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Senate advances computer science initiative funding and RFP process for schools
Summary
Senate discussion on Senate Bill 107 focused on creating a statewide computer science initiative (repository, teacher development, RFP for instructional software) and a $2 million fiscal request; sponsor framed it as an economic development priority to address a projected shortage of computing jobs.
Senate Bill 107, the Computer Science Initiative for Public Schools, was presented and discussed at length on the floor. Sponsor Senator Stevenson framed the bill as both an education and economic development priority, citing industry and STEM partners and asking for a fiscal appropriation (about $2,000,000) to stand up a repository of instructional resources, professional development and a competitively selected instructional software solution.
"We have a need for 1,400,000 computing jobs in The United States by 2020," Senator Stevenson said, stressing a workforce shortfall and the consequence for Utah students if the state does not expand computer science opportunities. He described an RFP process managed by the STEM Action Center and the State Board of Education that would pre‑approve providers, leaving districts able to choose among those approved options.
Senators raised questions about funding source, prioritization inside appropriations, and whether the state could reallocate existing education resources instead of a general fund appropriation; the sponsor said the request was framed as an economic development expenditure but welcomed appropriations committee guidance on funding source. Sponsor moved the bill for third reading after questions and clarification on procurement and scope.
Next steps: sponsor waived summation and moved SB 107 to third reading; appropriations details and RFP parameters remain to be finalized.
