In the early 80's, as I worked on Governor Scott Matheson's security team, I often heard the Governor talk about public education. He implored the legislature to fund public education so that we could lower class size, attract and keep qualified teachers, buy books and supplies and increase per pupil spending.
Now in 2008, we are facing the very same problems that Governor Matheson faced.
As a Utah County Democrat, I believe that the education of our children is the greatest investment we can make towards the future. I am saddened by Utah's distinction of having the lowest per pupil spending and the highest pupil per teacher rating in the nation.
We need to adequately fund our public education system to allow smaller class sizes, higher teacher salaries, and better equipped facilities to insure the best education possible for our children.
I believe in local control for our public schools. I am opposed to the unfounded No Child Left Behind model. I am opposed to school vouchers or tax breaks for private schools. I believe that there should be a partnership between educators and parents and that by working together we can find some innovative solutions to combat the problems that have plagued public education for decades.
