With Utah's robust economy and a projected budget surplus this year of more than $200 million, our elected officials have the opportunity to be true statespersons rather than politicians. In every major poll concerning education over the past 10 years, Utah's citizens have indicated their approval of increased spending to improve the quality of education. While it is true that crime and youth violence are also top priorities to be addressed, kindergarten through university educational programs are also at critical crossroads.
Class size does make a difference, especially in the early years. Pay for education professionals remains considerably below national and regional averages. While our students do well, we are clearly not doing as well as we might if additional funding were utilized. Surely we should be near the average for the 50 states. The present budget surplus will modestly help close this gap somewhat.Some legislators this session are talking about returning the surplus to the taxpayers. While this should always be a consideration with budget surpluses, needs at this time call for our elected officials to use these dollars for programs long underfunded. Gov. Leavitt recognizes such needs.
What good is an electronic highway or technologically delivered distance education if quality instructors do not exist in sufficient numbers to give the nurturing and encouragement that characterize true equal educational opportunity?
Jay A. Monson
Logan