Education First Utah

03/14/2025

The federal proposal to eliminate the Department of Education poses a serious threat to vital programs that support the nation’s most vulnerable students. The U.S. Department of Education plays a crucial role in providing resources that directly aid low-income families, students with disabilities, and other at-risk groups.

While reforming the Department of Education may be worth exploring, it is crucial to protect programs and resources that support our nation’s most disadvantaged students.

Learn more in this week's newsletter:
https://educationfirstutah.org/march2024

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03/06/2025

Utah's 2025 Legislative session wraps up this week, bringing a mixed bag of changes to public education. We're breaking down the key shifts:

•Teacher salaries up $1,400 and student funding increased 4%
•Free school meals expanded (HB 100), but CPR training for 10th graders defunded
•Teachers lose collective bargaining rights (HB 267)
•Local property taxes no longer directly fund schools (SB 37), plus $40M more diverted to vouchers (HB 455)

Get the full story on these education updates in our latest newsletter: https://educationfirstutah.org/march2025

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02/28/2025

House Bill 455: Good Steps, but Is It Enough?

The 2025 Utah Legislative Session is winding down, and HB455 aims to tighten oversight of the Utah Fits All Scholarship Program—addressing issues like residency checks, capping costs for extracurricular activities, limiting tech purchases, and clarifying financial accountability. While these are positive steps to stop abuses (think ski passes and family "field trips"), the bill doesn't tackle the bigger question: Are these vouchers actually improving student learning?

With over $122 million allocated for 2025-2026, stronger academic accountability is a must. HB455 also leaves a loophole for students receiving vouchers who return to public school—potentially costing taxpayers thousands more.

Read more in this week's newsletter here: https://educationfirstutah.org/2025-february

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02/20/2025

According to the recently released U.S. News and World Report's education rankings, Utah ranks 6th in the nation for PreK-12 education. Yet, paradoxically, the state ranks 50th in education spending and 51st in funding.

Our policymakers should be focused on policies that reinforce and expand the success of our schools, teachers and students. Rather than reducing or diverting resources away from public education, Utah’s legislators should commit to policies that ensure our students and teachers have the necessary funding and support to sustain and build upon these impressive achievements.

Read the full newsletter: https://educationfirstutah.org/2025-february

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02/13/2025

As the legislative session continues, we want to sound the alarm on several significant proposals that pose serious threats to both public education and public health:

One concerning proposal is the repeal of the CPR training program. This program has a proven track record of saving lives. Considering its modest budget and significant impact on public health, the reasoning behind its elimination is hard to justify.

Perhaps of even greater concern is Senate Bill 37 (Minimum Basic Tax Rate Amendments). The bill proposes redirecting locally raised property tax dollars into the state’s general fund, where the funds could then be used for purposes beyond education. This reduces available funding dedicated solely to our schools, which are already among the lowest in the nation.

Finally, there is a proposal to allocate another $80 million towards expanding school vouchers (with no required financial transparency or student performance accountability measures included)—raising questions about the true priorities behind these budgetary shifts. We must urge legislators to vote NO on this bill to protect funding for public schools.

We are at a critical juncture. Please take the time to contact your legislators and ask them to vote NO on these proposals. Read more in our newsletter: educationfirstutah.org/2025-february

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02/07/2025

As the Legislative Session continues, we are continuing to track bills that will affect the future of education in Utah. Here are 2 more bills of note:

House Bill 300, Amendments to Election Law, proposes changes that could make voting more difficult for Utahns by adding unnecessary barriers to our already secure elections. This move could disenfranchise voters, especially rural residents, seniors, and full time workers.

Senate Bill 73, Statewide Initiatives Amendments, threatens the right of citizens to participate in the democratic process by making it more difficult to initiate statewide ballot measures. Rather than restricting citizen-led initiatives, lawmakers should focus on fostering public engagement in the legislative process to address Utahns' concerns.

As this concerning legislation moves through the legislative process, it's crucial for citizens to stay informed, engage in conversations with lawmakers, and make their voices heard.

To learn more about these and other bills affecting education in the legislature, check out our newsletter: https://educationfirstutah.org/2025-february

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01/30/2025

In the first nine days of the 2025 Legislative session, we’ve seen a flurry of education-related bills. Here are 3 bills that are supportive of public and higher education:

House Bill 42, English Learner Amendments, aims to support school districts and charter schools experiencing a significant increase in multilingual learners by providing additional funding

House Bill 100, Food Security Amendments, proposes providing free breakfast and lunch to eligible students every school day, ensuring no child goes hungry

House Bill 204, Stipends for Future Educators Grant Program Amendments, provides stipends to help cover costs during student teaching—an unpaid and often financially burdensome experience.

To learn more about these and other bills affecting education in the legislature, check out our newsletter: https://educationfirstutah.org/2025-january

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01/23/2025

The 2025 Legislative Session is here! From potential limits on cell phone use in schools to major decisions about public education funding and governance, legislators are addressing issues that could significantly impact students, families, and educators—ultimately shaping the future of education in Utah.

Stay tuned for updates on key bills, and make sure your voice is heard this session!

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To read this week's full newsletter: https://educationfirstutah.org/

01/20/2025

Little and Critchfield ignore how ‘school choice’ will blow a hole in Idaho’s budget | Opinion

Bob Kustra argues that supporting a private school voucher program will steal funds from Idaho’s public schools, hurting our economy.

Read in Idaho Statesman:

Bob Kustra argues that supporting a private school voucher program will steal funds from Idaho’s public schools, hurting our economy.

01/20/2025

"Graduates from Utah’s colleges and universities will step into a world that demands adaptability and reinvention.

The abilities to nimbly adapt, collaborate and thrive amid evolving challenges are just as essential for the state’s higher education institutions."

Panelists at University of Utah forum discuss upcoming state legislative session — and opportunities for growth, increased efficiency.

01/16/2025

Cuts to Utah's income tax could jeopardize funding for K-12 and higher education—funding that pays teachers, equips classrooms and supports essential student programs. Protecting this funding isn’t just about schools; it’s about ensuring our kids have the tools to succeed and keeping our communities strong. Reach out to your legislators today and let them know education matters!

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To read this week's full newsletter: https://educationfirstutah.org/

01/16/2025

Utah’s public schools deserve as much — if not more — than private education and homeschooling efforts
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