Gov. Mike Leavitt made visits to two northern Utah schools Wednesday to sign bills that are central to his education plans.
At Box Elder High School in Brigham City on Wednesday morning, the governor signed HB100, which will create up to 200 Centennial Schools across the state. The schools will receive $5,000 each, plus $20 per student, to pursue projects that promote site-based decision-making and outcome-oriented education programs. The program is the core of the school restructuring push Leavitt promised during the gubernatorial election.The school where Rep. Rob Bishop, R-Brigham City, teaches was a logical choice for the signing. Bishop was HB100's sponsor in the recent legislative session. He was present for the signing ceremony.
In the afternoon, Leavitt dropped south to Ogden, where he signed HB39 at Dee Elementary School. The bill generates $3.2 million to address the problems of children who are at risk of failing in school. The resources of education, health and welfare and judicial programs that serve families with problems are brought together by HB39.
Dee was one of the schools that piloted the approach for three years before passage of the bill this winter. Leavitt met with parents, educators and students who have benefited during the pilot period.
Between the two bill signings, Leavitt also stopped at Box Elder Junior High School to make one of his regular school visits.