Reader comments
Pro-voucher members join education board
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voucher supporter | 7:49 a.m. Nov. 6, 2008
Looks like anonymous above is just trying to get readers afraid again. This is
how liberals work.
VOUCHERS ARE DEAD and gone. NO ONE on the Hill would even touch a voucher bill, they'd be crucified by anon and the media.
I am a conservative voucher supporter and have resigned myself to the fact that vouchers are dead.
Why is it that the left can't let them go?
VOUCHERS ARE DEAD and gone. NO ONE on the Hill would even touch a voucher bill, they'd be crucified by anon and the media.
I am a conservative voucher supporter and have resigned myself to the fact that vouchers are dead.
Why is it that the left can't let them go?
More Choices | 7:49 a.m. Nov. 6, 2008
If you truly analyze the voucher idea with an open mind you'll see that it
benefits children. Parents will have more choices and the choices will create a
need for schools to become high quality.
I live in Taylorsville and am in the Plymouth elementary boundary. I do not send my kids there and most of the kids in the neighborhood go elsewhere for a variety of reasons. If there were some accountability to the school for being such a poor school (not an attractive option for parents) then their funding should be minimized and the funding should follow the kids.
This "free market" system is what made our country great and is what will be the change we need in our education system to prepare our kids to compete for jobs in a global market.
I live in Taylorsville and am in the Plymouth elementary boundary. I do not send my kids there and most of the kids in the neighborhood go elsewhere for a variety of reasons. If there were some accountability to the school for being such a poor school (not an attractive option for parents) then their funding should be minimized and the funding should follow the kids.
This "free market" system is what made our country great and is what will be the change we need in our education system to prepare our kids to compete for jobs in a global market.
Comments continue below
Oh, sure. | 7:51 a.m. Nov. 6, 2008
Utah has not "seen the light." Utah has been outfoxed and manipulated
into a position where backroom decisions can thwart the will of the majority.
Chuck | 7:55 a.m. Nov. 6, 2008
My incumbent board member, who supported vouchers in north Utah County, lost to
an a Midway person who opposes vouchers. What does that say? I don't
think the election says people are now supporting vouchers.
Anonymous | 8:05 a.m. Nov. 6, 2008
The only thing that happened was people didn't know who the candidates were
and voted blindly.
Vouchers were trounced last time.
I'd really like to see someone try to bring them back now.
It would mean a quick political death.
Vouchers were trounced last time.
I'd really like to see someone try to bring them back now.
It would mean a quick political death.
Not so | 8:23 a.m. Nov. 6, 2008
My children attended Plymouth Elementary, Eisenhower Junior High, and
Taylorsville High and all received scholarships to continue their education.
They received excellent instrution at all three schools. My neighbors are not
convinced that More Choices is anything but a complainer who didn't get her
own way and goes about bad-mouthing the school.
Bad process | 8:32 a.m. Nov. 6, 2008
The process of the candidates is absurd. How can the public elect someone when
the public HAS NO INFORMATION about the candidates. The guy who won in my area
and he had NO information that said much of anything available. Plus, no
experience to speak of. The public would have seen this, but was eliminated
from voting for the best candidate by the process.
My question is who recruited these individuals?
Vouchers had better be dead!
My question is who recruited these individuals?
Vouchers had better be dead!
conservative | 8:42 a.m. Nov. 6, 2008
I'm a conservative AGAINST publicly funded vouchers. All these
"rich" people who support vouchers should start donating their money
to parents so they can have their "choice."
There�s no law that prohibits you voucher supporters from
collecting money and distributing it as you see fit. Privately funded vouchers
are the way to go. No politics involved, no tax dollars going to another
government program!!
DIDO | 9:12 a.m. Nov. 6, 2008
RE: Not so | 8:23 a.m. Nov. 6, 2008
My thoughts exactly!! Thank You!!
More choices just has an axe to grind!! Maybe better parenting would make for a most excellent school experience for your kids!!!
My thoughts exactly!! Thank You!!
More choices just has an axe to grind!! Maybe better parenting would make for a most excellent school experience for your kids!!!
cdmom | 9:17 a.m. Nov. 6, 2008
I am still trying to figure out how vouchers would help a Charter School. Why
would a Charter School advocate think that vouchers would help their school or
have an impact on their school? The last voucher bill was written so that even
Charter Schools would have to pass on the funding to a Private School if any of
their students left, it was a paperwork nightmare for District and Charter
School and the State Office of Education. If we want a voucher law, let's
come up with a bill that puts the distribution and follow up on the heads of the
legislature and not on the Districts, Charter Schools, and State Office of
Education.
