State School Board District 1

 Dr. Cathy Callow-Heusser is a dedicated advocate for Utah students, families, and educators. Her campaign is built on a commitment to putting kids first and strengthening public education.

After working for 10 years as a software engineer at Utah State University's Center for Persons with Disabilities prior to completing education degrees, Cathy worked in public education as a math educator, early literacy coach, instructional developer, evaluator, and Federal grants principal investigator/director. Cathy taught at Cache High School, Bear River Middle School, and USU. Cathy has evaluated educational programs in Utah and in Bureau of Indian Education tribally-affiliated schools, working at school, state and Federal levels. She served as the Utah State Board of Education's Multi-Tiered System of Supports coordinator and instructional coach. She has coached teachers and administrators for over 20 years to improve literacy and math instruction and continues to work as a contractor, training K-8 teachers as they implement Science of Reading, Science of Learning, Structured Literacy, MTSS, and evidence-based best practices. Much of Cathy's work has focused on closing the gap for students with disabilities, students living in poverty, and students who are traditionally underserved.

Cathy raised four children including two with special needs, all graduates of Logan School District in Cache County. She and her husband, Val, have 10 grandchildren.

• As a staunch advocate of public education, Cathy believes taxpayer money earmarked for public education should remain with public education. Public schools (including Utah’s charter schools) serve every child, regardless of income, background, ability, or individual needs. The Utah Fits All Scholarship vouchers divert taxpayer dollars away from public education, reducing the funding that can be allocated to districts and schools. Additionally, Utah school funding is based on the number of students enrolled in a public schools. Utah Fits All funds awarded to students in local school districts decreases student public school enrollment in that district, which further reduces funds disbursed to schools based on weighted pupil units.
• From personal experience as an educator in Utah and in talking to other educators, almost all discussions of education priorities lead to funding. Utah has the second lowest per pupil funding, second only to Idaho. Low per pupil funding impacts local taxes; class sizes; teacher support, training & benefits; teacher burnout; student academic & emotional support services; number of mental health, behavior, social services, special ed and school safety staff; early child education; programs for students with special needs, career and technical education, concurrent enrollment; extracurricular activities; curricula & technology choices; school closures & consolidation, and equitable access to educational opportunities.
• As a software engineer, Cathy has been involved in AI development and use since the 80s. She is concerned that AI use for student learning has been implemented without sufficient evidence of effectiveness and may be doing more harm than good in supporting student learning. Yet, while most software distributors make claims about the effectiveness of AI, actual effectiveness in supporting student learning has not yet been demonstrated for most software. In fact, current studies demonstrate that student learning is often harmed. We need careful, thoughtful discussions based on actual data and high quality studies as we determine what's best for students.

Jennie Earl graduated from Southern Utah University with a bachelor’s degree in elementary education and a minor in math and special education. She later earned a master’s degree in education from Weber State University. Her professional experience includes teaching students with special needs and teaching middle school math.

 

Jennie values time spent visiting schools in her area and listening to the needs of students, families, and educators. As a member of the Utah State Board of Education, she has worked for the last seven years to advance sound education policy by supporting efforts that strengthen families, expand educator support, and improve academic standards. She is intentional in researching policy, advocating thoughtfully, and working toward practical solutions for the educational needs of her constituents.

 

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Jennie is known as a hard worker who collaborates well with others. Outside of her public service, she enjoys family game nights, spending time with her 6 children and 4 grandchildren, and working in her garden.