Northern Direction
March: Four Wins
March!
The month that is also a verb—an imperative. It comes in like a lion and associates with “madness”. A
few of us will be hoping for a winning bracket on the way to the Final Four. For the UniServ it is time to begin
moving toward negotiations after the Legislature’s actions this session. UEA’s Legislative Team and many of you
during “Education Day on the Hill” let lawmakers know what it takes to win for teachers. As of this writing, here
are my “final four” of legislative and local efforts to make a difference:
Funding the WPU
What was at first a proposal for a 3% Weighted Pupil Unit increase, is a 4% on the WPU – which was what the
Governor proposed, though just short of our minimum ask of 5%. Besides those at UEA who continued to
press for more, I also appreciate Senator Hillyard for his efforts to find the funding. Such an increase on the
WPU gives your negotiations teams more to work with as they discuss needs within the district. One need
continues to be inescapable: finding and keeping good teachers.
Grading Schools
Since 2011, schools have been issued a single letter grade based on their SAGE scores. During
this session, Rep. Marie Poulson’s bill to end school grading and instead rely on multiple
indicators of school growth (HB241) passed the House overwhelmingly only to be tabled in the
Senate Education Committee. Her ideas have since been merged within Senate Bill 220 which
seeks many of the same things, but does NOT eliminate school grades. With your help again to
convince House members—who, remember, passed the first one—to amend the new bill to
eliminate school grades, this could be the “non-money” win that improves morale for teachers
and their schools throughout the state. Already, our voice has been heard once within the
House. They are listening again. Please also thank your representative for his work when you
write. (Remember to use non-school time, networks and devices.)
Waiving Snow Days
When they first granted a limited waiver for making up snow days, the State School Board was
abiding by its understanding of existing rule. When approached again with additional snow days to consider and
with a new appreciation of the problem, the Board granted a variance for 180 day attendance requirement,
requiring only that the 990 instructional hour rule be applied in this circumstance. In this second successful
attempt, our members’ voices were raised together in an effort championed by our State School Board Member
Terryl Warner, led by your respective Superintendents, and coordinated by UEA, BEEA, CEA and LEA leaders. Your
local leaders have been and continue to be involved in the waiver’s implementation, and will be a voice planning
ahead. Here is an example of our Association working with other stakeholders to provide relief.
Meaning of Membership
As I mentioned in last month’s message, your membership means everything to your Association. Many of you
took time with us at the Capitol to talk to your legislators during Educator Day, and it made a difference.
Educators on the Hill were able to provide perspective and also see the incredible work UEA does advocating for
teachers. Closer to home, your locals continue to reach out and communicate through newsletters and updates.
Soon we will be asking for your input and support as we head into negotiations. I see us reaching out more and
more to potential members: From individual conversations and offers of assistance to our newer teachers,
to movie nights and other gatherings that let teachers know we want to--well--associate.
Soon spring will arrive—we hope—and with it are even more opportunities to enjoy the benefits of our
Association. There will be more work to do, but working as a team we can make it together to the next round.
Curt Benjamin is the Director of Northern Utah UniServ -- (435) 753-3875