Representative Mel Brown Reports to School Board

Anita Weston, Reporter

Rich Civic Times 

RANDOLPH, Utah.  January 15, 2014.  State Legislator Mel Brown noted that there was $338 million left in the budget at the end of the year.  $206 million will take care of some of the ongoing school expenses.  One hundred thirty-two million is one-time money that was left over and most has been assigned to be used in education.  However, there is a $25 million deficit in the general fund that must be made up.  Another problem the State faces is money to cover student growth. An increase of 1 ¼ percent per pupil comes to an additional $85 million.  Also the State needs to help school districts pay for the additional benefits that are required. “When you look at all of these things, it can be seen that there is not much money for new programs.  Money is a real challenge,” said Brown. 

The upcoming legislature has 86 new pieces of legislation that will affect the schools.  Senator Osmond has called for doing away with compulsory education deeming it to be the parent’s responsibility.  At the same time, he is asking that no restraints be placed on the charter schools and home schools. 

The $495 million bond failed in the Jordan School District.  “There is a brand new school in Draper that is so extravagant it is unbelievable.  Yet, the Jordan School District right next to Draper is so crowded they are having problems accommodating all of the students.  Draper went wild with the money they had and now want to take money from other Districts to help with ongoing expenses.  Money is going to be a real fight in the upcoming session.  There are going to be some real challenges” Brown said.  

Brown noted that he was very disappointed with the course offerings in the concurrent enrollment programs.  USU Eastern in Vernal promised they would take over and make sure delivery of courses would be taken care of.  Snow College was willing to step in when not all of the expected classes materialized and made a commitment to help.  Snow is now in the process of getting a new President.  Hopefully, he will follow through.  Snow has actually had some struggles, and Brown said that no one knows exactly what the new president, Gary Carlson, from Logan originally, will decide to do. 

Rich County Board Members noted that they didn’t care who provided the courses, just so they were available and the students were able to take what they need.  Brown noted USU has a broad state-wide network but doesn’t seem to be willing to fight for the cliental that exists.  USU was originally given the responsibility to take care of the concurrent enrollment program and has failed school districts like Rich County. 

Currently there are more students and the same amount of money available.  This means the amount per student is going down each year.  The quality of education generally suffers when this happens. 

Higher education is currently having a struggle.  When the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints dropped the missionary age, it took a real toll on higher education.  These institutions are unsure of the future.  Higher education does have some new commissioners who appear to be willing to work with the legislature.  Hopefully, the Council of Presidents will also work with the legislature as well. 

The legislative session this year will be different and difficult, Brown said.  There is the problems of  legalizing gay marriage which is going to take time and a lot of dialogue. There are also issues with the attorney general’s office.  Since Swallow resigned, the state investigation has stopped.  However, writing the written report and tying up all the loose ends has cost the state over four million dollars.  Currently the State Government is also spending money to appeal the legalization of gay marriage. 

Mel Brown would like to see the Federal Government turn over all their lands to the State.  The Federal Parks would be excluded, of course.  Currently 70 percent of Utah is federally owned.  These lands either sold or leased would then give the state enough revenue in taxes to make sure all schools have what they need.   

Growth predictions in Utah say that by 2050 (36 years) the population will double.  Seventy percent of the growth will be located along the Wasatch Front.  There will become less and less influence from the rural areas.  “That is a scary thought.  We need to do something to mitigate such a happening.  We need to be more visionary.” Brown said.  

Capital equalization would probably try to equalize everything.  District with low tax valuations may receive more funds whereas District like Rich County have high valuations because of the number of secondary homes and would receive a smaller amount of money.  It takes a lot of effort to defend a tax base per pupil.  Rural schools have a real disadvantage.  There should be equality according to the state constitution.

But it actually costs more per pupil in rural schools than in high density areas. 

Another interesting problem within the state is the refusal of some universities to accept credits from another state university. There should be articulation among state institutions and credits should be transferable.  Mel Brown said, “this activity is “academic arrogance.”  It has got to go away.  Transferability is imperative.” 

There is a meeting every Friday for the rural superintendents.  Board members could attend if they so desired.  

The common core is another thorn,  Brown said.  Local schools should be setting their own standards. The common core has ended up being a federal program which brings in lots of red tape and complications.  Also the program to give schools grades is a waste of time for education.  What is being accomplished by such a program?  Students should be graded, but the schools they attend should be left alone.
 

Communication is tremendously important.  Representatives need to know what a great impact changes make.