Fitzwater's bill focuses on STEM careers

Another bill would help combine Holts Summit, Lake Mykee

An increase in middle school students exploring careers in science, technology, engineering and math is state Rep. Travis Fitzwater's goal through a proposed piece of legislation that would add STEM to curriculum across the state.

Fitzwater's legislation, if passed, would create a pilot program for 20 middle schools in Missouri. Without changing districts' current curriculum, the program would provide those students the opportunity to explore careers in the STEM field through fun but educational learning, he said.

"STEM jobs are the jobs of tomorrow, and we want to make sure to educate kids so they are aware of what they can do," the Holts Summit Republican said. "These kids need to know the opportunities in their communities that aren't being filled."

The idea stemmed after seeing similar programs across the country. In Tennessee, schools are using the Learning Blade program, which uses a game-based format that students conquer by completing missions and solving problems that coincide with careers in the STEM field, according to the program's website.

The Missouri Math and Science Coalition has already created an infrastructure suitable for the proposed program and, in addition to state funding for the program, would solicit bids from local investors, Fitzwater said. The estimated cost for the pilot program is approximately $50,000, but if the program is successful, Fitzwater wants to see it expand regionally.

Ideally, schools would tailor the program to encourage students to participate in learning about the STEM field, Fitzwater said, and although it wouldn't be a mandatory part of the curriculum, it would be an additional resource for teachers and students.

"We want students coming out of school knowing there are opportunities here in Missouri. It's crucial they understand what is available in our economy," Fitzwater said.

The Fulton School District 58 schools have already began implementing STEM-focused learning. The high school has had its fabrication lab since 2013, where students can do screen printing and create 3-D printed models. The grant that created the lab also gave an opportunity for the middle school to start a robotics team.

Fitzwater recently visited the fabrication lab and said the students seemed to never want to leave.

"This is exciting, and we should give them the chance for jobs that thrill them," Fitzwater said. "We need to stoke the flame of interest in these kids. I was excited to be a part of seeing them with new technology."

Beth Houf, Fulton Middle School principal, wants to see STEM become a bigger part of student learning.

"I'm a supporter of giving the students the opportunity of exposure in STEM fields," she said. "The world has changed so much in the last 10 years, and since STEM is the fastest growing field, it is important we make sure that we have opportunities to give our students access to the careers of tomorrow."

_

Fitzwater is also working to pass legislation that would allow Holts Summit to absorb its neighboring community, Lake Mykee.

One of the projects Holts Summit City Administrator Brian Crane has been working on for several years is the city's sewer system, which included negotiating a sewer agreement with Lake Mykee to include residents of the township on the city's main sewer system.

While Holts Summit is collecting easements from Lake Mykee residents already, the legislation would make it more official, Fitzwater said, as it would enable the two communities to work on consolidating.

The absorption would ultimately save Lake Mykee money from the expenses that come with creating its own system to meet the Department of Natural Resources' requirements. By hooking up to Holts Summit, the cost would be spread out, alleviating the cost to fixed-income owners, Fitzwater said. It would also allow Holts Summit to gain additional funding for its current system.

"This is a byproduct of growth of the community, which is both good for Holts Summit and Lake Mykee," Fitzwater said. "It makes Holts Summit stronger by adding communities that want to be added."