HB125, sponsored by Rep Pierucci, R-Herriman, conveniently chairing the House Education Committee, insults parents and public ed teachers. Passing the House in an unscrupulous manner, it runs afoul of public trust. Pierucci claims “reinventing” Utah’s education; nothing to reinvent here. Pertaining to taxes, public money is for public schools. Tunneling such to private schools depletes the public school share, keeping Utah in her perpetual lower slot on the national WPU totem pole. We expect better management.

We expect accountability of tax dollars which private schools lack. They can hire non-licensed folks; they can teach any curriculum. Absence of state oversight opens the door to disastrous consequences. No accountability with tax dollars? No way!

Declaring supporting Utah’s education system, Pierucci inserts a bullying tactic to award educators a raise only if her bill is approved. Insult! Pierucci should put her money where her mouth is, proving her support, giving this raise with no strings attached.

She states parents want more options; these exist– open enrollment/charter schools. Parents can place their child anywhere if one school doesn’t fit. Utah operates 945 K-12 schools and 142 charter schools, totaling 1,087 options. Private schools top 235, the majority along the WF. Parents have more choices staying with public schools.

Professionals lead the opposition: Utah State Board of Education, UEA, Utah PTA, and Ogden Education Association, agreeing siphoning public funds to private schools isn’t in students’ best interests. Last year, teachers rallied against this same attempt as did Gov Cox promising a veto. Still doubting? Contact your child’s teacher for their opinion.

Is it acceptable piping public tax dollars into private schools, bribing teachers with a raise, forcing them to choose between their professional values or family income? A slap in the face to us all for legislators believing we swallow their insults.

Brenda Rawson

Ogden

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