Some question whether new students will really be funded

Lisa Schencker writes in today's Salt Lake Tribune (www.sltrib.com) "Shifting of funds assailed as 'smoke and mirrors'. The preliminary budget proposes $76 million for enrollment growth, but it takes that amount from another pot of money, called the 'flexible allocation WPU distribution' that school districts already get to help them cover Social Security and retirement costs. Without that money, districts must make other budget cuts to cover those costs."

Rep. Marie Poulson, D-Cottonwood Hts, expressed concerns when the bill hit the House floor. "I'm concerned that what we're doing here is just a shifting of funds, kind of like using your Mastercard to pay off your Visa bill.

Today's smoke and mirrors Blog Contest question: What does WPU stand for?
Email me at rick@ogdenweber.org

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UEA President's Blog

Go to www.myuea.org and read UEA President Sharon Gallagher-Fishbaugh's blog on "Union Obstructionists". It will give you an idea of the attack public ed is receiving from around the country.

Frigid cold Blog Contest Question: What is the "Educator on the Hill" program? (Hint: go to the "Under the Dome" spot on the UEA website)
Email me at rick@ogdenweber.org

Legislature Eyes Cuts to Public Education Budget

Go to www.myuea.org and read the Jan. 31 summary from Kory Holdaway and Jay Blain (UEA Lobby Team) at "Under the Dome" under Politics/Legislation. The appropriations committee went beyond the 7% across the board cuts and put in jeopardy programs such as adult ed, K-3 reading program and busing. We hope that revenue projections in later this month come in higher and they will restore the cuts. The cuts would lower the WPU (Weighted Pupil Unit) by 295 dollars.

Depressing news Blog Contest question: Who is the chair of the Senate Public Education Appropriations Committee (clue: His name rhymes with "nutters")

Email me at rick@ogdenweber.org

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UEA President Editorial on Teacher Evaluations

If you did not get a chance to read President Sharon Gallagher-Fishbaugh's editorial in the paper Jan. 29th...you can go to www.myuea.org and read it under "News".

Today's "Back in the Hood" Blog Contest questions is: Who is UEA's new Vice-President (hint: he is from Tintic District)

Email me at rick@ogdenweber.org

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Member Advocacy

Advocating for our members is large part of my job...I assist members in dealing with upset parents, colleagues and administrators. We use our building reps to be our ears and eyes at the schools to let us know when our members need our help. In many cases our building reps are able to answer questions or represent members at the building level. Our local presidents and executive board members also advocate for our members and investigate issues. As a member of the OEA and WEA you also have the opportunity to advocate for the profession by contacting your legislators and telling them your stories. As we enter the legislative session, we will be asking you to be involved.

I am traveling home early this morning and I have several meetings with members this afternoon. I look forward to getting back and helping our members solve their issues.

The new jet lag Blog Contest Question: Who is the leading scorer in NCAA College Basketball: Hint: He wears white and blue> Email me at rick@ogdenweber.org

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Governor proposes funding for student growth

Governor Herbert reiterated his support for funding growth in public education. He has proposed 50 million dollars to fund the 14,000 new students coming into our schools this fall. Republican legislators have failed to support his budget and have come out with a 7% cut instead. It will be a long session (45 days that seems like years) and we will be asking you all to contact your legislators. Sen. Stuart Reid has proposed changing the Utah Constitution to allow the Governor to take control of the k-20 education program. His opinion is that the system is burdened with too many groups governing what happens in public and higher ed. It will be interesting to see if it gets any support.

Go to www.myuea.org and click on "Under the Dome" to get updates and contact your legislator.

Today's blog question from cold Nashville is: Who did Senator Stuart Reid replace in the State Senate (hint: He is Ogden's Chief of Police). Email me at rick@ogdenweber.org

Snow in Nashville

My training at the NEA UniServ Skills Session yesterday centered on "Member Advocacy". That is a huge part of my job. I am asked to represent teacher members with parents, principals, district office etc. I represent our members in disciplinary situations, insurance and leave questions and contract grievances. Our building reps are our first line of help and we want you to use them, but sometimes when the meetings are disciplinary or dealing with possible job actions I need to be there. My training here will help me do a better job at representing our members, investigating concerns and insuring that your rights are protected.

Your blog contest question: Who is the new Speaker of the House in the Utah legislature?
Email rick@ogdenweber.org

Thanks Rick