Gov. Herbert Chooses Budget Efficiency Commission

Read in the Deseret News (http://www.deseretnews.com/) "New Panel to examine budget cuts", about Governor Herbert's choice for a budget efficiency commission. The commission will be headed by former Gov. Bangerter with help from Nolan Karras, Fraser Bullock and Charlie Johnson. The commission will have about 10 members and will study efficiency in state government.

Rick

UEA Convention

October 1 and 2 are the dates for the UEA Convention held at the South Towne Exposition Center at 9575 South State in Sandy.

Highlights include: NEA VP Lily Eskelsen, KSL Radio Personality Amanda Dickson, IDEA Fair, Author, Harry Wong and the Superstars Banquet.

We invite all new teachers to the New Teachers Workshop, Friday, Oct. 2.

Look for your booklet coming soon to your home.

Rick

Nominate a fellow teacher for "UEA Excellence in Teaching" award

Go to www.utea.org and look for the application for "Excellence in Teaching" award ($1500.00) to be awarded at the UEA convention banquet. It is a simple form and nominations must be in by Sept. 15.

Also look for the "UEA Honor Roll" award given to a person or business (non-educator) who has provided outstanding service to education in your community.

Finally, the "Charles E. Bennett UEA Human and Civil Rights Award" will be given to an educator or non-educator working in the area of human and civil rights.

Rick

Discover the NEA Academy

Log on to www.nea.org/academy to learn more about online courses to meet professional development and continuing education needs. There are currently 22 courses and visiting scholar offerings-and more are being added daily.

Remember "Dinosaur Park Party" Sept. 11 at 6pm. Look for a flyer in your boxes.

Rick

Membership Campaign Begins

With Ogden hiring over 80 new teachers and Weber hiring over 100, OEA and WEA are asking for your help in talking to these new colleagues about the association. In this tough economic times new teachers need the association more than ever. It is tough for some new teachers to see the dues as an investment rather than a bill that comes out of their pay each month. Stress the work we have done to negotiate salary and benefits that they are enjoying. Remind them of the work UEA does at the legislature to increase the supply money that they used to get their classes ready. Let them know that we do help provisional teachers and they have the same protections as all other members. We need to know of any difficulties before a non-renewal letter shows up in the spring. It is not only the legal and liability protection, it is paying your fair share for all we have done to maintain insurance benefits and leave policies. It is paying your fair share to have representation at all levels. We are only as strong as our membership. Help us by talking to the new teachers in your building and encouraging them to join. Thanks Rick

Ogden School Board Meeting

Ogden held their regular public school board meeting last night. Greg Lewis reported that test scores are up and it looks good for AYP. Linda Brown was honored for her "innovation" by the state administrators. The board reported on their goals and the Supt. reported a good start to the school year with an increase in numbers at the elementaries.

Rick

Utah's Budget Deficit-2009-2010

The Utah State Legislature is going to have to fill a $700 Million shortfall in this next budget year. Speaker of the House, David Clark, proposes using $200 million of the $419 Million "rainy day fund", $100 Million from one time surplus in the public and higher education funds, $100 million from "targeted" tax increases (tobacco and alcohol) and $300 Million in more cuts.

Rick