I Guess That Explains It

I would say that most of the teachers I know are frustrated with the Utah legislature and have been for quite some time. Each legislative session that rolls by just reiterates how our local representatives feel about what we do. Although no one would out right say they do not support education, the lack of funding, support, and value speaks volumes. Finally some light was shed on what is propelling, well partially, this trend of increasing class sizes but decreasing funding. In yesterday's Salt Lake Tribune, our Lt. Governor Greg Bell offered up an interesting insight into the inner workings of his fellow lawmakers. In Paul Rolly's article, Rolly: A legislative vendetta against public schools?, Bell explained why so much spending goes to road construction/maintenance rather than schools.

"Bell told the group that ever since voters in 2007 repealed by referendum the legislatively passed voucher bill to use public money to aid in private school tuition costs, a group of lawmakers in his Republican Party has been “hardened against public education.” He said those lawmakers believe in a philosophy of “starving the beast [public education].”"

I guess that's it. Some lawmakers are still upset from a decision that was made four years ago. In turn, they want to see our educational system crumble. sigh.