Good news...bad news...

Would you like the good news or bad news first??? Let's start with good news...there is less to talk about. You can go to www.deseretnews.com for a summary.

Good news (with scepticism)

• The legislative session is over...no more damage to teachers (maybe)
• The budget funded growth in education. (that is if costs of everything don't continue to rise)
• The budget funded 2.2% more in education. (why don't I believe it)
• Sen. Chris Buttars retired...(yes, I did see the zombie movie where they come back to life)

Bad news (do I have room on this blog for everything?...no)

• Seniority taken away as a way to reduce staff...older doesn't mean better eh?
• Teacher Association leaders denied time for association business...anyone want to volunteer to spend countless hours representing teachers?
• Guns near schools...makes us all safer...huh?
• Private online schools receiving public money...does not compute!!!
• Legislative transparency diminished...Gayle Ruzinka texting me sweet nothings.
• Grading schools based on test scores...oh yeah only 80% are A and B schools.
• More charters, more charters, more charters...yeah
• Teaching that we are a "compound republic"...huh?

Today's WEA Blog Question: Who did BYU beat yesterday? (Hint: Horned Frogs)

Email me at rick@ogdenweber.org

Thanks Rick

WEA Blog Contest Question

WEA Blog Contest Question: What ends today??? Thank heavens...

Email me at rick@ogdenweber.org

Thanks Rick

Education funding projections positive

I am always reluctant to celebrate too early when discussing appropriations. Until the dust settles Thursday evening we won't know for sure, but it looks brighter than previous years. There are some things that bother me still...putting money in the WPU is good, but taking it from line items that help pay for lanes and steps is not good. Especially after the two years Ogden has fought for steps and Weber's fight for steps this year. Why give the districts any reason to cry poverty when it comes to the salary schedule. Yes, they are saying growth will be funded for the first time in three years. Again, cautious optimism may be the best we can hope for this year.

WEA Blog contest ends Monday, March 14...today's "snow melt question" is: What is my favorite pastime...besides helping teachers in need.. email me at rick@ogdenweber.org

Thanks Rick

Congrats to OEA Blog Contest Winners

Congrats to Lisa Vipperman, Rosemary Salazar, and Christine Heslop for winning Chili's gift cards. WEA's contest will continue until we draw for winners March 14th at WEA AR meeting.

Countdown to the end of the legislature on Thursday, March 10 at midnight.
Keep informed at www.myuea.org and click on Under the Dome for the best summary of what is happening.

WEA Blog Contest Question: (sorry Christine, you have won enough) What great basketball coach (Jazz) was honored at the legislature yesterday?

Email me at rick@ogdenweber.org

Thanks Rick

HB 313 Charter School Funding

This (very bad) bill modifies funding provided to a charter school to replace local discretionary property taxes that are not available to charter schools.

UEA opposes it because:

• This bill would take money from the current revenue stream of property tax and redistribute it to charter schools.
• USOE data show that charter schools enroll fewer limited English proficient students, economically disadvantaged students, special education students, and minority students. Yet, charter schools still do not ouperform traditional public schools.
• This bill would result in a disparity of funding to those districts with charter schools.
• Local elected school boards set property tax levy rates (they must hold "truth in taxation" meetings). This bill would give property tax money to charter schools with no accountability to taxpayers through elected officials.

Please contact your legislators this final week of the session.

Today's "pray for good weather" Blog Contest question (today is the last day for OEA entries) is: Why doesn't the Standard Examiner like us?

Email me at rick@ogdenweber.org

Thanks Rick

Educators on the Hill

Four Weber educators and one Ogden teacher attended the "Educator on the Hill" today at the legislature. Barb Wayment (UEA Board member), Nikki Longmore (Washington Terrace), Belen Pulsipher (Washington Terrace), and Lee Claycomb (WEA Board Member) attended the hill today along with Elizabeth Carlin (Dee Elementary). They received information regarding pressing issues and were able to visit with their legislators. They also were able to listen and question our 2nd District Congressman, Jim Matheson.

Today's "Go Silverwolves" Blog Contest Question: Who defeated Fremont High at the State 5-A basketball tourney today?

Email me at rick@ogdenweber.org

Last week of Blog Contest

Today's issue is SB 59: School Grading System
This bill would assign a letter grade (A,B,C,D,F) to public schools based on a formula combining achievement, growth and graduation rates. It would also require that no more than 80 percent of schools would qualify for a grade of A or B.

UEA opposes this bill because: (let me count the ways)

• We believe the concept of one single grade for a school oversimplifies the complex nature of schools and contributes to a lack of transparency for parents.
• The legislation creates a new, redundant reporting system. U-PASS reports are already in place, providing multiple indicators of school achievement and progress.
• SB 59 requires that no more than 80 percent of schools would qualify for a grade of an A or B. This ensures some schools will always fall behind. The UEA supports standards where each school can achieve excellence.

Today's "Grade the Legislator" Blog Contest questions is: Give the legislator a grade for this session.

Email me at rick@ogdenweber.org

Thanks Rick