Federal "Race to the Top" Proposals

The state of Utah, along with the other states, is applying for Federal Education Stimulus Money called "Race to the Top". Several Billion dollars is available to states that formulate a plan of reforms which could include differentiated pay (Performance Pay) and changes in the evaluation laws. Many of these reforms have been started by the Utah Legislature and we will surely see more. The possibility of millions of dollars, especially in these tough budget times, is enticing to the districts. It will be important the we monitor these reforms and be a part of the process.

Rick

OEA Winners

Congratulations to Cheryl Zuniga (Horace Mann) and Mary Courney (OHS) for winning $25 gift cards to Chili's. Thanks for reading the blog.

We will draw for WEA's winners Monday.

Hope you have a great New Year.

Rick

Weber State University visits

Today I will present to five groups of WSU education students and student teachers. I will be talking to both elementary and secondary level one students in their opening orientation and also both elementary and secondary student teachers. I am showing the new (see it on www.utea.org) 100 year anniversary video of the UEA's long history of supporting public education in Utah.

Good luck on your resolutions.

Rick

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year

I hope everyone has a nice holiday break...you deserve it.

For help with Weber District insurance questions...call Denise House (Our GBS consultant) at 801-364-7233 and for UHC specific questions...call Heidi Schmit (account rep) at 801-982-4525.

For help with Ogden District insurance questions...call Amy Thissen (Ogden HR office) at 801-737-7325

Rick

Governor Herbert and Conservative Legislators Speak the Same Language

Bob Bernick, Deseret News (Dec. 18), said that the governor and the legislative leadership will have a "love fest" this year in the session. Gov. Herbert has more in common with the conservative leadership than either Huntsman, Leavitt or Walker. We will have to wait and watch what happens. Will this be a good thing (working together and such) or a bad thing (working together and such)? Remember that Gov. Herbert has remained solidly against any tax increases. All ideas should remain on the table until we have a budget that funds education. Shall we expect large increases this year? Probably not, but at least pay for the new 11,000 to 12,000 new students arriving in August, 2010.

Rick

Courtney White Leaves UEA Staff

Courtney White, Utah Education Association Director of Policy and Research, is leaving Utah to become the lobbyist and Government Relations person for University of Oregon in Eugene. We wish him luck in his new position and thank him for his many hours of service to our UEA members and public ed in Utah.

Rick

Proud Grandfather Bores others with Pictures

HI, Here are a few pictures of my new grand baby, Gracie Lane Palmer, (with her older sister Drew Ann) who reside in Goodyear, AZ.

My blog...my choice of subjects...so there.. Rick