IMO, anyone who tries to bring back vouchers after Sens. Valentine and Bramble, and Reps. Dougall and Sumsion, among others have said that they are dead for the foreseeable future, will become the next sacrificial lamb of the Republican party.
My SSB member was Mark Cluff and I voted for Carol Murphy because after attending a Meet the Candidates Night, I learned more about her and felt she was the best qualified candidate to come out of this stupid system of how to pick candidates.
IMO, anyone who tries to bring back vouchers after Sens. Valentine and Bramble, and Reps. Dougall and Sumsion, among others have said that they are dead for the foreseeable future, will become the next sacrificial lamb of the Republican party.
My SSB member was Mark Cluff and I voted for Carol Murphy because after attending a Meet the Candidates Night, I learned more about her and felt she was the best qualified candidate to come out of this stupid system of how to pick candidates.
The point of | 9:20 a.m. Nov. 6, 2008
fixing education is not to only give %2 of children an exit out of our broken
education system, but to FIX %100 of the system for ALL kids.
Vouchers are for the rich Uppy East siders, NO TO VOUCHERS!
Looks like our leaders are putting placements for another round of Voucher fighting!
Vouchers are for the rich Uppy East siders, NO TO VOUCHERS!
Looks like our leaders are putting placements for another round of Voucher fighting!
Instereo | 9:25 a.m. Nov. 6, 2008
The way state school board memebers get elected has got to change. This election
was rigged with partisian politics in the choosing of who should run and people
that were against vouchers were eliminated. The whole process is another
"Shame on the Republican Party" for its manipulation of the system to
benefit its own ideoligical agenda.
Tech | 9:47 a.m. Nov. 6, 2008
Hunstman chose the list of candidates for us. The original slate of candidates
was much bigger and he whittled it down to a group who were more pro-voucher/pro
charter. With the legislature and now this group, vouchers are not going away
and traditional public schools are still going to be attacked by legislation
that takes money away and gives it to charters.
Public Ed | 9:48 a.m. Nov. 6, 2008
To More Choices:
Just how did the USA become a great nation of educated, motivated and patriotic citizens who know how to work, learn, live together, and join together to fight for their freedoms? Don't you think public education played and plays a vital role?
Just how did the USA become a great nation of educated, motivated and patriotic citizens who know how to work, learn, live together, and join together to fight for their freedoms? Don't you think public education played and plays a vital role?
Positioning | 9:49 a.m. Nov. 6, 2008
The devious state legislature has been stacking the state school board in favor
of its agenda. If I am not mistaken, the names offered to the public on the
ballot have to be approved by the state government (a recent law)--a similar
process currently exists in Russia for its presidential elections. I really
wonder if our state leaders even believe in democracy anymore.
kjh522 | 9:58 a.m. Nov. 6, 2008
to "More Choices" - The free enterprise system implies "choosing
your raw material". The public system does not discriminate with its
"raw material". It accepts and must accept "all comers".
You will find the same students who succeed in private schools will succeed in
public schools with the same kind of parent involvement and support. The public
schools have all kinds of accountability. Where is the accountability for lack
of parent support with education?
40% | 10:06 a.m. Nov. 6, 2008
40% of voters supported vouchers. If the school board were actually represented
of the voters, then 40% of the school board members should support it, too.
Ok | 12:01 p.m. Nov. 6, 2008
Ok all you Anti-Voucher people, please give all of us a better idea to help
allow all students have a choice in their education so they can receive the best
education based on the philosophy that best suits their needs. After you do
that then I will come out against Vouchers and support the better initiative.
Until then, shut up about who supported vouchers and move on.
Steven Jarvis | 12:07 p.m. Nov. 6, 2008
Vouchers are surely not dead. They will come back at some point in one form or
another. The state had been building up towards passing them for years. They
finally got vouchers through when enough votes had been bought. The school
board, PTA and the union got in the way and the people voted them down.
The legislature removed the right of the people to start initiatives. The courts fortunately struck them down.
The Governor 'fixed' the school board race.
The people who voted for vouchers were mostly re-elected.
Vouchers had been approaching Utah for a long time before they passed, and they most assuredly can wait a little longer till they have a initiative proof majority.
