The Utah Parent Teacher Association Board of Directors unanimously endorsed the Our Schools Now Teacher and Student Success Act, the largest proposed investment increase for public education in Utah’s history.
The initiative – filed with the Lt. Governor’s Office – generates $700 million for Utah’s public education system, reversing 20 years of tax cuts at the expense of teachers and students.
PTA President Dawn Davies made the following statement following the Board’s decision:
“We are thrilled to stand with Our Schools Now and Utah’s best business leaders to advocate for greater investment in our kids’ future. Educating more than half a million students is not without cost, and Utah’s current inadequate investment means students are underprepared for future success. Better funding for education will make a dramatic difference in student achievement and provide an outstanding return to Utah families.
“The State PTA Board will begin to educate the more than 82,000 PTA members throughout the state about Our Schools Now as they work with the business and education community to ensure success during the 2018 election.”
Austin Cox, Our Schools Now campaign manager, also commented:
“Support for the Teacher and Student Success Act continues to grow. The PTA plays an important role in advocating for children in Utah, and we welcome their unanimous endorsement of Our Schools Now. 89 percent of Utahns believe education is underfunded and this initiative provides every parent the opportunity to decide the quality of education they want for their children.”
The initiative can be found at www.ourschoolsnow.com/teacher-student-success-act.