Aurora could get new math and science school

SPRINGFIELD — Lawmakers on Wednesday sent Gov. Pat Quinn plans to allow Aurora school districts to create new elementary school focused on math and science that students from any of the city’s districts could attend.

The school would be hosted by Aurora University and get started as early as next school year.

There are still a lot of details to figure out, though. The school could likely be paid for through local school districts’ existing budgets, as well as donations.

The legislation approved Wednesday would allow for the school but doesn’t specify exactly how it would work.

“Now is the excitement to carve out a model,” said Sherry Eagle, executive director for university’s Institute for Collaboration.

Local students would likely apply to go to the school, and there would be limited availability.

The plan was sponsored by Rep. Linda Chapa LaVia, an Aurora Democrat who said she got help on the plan from House Republican Leader Tom Cross of Oswego.

Chapa LaVia said it’s important for students to focus on math and science because American students’ scores trail those of students from other countries.

The House approved the plan 113-0 Wednesday. Quinn gets the final say.