Quinn signs legislation for new school in Aurora

Gov. Pat Quinn Wednesday signed into law a plan that could lead to a new elementary school in Aurora focused on a math and science curriculum.

Under the new law, three school districts in Aurora and Oswego, plus Indian Prairie District 204, could create a school on the campus of Aurora University that could serve as many as 400 students.

Quinn visited Aurora to sign the legislation.

“We want our children to be prepared to compete for the jobs of today and tomorrow,” Quinn said in a statement. “This innovative school will increase learning opportunities in science, technology, engineering and mathematics and give students more opportunities to succeed.”

The proposal was sponsored by Democrat Sen. Linda Holmes of Aurora and House Republican Leader Tom Cross of Oswego.

The new school could be financed through the districts’ existing budgets or through donations.

The school would need about $15 million to get started, and officials will begin collecting donations soon.

“This has truly been a collaborative effort with one goal in mind — to provide a partnership school with area school districts at Aurora University placing an emphasis on science, technology, engineering and mathematics — something that we need to focus on in our state,” Cross said.