Media Center
Harm done
Salt Lake Tribune, 03/10/2010
A roadblock too far: Legislature and citizen initiatives
Salt Lake Tribune, 03/05/2010
Public education: Reject 1% Solution
Salt Lake Tribune, 03/05/2010
Legislative session may end with bad news for education
KSL.com, 03/04/2010
Utah won't get Race to the Top money for schools this round
Salt Lake Tribune, 03/04/2010
FAST FACT:
Public voting history shows that the public rejects both vouchers and tuition tax credits by wide margins. In 1988, Utahns rejected tuition tax credits by a margin of 70-30.
Welcome to Utahns for Public Schools
Achieving the goal of quality public education for every child in Utah will require every one of us to take action. Take the time to learn, vote and act on behalf of our children's future. Understand key issues and decisions that impact Utah's education system, and make quality education a priority. Together, we can give kids a better education.
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Public School Funding—Are We Doing Enough?
New reports show changes to Utah tax policies over the past decade have eroded public education funding by more than $1 billion per year.
The School Funding and Tax Policy Series Reports I-IV issued by Utahns for Public Schools (UTPS) highlights legislative policy changes that are responsible for Utah’s decline in Public Education funding effort. In addition, it is a warning that if these trends persist, they will continue to significantly limit funding to Public Education in the future. These research reports find that systemic, if not systematic, changes have occurred in the past decade that, if reversed, would bring more than a $1 billion in revenue back into Public Education.
School Funding and Tax Policy Report I
School Funding and Tax Policy Report II
School Funding and Tax Policy Report III
School Funding and Tax Policy Report IV
Education Funding At Risk - Policy Recommendations
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What we believe
UTPS believes public schools must be accountable to citizens, and citizens must also be accountable to public schools. Utahns can provide a model for their children of the merits of a well-educated citizenry by supporting public education, engaging with their local schools, and advocating for better and more equitable public education policies.
At a time when budgets are tight, a significant number of children live in poverty, and many communities suffer from a range of social challenges, the need is as great as ever for a strong public education system. Our coalition is focused on advocating for the kinds of meaningful change that will meet the growing needs of Utah students. Our website provides information and tools for citizens and policy makers who want to make a difference in their communities.
UTPS Mission
In order to advance the quality of public education through improved state and local policymaking, UTPS will prepare and disseminate accurate, timely information; support well-informed public engagement; and advocate for ethical and transparent governance.
What's going on in your school?
On this website, educators, parents and policymakers from all across the state are sharing what's already working in public schools—and sparking a conversation about how to make it work for children in every school. Join the conversation!
This site is your resource for information on education issues facing the state of Utah. We hope you will visit often and join our efforts to strengthen public schools and improve education for all Utah students.