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Show Walter D. Talbot, State Superintendent or Public Instruction (standing) is shown here in conversation with Bryce Valley high school teacher, State Education Board Gets First-Hand Look At Area Rural Schools State Board of Education members gained some first hand knowledge about rural schools when they met for the first time in this area at Bryce Valley High School in Tropic on Thursday. For state superintendent of public schools, Dr. waiter D. Talbot, 'it was a matter of renewing old acquaintances as he toured with the 11 board members the site where he began his career in education almost 40 years ago. The purpose of the meeting on Thursday was to acquaint board members with rural schools and to permit citizens outside Salt Lake City to become familiar with board Lowell Mecham. Talbot and other state school board members visiting the area took time out for a scheduled walk through tour of Bryce Valley procedures. Unfortunately both the Thursday meeting in Tropic and the Friday meeting in Panguitch were rather poorly attended by local residents. Among the matters dealt with Thursday was a report on IMS!! (In-dividualsMost Severely Handicapped), a program functioning under a $180,000 Title VII grant. Designed to help severely handicapped individuals function more independently within family and community environments, it was also meant to prepare them with certain specialized skills tailored to their particular needs. In service three years, the program has served 90 persons, helping them to make the transition from institution to community living. Dr. Vaughn Hall, state associate superintendent for vocational education stated that he believed considerably more federal money would be earmarked for such projects in the future. In his report to the board, Vocational Study Director, Walter E. Ulrich, explained the current progress on the vocational education study his com-mission is currently conducting under direction from the state board. Ulrich expects to have his data complete within'3 to 4 weeks at which time the commission will make its full report to the governor and the State Board of Vocational Rehabilitation. Meeting in the Panguitch courthouse on Friday, the board reconvened to meet a new day's agenda, Members dealt with almost 50 requests for authorize tion letters allowing teachers without proper certificates to teach (Continued on page 3) State School Board (Continued from page 1) regular classes on a temporary basis. The board reprimanded Davis School District for having allowed a teacher who had been denied a letter of authorization last year to continue to teach in its district. Dr. Vere Mcllenry, administrator of staff development, stated that In his opinion there could be many teachers all over the state who, under Utah law, are teaching without proper certification or without the required letters of authorization from the state board. In other action, the board, watched a comprehensive slide presentation comparing educational opportunities available to the urban youth as opposed to his rural counterpart. The state board went on record as being in favor of equalization of capital outlay, a means by which the inbalance portrayed in the slide presentation can purportedly be corrected. During the period of time allotted to board members to introduce to their peers matters of their own particular concern, Stephen A. Garrett, board member from Cedar City, and a representative of district 7 brought to the board's attention a column written by fellow board member Erma J. Christensen. The article appeared in The Utah Independent on April 12. Garrett, referring to the article, claimed it misrepresented the state board's five year goals and objectives. Garrett claimed that Mrs. Christensen implied that the state board goals had originated from federal guidelines making it appear that the board members were not "bright enough" to formulate their own goals. He went on to state that the goals were inaccurately reported adding that her reporting was "demeaning" to the purposes of the board. Mrs. Christensen had left for Salt Lake City earlier in the day because of illness and was not present when Garrett's accusations were made. Reached at her home the following day by telephone, Mrs. Christensen said that she hadn't been made aware that the subject was to have been discussed. She was disappointed that the matter wasn't reserved until she was present to explain her position. Mrs. Christensen stated, "It's not important whether the board referred to federal guidelines in determining its five year goals; but it is important that the goals do follow federal guidelines closely and this is my objection." Capitalizing on Talbot's presence Garfield County Commissioners sought the help of several county organizations and only the lack of time prevented an even wider response. Purpose of the letters was to emphasize to Talbot and the members of the board the importance of and need for vocational training facilities and courses in Garfield County. Panguitch Chamber of Commerce submitted a letter pointing out the enormous potential for growth in Garfield County, noting that adequate vocational training could help the county meet the challenge of this potential more effectively. The Garfield County Associated Contractors, Inc., offered support and assistance for an apprentice program for the skills represented within their organization while also encouraging the development of other vocational skills. The Better Bryce Valley Committee noted employment statistics which fell well below rates of most Utah counties and suggested vocational training for the lumber industries, coal mines, and operation of tourist facilities with the specific goal of keeping those graduating from county schools within the county for local employment unless college bound. Readiness for future industrial expansion was stressed. The commissioners' letter pledged support for any vocational program acceptable to the state board and encouraged their attention to vocational education. |