The legislature removed the right of the people to start initiatives. The courts fortunately struck them down.
The Governor 'fixed' the school board race.
The people who voted for vouchers were mostly re-elected.
Vouchers had been approaching Utah for a long time before they passed, and they most assuredly can wait a little longer till they have a initiative proof majority.
cdmom | 12:15 p.m. Nov. 6, 2008
To Positioning
The law change to have a group decide from all who applied to run for State School Board actually dates back to 1994(maybe 1993). At first it was a group that was business leaders, education leaders, and parents who lived within the district choosing the top three to five people and then submitted the list to the Governor who decided on the final two to be put on the ballot. The idea was that holding Primary Elections just for State School Board was too expensive and that this process would get a well-rounded diverse State Board of Education, not just those who were interested in education.
The law has been changed over the years to having just one group of people deciding the names to submit for the entire state. And the group has changed from an equal number of business leaders, education leaders and parent members to being heavy on the business with the education and parent members equal in number to the entire business member number.
I believe the voters are smart enough to make their own choices and we need to return to a Primary Election and keep the School Boards non-partisan.
The law change to have a group decide from all who applied to run for State School Board actually dates back to 1994(maybe 1993). At first it was a group that was business leaders, education leaders, and parents who lived within the district choosing the top three to five people and then submitted the list to the Governor who decided on the final two to be put on the ballot. The idea was that holding Primary Elections just for State School Board was too expensive and that this process would get a well-rounded diverse State Board of Education, not just those who were interested in education.
The law has been changed over the years to having just one group of people deciding the names to submit for the entire state. And the group has changed from an equal number of business leaders, education leaders and parent members to being heavy on the business with the education and parent members equal in number to the entire business member number.
I believe the voters are smart enough to make their own choices and we need to return to a Primary Election and keep the School Boards non-partisan.
Beware | 12:20 p.m. Nov. 6, 2008
Yes, beware the conservatives in the Legislature. They are trying to stack
the deck. They want to be the super school board, and they don't want
anybody to challenge them on any education issue. Therefore, they control the
method of election.
Governor Huntsman has better ideas and better represents the moderate Utah view, but he has shown no spine to take on contentious legislators.
Governor, you have the pollitical capital. Use it! Let's have direct election of state board of education members.
Governor Huntsman has better ideas and better represents the moderate Utah view, but he has shown no spine to take on contentious legislators.
Governor, you have the pollitical capital. Use it! Let's have direct election of state board of education members.
Scholar | 12:45 p.m. Nov. 6, 2008
Interesting that voucher opponents are identified as a "leftist"
philosophy.
Most voucher opponents are actually quite conservative. If it had been a leftist idea, it would have failed miserably.
Some of the legislature, particularly some in leadership positions have moved so far to the right that they no longer represent even the consevatives in Utah.
You can be conservative and still support and appreciate the value of a strong public education system... In fact the voucher vote proved this to be true.
Extremists, on both sides... The voters in Utah have spoken. It is not a matter of not understanding. Respect our voice and leave vouchers alone.
Most voucher opponents are actually quite conservative. If it had been a leftist idea, it would have failed miserably.
Some of the legislature, particularly some in leadership positions have moved so far to the right that they no longer represent even the consevatives in Utah.
You can be conservative and still support and appreciate the value of a strong public education system... In fact the voucher vote proved this to be true.
Extremists, on both sides... The voters in Utah have spoken. It is not a matter of not understanding. Respect our voice and leave vouchers alone.
south weber klan | 12:48 p.m. Nov. 6, 2008
This process was bias from the start. Dave Thomas was not the peoples choice. He
is an ex member of the state senate for a reason. People do not even know who
they are voting for. Dave has a cute name, the founder of Wendys, and that is
why he won. Wake up people of Utah and study the people who are on the ballots.
cdmom | 12:58 p.m. Nov. 6, 2008
One thing that needs to be fixed before vouchers come back to life is how the
funding follows the student, either from District to Charter, Charter to
Charter, District to District or Charter to District schools. In the voucher
bill, the Legislature was willing to dole out the money quarterly, why
can't that happen now within the Public System? Instead of a be all, end
all head count or seat count of students on Oct. 1st, why can't we count
Oct. 1, the first day of school in Jan., March 1 and May 1?
