Resolutions would overhaul Utah's education system

SALT LAKE CITY — Two resolutions that seek to amend the Utah Constitution to redefine the authority of the State Board of Education passed the Senate Education Committee on Wednesday.

The resolutions now move to the Senate floor and would have to pass in both houses by a two-thirds majority before they could be put on a ballot during the next general election, when voters would either approve or reject the changes.

Currently, control and supervision of public education is "vested in a State Board of Education," as defined by the Utah Constitution. State law places supervision of the state's colleges and universities under the state Board of Regents, who are appointed by the governor.

Sen. Chris Buttars, R-West Jordan, is sponsoring SJR001, which would specify that the State Board of Education controls and supervises the education system "as provided by statute." Those last four words aren't currently included in the constitution.

Buttars told the committee that he believes there isn't enough accountability at the State Board of Education, and his proposal is a response to that.

Several supporters of Buttars' legislation addressed the committee, including Oak Norton, an outspoken critic of Alpine School District. Some recounted examples of local districts not abiding by statute in the curriculum or values taught. Some had to be reminded to explain how Buttars' legislation would remedy those frustrations.

Among Buttars' complaints were "fuzzy math" being taught in schools, local boards of education being tied to special interest groups and insufficient oversight of local districts by the State Board of Education.

Buttars said the phrase he is seeking to add currently appears in the constitution 77 times. He said the amendment wouldn't mean the Legislature would micro-manage public education any more than it does other state departments.

But he said the change would mean "If things don't go properly, we could intervene."

The committee forwarded the bill to the full Senate on a 3-2 vote.

Following Buttars, Sen. Stuart Reid, R-Ogden, presented his SJR9, which would move the control and supervision of public and higher education to the governor. It advanced to the Senate, 4-1.