher, appointed by the State Superintendent of Education.

3. Two Representatives of Higher Education, one of whom must be a Dean of Education, appointed by the Executive Director of the Board of Higher Education.

4. Three representatives of the scientific community in Illinois appointed by the Governor.

5. Three representatives of the Illinois private industrial sector appointed by the Governor.

6. Two members representative of the general public at large appointed by the Governor.

With the exception of the initial appointments, the members terms of office shall be for 6 years. At the first meeting members shall draw lots for appointments of 2, 4 or 6 year initial terms. Vacancies shall be filled for the unexpired portion of the terms by appointment of the officer who appointed the person causing such vacancy. The initial terms shall commence upon appointment and upon expiration of a term, the member shall continue serving until a successor is appointed. The Board shall select a chair from among its members who shall serve a 2 year term as chair. Members shall receive no salary but shall be reimbursed for all ordinary and necessary expenses incurred in performing their duties as members of the Board.

(Source: P.A. 95-793, eff. 1-1-09.)

(105 ILCS 305/4) (from Ch. 122, par. 1503-4)

Sec. 4. Powers of the Board. The board is hereby authorized to:

(a) Accept donations, bequests, or other forms of financial assistance for educational purposes from any public or private person or agency and comply with rules and regulations governing grants from the federal government or from any other person or agency, which are not in contravention of the Illinois Constitution or the laws of the State of Illinois.

(b) Purchase equipment and make improvements to facilities necessary for the use of the school, in accordance with applicable law.

(c) Adopt, amend, or repeal rules, regulations, and policies necessary or proper for the conduct of the business of the board.

(d) Award certificates and issue diplomas for successful completion of programs of study requirements.

(e) Select a Director who shall be the chief administrative officer of the Academy and who shall administer the rules, regulations, and policies adopted by the Board pursuant hereto. The Director shall also be the chief administrative officer of the Board and shall be responsible for all the administrative functions, duties, and needs of the Board.

(f) Determine faculty and staff positions necessary for the efficient operation of the school and select personnel for such positions.

(g) Prepare and adopt an annual budget necessary for the continued operation of the school.

(h) Enter into contracts and agreements which have been recommended by the Director, in accordance with applicable law, and to the extent that funds are specifically appropriated therefor, with other public agencies with respect to cooperative enterprises and undertaking related to or associated with an educational purpose or program affecting education in the school. This shall not preclude the Board from entering into other such contracts and agreements that it may deem necessary to carry out its duties and functions.

(i) Perform such other functions as are necessary to the supervision and control of those phases of education under its supervision and control.

The Board shall delegate to the Director such of its administrative powers and duties as it deems appropriate to aid the Director in the efficient administration of his responsibility for the implementation of the policies of the Board.

The Academy shall be empowered to lease or purchase real and personal property on commercially reasonable terms for the use of the Academy. After July 1, 1988, any leases or purchases of real or personal property and any disposition thereof by the Academy must be in compliance with the provisions of The Civil Administrative Code of Illinois and the State Property Control Act. Personal property acquired for the use of the Academy shall be inventoried and disposed of in accordance with the State Property Control Act.

In addition to the authorities granted herein and any powers, duties, and responsibilities vested by any other applicable laws, the Board shall:

(1) Adopt rules, regulations, and policies necessary for the efficient operation of the school.

(2) Establish criteria to be used in determining eligibility of applicants for enrollment. Such criteria shall ensure adequate geographic representation of this State and adequate sexual and ethnic representation.

(3) Determine subjects and extracurricular activities to be offered.

(4) Pay salaries and expenses, including but not necessarily restricted to facilities, equipment, and supplies of the faculty and staff of the Academy out of funds appropriated or otherwise made available for the operating and administrative expenses of the Board and the Academy.

(5) Exercise budgetary responsibility and allocate for expenditure by the Academy and programs under its jurisdiction, all monies appropriated or otherwise made available for purposes of the Board and of such Academy and programs.

(6) Prescribe and select for use in the school free school books and other materials of instruction for children enrolled in the school and programs under its jurisdiction for which the General Assembly provides funds. However, free school books and other materials of instruction need not be provided to students who are not Illinois residents, and a fee may be charged to such students for books and materials.

(7) Prepare and adopt or approve programs of study and rules, bylaws, and regulations for the conduct of students and for the government of the school and programs under its jurisdiction.

(8) Employ such personnel as may be needed, establish policies governing their employment and dismissal, and fix the amount of their compensation. In the employment, establishment of policies and fixing of compensation the board may make no discrimination on account of sex, race, creed, color or national origin.

The Academy, its board of trustees, and its employees shall be represented and indemnified in certain civil law suits in accordance with the State Employee Indemnification Act.

Neither the Academy, nor its officers, employees or board members shall participate in the creation of any corporation, joint venture, partnership, association, or other organizational entity which exercises, expands, or enhances the powers, duties, or responsibilities of the Academy unless specifically authorized by the General Assembly by law.

This Section does not restrict the Academy from creating any organization entity which is within or a part of the Academy.

(Source: P.A. 100-937, eff. 1-1-19; 101-81, eff. 7-12-19.)