State school board backs off from math bill

Still smarting from budget cuts recommended by lawmakers, a few members of the State Board of Education considered dropping support for a pricey math bill sponsored by Sen. Howard Stephenson, R-Draper.

"Now is not the time to go off and start new programs," said board member Greg Haws of Hooper.

"It's not really a retaliation of what they did," Haws added, referring to the Legislature's proposed budget cuts to public education.

Other members pointed out that the board had told Stephenson they would support his $1.75 million bill if he pared it down. And he has done so: His bill now has a price tag of $500,000.

The fact the board would make an agreement one week and change its mind the next is "troubling," said board member Denis Morrill of Taylorsville. The board, Morrill said, should keep its word.

After loud arguments, the board voted 8-1 to state it liked the idea of a Singapore math program but "encouraged" the Legislature to postpone implementing Stephenson's SB159. Board member Carol Murphy, of Midway, cast the dissenting vote.

On Friday night, Stephenson told the Deseret News he aims to sit down and have a talk with the board.

The lawmaker said he understands the board being upset. But cutting public education's budget wasn't pleasant for the Legislature either.

"We were very near tears as we did this," Stephenson said. "But it's what a responsible Legislature has to do."

SB159 includes Singapore math — a method that teaches students core concepts by repetition, then moves on to solving problems by applying that knowledge. It is extremely visual and involves word problems. Schools could apply for a grant to pilot Singapore math. The reduced bill would now fund five schools at $150 per student.

"This seemed reasonable," said Larry Shumway, deputy superintendent for the State Office of Education.

The heated discussions took place during a board meeting Friday afternoon. The agenda was to discuss the board's stance on various bills and to review Thursday's budget cuts that are recommended by lawmakers.

Murphy said she couldn't support Stephenson's bill any more after seeing Thursday's budget cuts.

"We should ask the Legislature to be more prudent in developing new programs," agreed board member Laurel Brown of Murray.

Board chairwoman Debra Roberts of Beaver encouraged the board to wait before withdrawing support of bills.