Packed house for JLC this afternoon. Superintendents and board members discussing bills and taking positions. First week of the legislative session and already tracking 50+ education bills. When will we reach 100 bills? This is not sustainable. #USSA
Superintendent Shelley and Board Member Whipple of Wayne SD presenting to the Education Appropriations Committee on the building of their new high school. Superintendent Willis is now presenting on upcoming buildings in Piute SD. #USSA
The JLC (USBA, USSA, UASBO) supports HB14: School Threat Penalty Amendments. Thank you, Representative Wilcox, for your commitment to school safety. #USSA #PublicSchoolProud
"Most of the important things in the world have been accomplished by people who have kept on trying when there seemed to be not help at all." (Dale Carnegie) #USSA
Attending a USBE meeting at the Capitol. Listing to an amazing presentation on full-day kindergarten.
The Joint Legislative Committee (USBA, USSA, UASBO) supports SB52: Educator Salary Amendments. Thank you, Senator Vickers, for your support of public education. #USSA #PublicSchoolProud
"In my experience, there is only one motivation, and that is desire. No reasons or principle contain it or stand against it." (Jane Smiley) #USSA
I had the opportunity to meet with Representative Gwynn, Representative Ivory, and Representative Shipp today. I appreciate the willingness of our elected officials to meet during the session.
House Business and Labor Committee are listening to public comment on HB257. This is the last item on the agenda.
HB257 passed out of committee.
Public comment has just started for HB261. The committee has agreed to hear from 30 people.
Representative Hall presenting on HB261: Equal Opportunity Initiative. Former legislator, James Evans, is speaking in support of HB261.
House Education Committee meeting just started. Representative Welton is presenting on HB167: Education Innovation Program Amendments. The changes to the bill present a plan on how to market the program. Bill passed out of committee with a favorable recommendation.
SITFO is providing an overview of their program and requesting funds for next year.
Brittney Cummins, Governor Cox's Education Advisor, is now sharing the Governor's education budget recommendations. The Governor is recommending $3M for a high school service pilot program. He is also asking for $12M for student teacher stipends. Big focus on rural districts.
Chair Moss & Deputy Superintendent Jones are presenting to Executive Appropriations on the mission and vision of USBE. They are also sharing their top 10 budget requests. They are asking for a 6.2% increase to the WPU. Also asking for additional funds for educator prep hours.
Public Ed Approps has started. Ben Leishman is providing an update on the process.
"A man can be as great as he wants to be. If you believe in yourself and have the courage, the determination, the dedication, the competitive drive and if you are willing to sacrifice the little things in life and pay the price for the things that are worthwhile, it can be done." (Vince Lombardi) #USSA
During the 2023 Utah Legislative Session, 268 education bill were introduced. Of the 268 bills introduced, 164 bills passed (61%). The 164 bills created 39 new USBE rules, 10 new programs, and 9 new LEA reports. This is not sustainable. #USSA
Utah Senate meeting this afternoon. Listening to bills this afternoon.
There is a great display at the Utah Capitol on film in Utah. Forrest Gump, Con Air, The Legend of the Lone Ranger, and Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade all filmed scenes in Utah. If you are at the Capitol, check it out.