In this day of electronic transfers of funds, which all districts use for paychecks, why can't the State use it four times a year for per student funding? I know why, the Legislature is only interested in making so many "changes" the Public Schools(District and Charter) that paperwork takes over educating. I would like to see a "change" that makes the parent's more accountable. If your child does not turn in homework, it is the parent's fault not the teacher's fault.
In this day of electronic transfers of funds, which all districts use for paychecks, why can't the State use it four times a year for per student funding? I know why, the Legislature is only interested in making so many "changes" the Public Schools(District and Charter) that paperwork takes over educating. I would like to see a "change" that makes the parent's more accountable. If your child does not turn in homework, it is the parent's fault not the teacher's fault.
Colleen | 2:01 p.m. Nov. 6, 2008
Someone has to explain to me how taking money away from public education is
going to improve it. I have yet to hear that explanation. Vouchers are a ploy
by the rich to receive rebates for their children who already attend private
school. Poor kids can't afford to go to private schools even with voucher
money. The people of the State of Utah voted them down last year. These
special interest groups who run or want to open private schools (that are not
held to the same standards as public schools) are really pushing for this one.
I hope the people of Utah are not duped into this one again and if they are I
hope that they will not back down.
Fred | 2:53 p.m. Nov. 6, 2008
Don't kid yourself, the legislature is manipulating the system so that they
control who is on the school board, they are in the process of stacking the
school board with pro voucher candidates, vouchers are far from dead. There is
a lot of work going on behind the scenes. I would expect vouchers to return in
two years, three at the latest. The republican leaders of the legislature
don't take kindly to defeat (omnibus bill last session). They started work
on vouchers shortly after it was defeated last time, and they will not be
satisfied until it is the law in the state of Utah.
Steven Jarvis | 3:17 p.m. Nov. 6, 2008
I second CDMom's point. Our school system needs to be evenly funded the
whole year. It is wrong to shortchange a new school that picks up one-hundred
students after funding. It is time the legislature corrects this problem.
Anonymous | 5:36 p.m. Nov. 6, 2008
I admit I had no idea who I was voting for on the school board.
I could find NO info on them.
NOW it comes out after the fact.
I could find NO info on them.
NOW it comes out after the fact.
Bundy | 6:09 p.m. Nov. 6, 2008
Vouchers are still a good idea, but should not be implemented without the people
voting on it. We voted once and reject it, and even though my side lost, the
decision should still be respected.
If we feel that people have changed their minds, then we can have another vote, but for now it would make no difference. Perhaps over time, having pro-voucher people on the school board could do a lot to frame the discussion over vouchers in a different light. For now, we should move on.
If we feel that people have changed their minds, then we can have another vote, but for now it would make no difference. Perhaps over time, having pro-voucher people on the school board could do a lot to frame the discussion over vouchers in a different light. For now, we should move on.
for choice, but AGAINST vouchers | 8:12 a.m. Nov. 7, 2008
in response to "choices" - the money DOES follow the students,
including changes in districts or transfers to charter schools.
in response to "conservative" - I like that idea of PRIVATELY funded vouchers (i.e. scholarships)
I am a public school teacher who voted AGAINST vouchers. I think our schools are wonderful, especially considering the number of students we have in our classes.
However, I chose to put my youngest child in an excellent CHARTER school because she has learning disabilities, and the maximum class size was smaller than in the GREAT Westfield Elementary School in Alpine. (25 students, as opposed to 32-39 in the upper grades) I also like the math program at this charter school.
I don't expect any voucher assistance in charter schools. The parents are asked to donate our TIME, and some parents donate more than their share!
I hope those board members who are associated with charter schools will support the populace in OPPOSING VOUCHERS.
in response to "conservative" - I like that idea of PRIVATELY funded vouchers (i.e. scholarships)
I am a public school teacher who voted AGAINST vouchers. I think our schools are wonderful, especially considering the number of students we have in our classes.
However, I chose to put my youngest child in an excellent CHARTER school because she has learning disabilities, and the maximum class size was smaller than in the GREAT Westfield Elementary School in Alpine. (25 students, as opposed to 32-39 in the upper grades) I also like the math program at this charter school.
I don't expect any voucher assistance in charter schools. The parents are asked to donate our TIME, and some parents donate more than their share!
I hope those board members who are associated with charter schools will support the populace in OPPOSING VOUCHERS.
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If only the courts hadn't shot down the ban on voter led initiatives vouchers would be a slam dunk deal.