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Tonya Papanikolas Reporting
Education officials across Utah say the state's priorities financially are drifting away from education. Many say it's time to raise an alarm and do something about it.
Utah education funding is becoming a hot topic.
The Census Bureau shows a new wave of Utah students are now entering schools, so you think we'd be spending a lot on this growing student population. But in fact, Utah is spending less and less on education as time goes on.
With so many kids in Utah, it's no surprise the state comes in last in per-pupil spending. But until recently, it hasn't been for lack of trying.
Steve Kroes, Executive Director, Utah Foundation: "It used to be that we put so much money into education that we were the fifth strongest in the country in terms of funding effort for public education."
But no longer. Utah is now below the national average for the amount of tax revenue going to public schools.
Patti Harrington, State Superintendent of Public Instruction: "There are so many one-time needs that we have in our schools right now that children aren't able to have."
Educators say kids need more computers, library books, science equipment and musical instruments. And then there're the teachers. Some are going to other states because of low wages in Utah.
Patti Harrington: "They've been leaving us for some years now on the southern end, going to Clark County, Nevada. And now they're leaving on the northern end, where they can get 30 percent more starting wages in Wyoming."
So what can be done about the problem? This week, education leaders from around the state gathered to discuss various ideas. Some liked the idea of putting aside extra funds in the budget for education.
Kim Campbell, Utah Education Association President: "With the surplus this year, we have a perfect opportunity to take advantage of that and invest in the public schools."
Some proposed school vouchers. Others said the education community needs to do a better job of advocating its needs to the Legislature. Still others wanted residents to vote on how their income taxes should be used. And many wanted to see the state freeze property rates.
Patti Harrington: "Currently the Legislature floats it up and down so a steady amount comes in, rather than allowing it to grow with property values."
As these leaders continue to debate the solution, they all agree on one thing-- the problem is real, and it's affecting students across the state.
This forum was meant to share different ideas and get a dialogue going. Several legislators attended the event. The hope is that those congressmen and women will consider education issues at the forefront of their agendas.
