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Show Volume III, Issue I THE OGDEN VALLEY NEWS Page 17 November 1, 2000 Eden Resident Running for Second Term on the State Board of Education Cheryl Ferrin of Eden is running for her second term on the State Board of Education. According to Mrs. Ferrin, many people are unaware that there is a State Board of Education, and many more are unable to tell you much about it, if they do know it exists. Cheryl decided to run for the board in 1992 when she was told one too many times that certain unreasonable things had to remain as they were because, “It was the law.” Reasoning that since people make the laws, Cheryl Ferrin they also should be able to change them to keep them viable and applicable to current needs, she filed an application. Although she did not win the election the first time she tried, losing by 24 votes out of the 40,000 that were cast, she worked hard at being involved in many other endeavors so she would be informed and ready when the opportunity came around again four years later. She did win the election in 1996, and is now looking to repeat that win this November. Cheryl states, “It takes a lot of effort to understand how education works, especially on the state level, and I would like to use that knowledge during the next four years.” Utah often has a unique way of going about things and the way the State Board of Education is selected is no exception. First, a candidate must file at the county clerk’s office, as anyone one must when running for an elected office. Next, a resume is compiled and submitted to a committee made up of education and business leaders, and community members. From the resumes, the committee then selects three to five people who they feel would best serve education in Utah. Those names are then sent to the Governor of the state. The Governor then chooses two names from the committee’s list. These two names then go on the ballot in the November general election. This process takes place for each of the l5 members of the State Board of Education. Cheryl represents voters in Box Elder, Cache and Rich Counties, and voters in a portion of Weber County—including Ogden Valley. Besides having general control and supervision of public schools as provided by Article X, section 3 of the Utah State Constitution, the State School Board is also the Board for Applied Technology Education and Schools for the Deaf and Blind. According to Mrs. Ferrin, this year’s top priorities for the State School Board are ensuring: Adequate funding for all of Utah public schools. Qualified professional teachers and principals are in each school. Literacy improvements for all students. Applied Technology Education Accountability The Board accomplishes its goals by working with advisory groups, the State Legislature, the Governor and the State Office of Education. When asked, what can be learned by serving on the State School Board, Cheryl replied, “There are very. talented and dedicated people serving our children in Utah. We have one of the greatest public education systems in the whole country. It is the best deal for the money. Every state has problems and Utah is no different. However, Utah has great minds and a driving will to make sure that our greatest resource—our children—are well served. Utah students always score high on national tests, and our skilled workforce is the envy of other states.” What does the future hold for public education in Utah? Cheryl states, “Utah’s students are moving the state into a global environment. With the emphasis that has been placed on technology, there are possibilities for our students that have seldom before been afforded. Students are anxious to see where they fit in a society that soon will have few borders, and endless opportunities for those who have vision. It is a challenge to meet the needs of all the students, but that is what keeps our system growing and improving. It is a great time to be involved with education.” Remember to Vote! dickd@wardleygmac.com |